Bertie COUNTY NC Obits Jan 2006 ********************* 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 JANUARY 2006 WILLIAM H. PIERCE WINDSOR - William Henry Pierce, 70, died January 1, 2006 at his home. Mr. Pierce was born on June 4, 1935 to the late Jacob and Mary Pierce. A graveside funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Edgewood Cemetery by the Rev. R.O. Denton Jr. The family will receive friends at 838 US 13 North. Walker Funeral Home is in charge. Pierce was retired from Lea Lumber Company and attended Askewville Assembly of God Church. Survivors include his sisters, Doris Pearl Patrick of Manassas, Va. and Rose Mary Thorne of Bellevue, IA.; and brothers, Lewis L. Pierce and Harvey Jake Pierce, both of Windsor, Paul Sutton Pierce of Colerain, and John W. of Askewville. JOSEPHINE RIDDICK SUFFOLK - Josephine Riddick, 67, passed away January 2, 2006 at Lake Taylor Hospital. Josephine was born February 7, 1938, in Bertie County, North Carolina. She worked as a machine operator for Form Craft of Portsmouth. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, James Riddick; two daughters, Samantha A. Riddick and Tonya M. Riddick; one son, Freddie W. Sessoms (Angela); one brother, George Taylor; seven grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren; an uncle, Simon Sessoms; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Viewing will be held Friday from noon to 5 p.m. The final care arrangements are being handled by J.T. Fisher Funeral Services, 1080 N. George Washington Hwy., Chesapeake. A life celebration service will be held Saturday at New First Baptist Church, Taylorsville, with Pastor Marcus Brown officiating. The family will assemble at 38354 State Flower Court, Portsmouth at 10 a.m. for the precession to the funeral. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.jtfisherfuneralservices.com. WILLIE G. RUFFIN COLERAIN - Willie Green Ruffin, 82, a native of Bertie County, died January 2, 2006 at Pitt Memorial Hospital, Greenville. Ruffin was retired from Bertie County Schools as a custodian at Colerain Elementary School. He was a member of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church. He was also in the Colerain Masonic Lodge 312. Survivors include his wife, Virginia Ruffin of Colerain; one son, William T. Ruffin of Jamaica, NY; four daughters, Jean Kelly and Deressa Miller, both of Petersburg, VA, and Cindy Ruffin and Marilyn Morris, both of Colerain; one brother, Essie Ruffin of Buffalo, NY; two sisters, Annie Holley of Colerain and Georgia Mae Smith of Cofield; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church by the Rev. Nathaniel Thompson. Interment will be in the church cemetery. A viewing will be held at Hunter’s Funeral Home Chapel from 12 noon till 8 p.m. Saturday. BRENDA BELL-GREENE Brenda Bell-Greene entered into peaceful rest on January 2, 2006. She was born on April 27, 1957 to the late Claude Bell and Mary Bridgett-Bell. At an early age, she joined Zion Bethlehem Baptist Church, where she was a faithful member. She also sang in the Young Adult Choir and was helpful when needed. She attended Bertie High School in Windsor, NC and later moved to Bronx, NY where she was employed at North Central Bronx Hospital. She also served as Chief Shop Steward under DC 37 Local Union 1549. She met and married the late Elroy Greene on May 12, 1994. She leaves to cherish her memories her mother Mary Bell of Windsor, her sisters, Betty Smith, Elaine, and Patricia, all of Windsor and Jeanne of New York, her brothers, James of New York, Charles and Bobby, both of Virginia, her seven nieces and eight nephews, as well as a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Funeral services were held at Gilliam Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. James Wrighton officiating. Burial followed in Hillcrest Cemetery in Windsor. Gilliam Funeral Home of Windsor was in charge of the arrangements. HENRY WILLIAMS WINDSOR - Henry Douglas Williams, 82, a native of Bertie County, died January 3, 2006 at Bertie Memorial Hospital. He was the widower of Dessie Pierce Williams. He was born in Bertie County, February 16, 1923 to the late William Thomas and Fannie Miller Williams and was predeceased by his wife, Dessie Pierce Williams. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Riverside Baptist Church by the Rev. Al Jarred and the Rev. Michael Bryant. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Walker Funeral Home and at other times at the home of Larry Williams. Memorial gifts may be made to Riverside Baptist Church, 1206 NC 45, Merry Hill, NC 27957. Williams retired from Coastal Concrete and was a lifelong member of Riverside Baptist Church. Survivors include two daughters, Sybil W. Minton of Littleton and Cynthia W. Todd of Windsor; two sons, Larry Williams of Windsor and Richard Williams of Edenton; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. FANNIE MAE WIGGINS NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - Fannie Mae Wiggins, died January 3, 2006. A funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday in Spring Hill Baptist Church, Lewiston, NC. Reynolds Funeral Home is in charge. SURVILLA CHERRY WINDSOR - Survilla Watson Cherry, 79, died January 4, 2006 at Pitt Memorial Hospital, Greenville. Mrs. Cherry was born on July 7, 1926 to the late Charlie Mills Watson and Eleanor Jernigan Watson of Windsor, NC. She attended the public schools in Windsor and graduated from Fayetteville State College. She taught school in Bertie County for 30 years. At an early age she joined St. Elmo Missionary Baptist Church and remained a faithful member until her health declined. She was a member of the Senior Choir, Missionary Circle, and taught Adult Sunday School Class. For several years, she prepared the Message to the Youth and she continued to do so after her health declined. She was a volunteer with the Bertie County Lay Health Advisors and worked with the North Carolina Breast Cancer Sreening Program. She was also a member of the Silhouette Women’s Club of Williamston. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband George Cherry, her daughter, Thelma Hardy, her sisters, Lucy Spivey and Alice Rascoe, her five grandchildren and her two great- grandchildren, her nine nieces and nephews, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at Saint Elmo Baptist Church, Windsor with the Rev. David L. Rascoe officiating. Burial was in Watson’s Family Cemetery. Gilliam Funeral Home was in charge. HATTIE JOHNSON CLEVELAND, OH - Hattie Riddick Johnson, a native of Powellsville, died January 4, 2006 at Eliza Bryant Center, Cleveland, Ohio. A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church, Powellsville, by the Rev. Lafayette Riddick. Burial will be in the family cemetery. Reynolds Funeral Home, Inc., Ahoskie, is in charge. Mrs. Johnson was a member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church. She was a member of the Junior Sunday, chairman of the Sunday School Christmas and Easter Programs, Baptist Training Union and Senior Choir and the Missionary Society. Survivors include three children, Anderson B. Russell, Jacqueline Reedy and Carole DySart; one brother, the Rev. Lafayette Riddick; and one sister, Juliet R. Porter. VIRGIE L. KOZIOL PORTSMOUTH - On January 4, 2006, Virgie Leicester Koziol passed into eternal peace. She was born August 29, 1919 in Bertie County, North Carolina, to William Edward and Martha Mizell Leicester. She was predeceased by her husband Frank C. Koziol; two sisters, Geneva L. Reid and Clarice L. Jernigan; two half- sisters, Blanche Lawrence and Cora L. Speller; and two half brothers, Grady S. Leicester and William J. Leicester. She is survived by her brother, Sidney A. Leicester (Dora) of Waverly, VA; niece and caregiver, Martha Reid Mercer (Tom) of Portsmouth; stepson, Frank C. Koziol Jr. (Ann) of Jacksonville Fla.; two step-grandchildren and two step great- grandchildren of Baltimore, MD; and other nieces and nephews in Virginia and North Carolina. Mrs. Koziol graduated from St. Vincent De Paul Hospital as a registered nurse in 1941. She retired from Maryview Hospital in 1979 and had also worked at Portsmouth General Hospital as well as private duty nursing. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday at Olive Branch Cemetery by the Rev. W. Thomas Wood. Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel is handling arrangements. FANNIE WHITE COLERAIN - Fannie "Bettie" Newbern White, 101, a native of Bertie County, died January 5, 2006 at Bertie Memorial Hospital. She was the widow of the late Luther G. White. "Nanny" was born in Bertie County to the late John and Marthanie Perry Newbern. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at Elm Grove Baptist Church by the Rev. Preston Jernigan, the Rev. Hugh Mizelle and the Rev. Dennis Conner. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Colerain. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Walker Funeral Home, Windsor, and other times from the home of Edith and Jack Williford, 506 US 13 North. Memorial gifts may be made to Elm Grove Baptist Church. Mrs. White was a homemaker and a member of Elm Grove Baptist Church, the Ladies Senior Sunday School Class and also a member of the Home Demonstration Club. Survivors include one daughter, Edith White Williford of Windsor, two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. SHIRLEY J. COURTEAU CHESAPEAKE - Shirley J. Courteau, 74, died Saturday, January 7, 2006 at a local hospital. She was born in Colerain, NC, April 18, 1931. Mrs. Courteau overcame many hardships as she grew up and became a very intelligent woman with great wisdom. She enjoyed drawing, painting, and crocheting and Christmas was her favorite time of the year which she celebrated year around. She is survived by a loving daughter, Maria Courteau Wood and her husband Tony of Chesapeake and their cats which were her grandchildren whom she greatly loved. Shirley is also leaving behind her beloved cat, Widgie Anne. She also leaves behind a special friend, Robbie and a host of friends from Princess Anne Commons. Services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of Altmeyer Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at altmeyer.com. HALLIE H. PERRY COLERAIN - Hallie Harrell Perry, 97, a native of Bertie County, died January 7, 2006, at Hanover Hospital, Spring Grove, Pa. She was the widow of Waverly C. Perry. Mrs. Perry was the daughter of the late West and Lelia Baker Harrell. Mrs. Perry was a member of Colerain Baptist Church, a retired employee of General Martin Airplane Company. A funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday at Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie, by the Rev. Ray Braun. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Colerain. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 9-10 a.m. Saturday prior to services. Survivors include one daughter, Eloise Urie of Spring Grove, Pa.; four grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and a great-great-great-grandchild. WALTER T. STEPHENS LEWISTON - Walter Timothy "Tim" Stephens, 43, of the 100 block of Lake Drive, died January 9, 2006. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in Wilder’s Funeral Home Chapel, Aulander. FLORENCE C. RONCO PORTSMOUTH VA - Florence Cornelia Ronco, 86, a native of Roxobel, died January 9, 2006, in her residence. Mrs. Ronco was retired from Sears Roebuck and Co. where she was a salesperson for 29 years. She was a member of Bethany Baptist Church, Sears Retirement Club and Beazley Senior Citizens. Survivors include her husband, Gilbert William Ronco; son, Gilbert Victor Ronco of Greensboro; sister Grace Vick Ward of Rich Square; and a grandchild. A funeral was conducted Wednesday in Sturdevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd Chapel, by the Rev. Gene V. Primm. Burial was in Roxobel/Kelford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethany Baptist Church. RENNIE FUTRELL CONWAY - Rennie Jernigan Futrell, 84, a native of Bertie County, died January 10, 2006 at Autumn Care of Roanoke Valley, Rich Square. She was the widow of Cecil Futrell. A funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at Ashley’s Grove Baptist Church by the Rev. Dr. David Ross. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodland Rescue Squad, Woodland, NC 27897. The family will receive friends at the home of her daughter, Phyllis Blowe, 9119 Hwy 258, Conway, NC. Massey Funeral Home, Jackson, is in charge. Mrs. Futrell was a member of Ashley’s Grove Baptist Church. Survivors include her children, Phyllis F. Blowe, Libby Joyner, and Winston Futrell, all of Conway; two sisters, Simone Miles of Woodland and Nita Boone of Raleigh; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. RAY ALLEN HALL AULANDER - Ray Allen Hall, 62, died January 10, 2006. A memorial service will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at the Oak Grove Baptist Church. Sykes Funeral Home, Rich Square is in charge, EULA SMALLWOOD LEWISTON - Eula Mae Smallwood, 79, of the 1000 block of Indian Woods Road, died January 10, 2006 at the Brian Center. Eula Mae Powell Smallwood was born February 1, 1926 to the late John Willis Powell Sr. and Estella Williams Powell in the Spring Hill Community of Lewiston, NC. She was affectionately call "Tot". Over the past 16 months, she resided at both Three Rivers Nursing Home and The Brian Center of Windsor. She joined the Spring Hill Baptist Church at an early age. She served as a member of the Senior Choir. She was married t the late Noah Smallwood. She is survived by her children Levon Smallwood of Maybrook, NY, Melissa Smallwood, Stanley Smallwood, Lionell Smallwood and Nancy Rivers all of Lewiston, and Glenda Smallwood of Bronx, NY, her siblings, Samuel Powell of Baltimore, MD, and Mary Jane Powell Pugh of Georgia, fourteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church of Lewiston on Saturday, January 14, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Melvin Spivey officiating. Burial followed in the Church Cemetery. Gilliam Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. JAMES ALEXANDER VEALE, SR James Alexander Veale, Sr. was born on December 2, 1933 to Emily Lassiter and Archie Veale. He attended J.B. Bond High School. His principal, Mr. Bond, and all of his teachers instilled in him a strong cultural backround. He accepted Jesus Christ at Mt. Olive Baptist Church during an old fashioned Revival. He married his childhoon sweetheart, Alice L. Askew on April 2, 1955. He served in the U.S. Army, coming home from foreign lands to take care of his family. After a twenty-seven year career in the clothing manufacturing industry, he worked in the University of Maryland Medical School, Pathology Department, until his retirement. He is survived by his wife Viola Veale, three daughters, Greta Veale, Shelia Veale and Alice Hickson, all of Baltimore, MD, four sons, Malcolm Veale, Joseph Veale, Torrance Veale all of Baltimore, MD and Cyrus Veale of Augusta, Ga, four stepdaughters, Lenora Speller; Velinda Prince of Raleigh, NC, Paula Munos and Christina Gray of Knightdale, NC, a sister, Marie Monroe, a brother, Austin Veale of Baltimore, MD, aunts, Lousie Veale of Baltimore and Vengola Almond of Suffolk, Va, seventeen grandchildren, eleven step-grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his son James Veale Jr. Funeral services were held at Cherry’s Funeral Home in Windsor on Saturday, January 14, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Clifton Freeman officiating. Burial followed in the Veale Family Cemetery in Lewiston. Cherry’s Funeral Home of Windsor was in charge of the arrangements. SOPHRONIA JOYNER BRAHAM RICH SQUARE - Mrs. Sophronia Joyner Barham, age 85, beloved sister, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother died peacefully, on January 12, 2006, surrounded by her family. Born in Bertie County, NC to the late Percy Washington and Ivy Dunning Joyner, she was predeceased by her husband, Carlton Woodrow Barham and brother, Bertram F. Joyner. A U.S. Air Force wife, "Sophie" reared her family while accompanying her husband on several worldwide assignments including tours in Guam, Japan and many Air Force installations across the United States. Upon returning to Roxobel, NC to care for aging parents, she served as an accountant for the Mylcraft Corporation. Survivors include a son, David Carlton Braham of Kill Devil Hills, NC, two daughthers, Linda Braham Parker of Murfreesboro, NC, Carole Anne Whitener and her husband Henry of Chesapeake, Va. Surviving are eight grandchildren, Rochelle Harrell, Ivy Mitchell, Carl Parker, Lee Deans, Henry Whitener, Jr., Christopher Barham, Hope Campbell and Kathleen Braham. Also surviving are ten great-grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Alverta Joyner of Rich Square, NC. Graveside services were conducted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 at 2 p.m. at the Roxobel-Kelford Cemetery in Roxobel, NC with the Rev. Dave Rimel officiating. The family received friends Saturday evening from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Sykes Funeral Home in Rich Square. Her family wishes to thank the staff of Autumn Care in Rich Square for their many kindnesses to her during the final stage of her life’s journey. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, 322 Eighth Avenue, 6th floor, New York, NY 10001. GLADYS MARIE SWAIN AHOSKIE - Gladys Marie Swain, 55, died January 12, 2006 at her residence. She was born on September 7, 1950 in Bertie County NC. A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Charity Temple Holiness Church, Aulander, by Bishop James Clark. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Wilder’s Funeral Home, Inc., Aulander, is in charge. She was a member of Charity Temple Holiness Church, Aulander. Survivors include her sons, Raymond Holloway of New York and Devon Swain of Lewiston; daughthers, Sherae Wainwright of Ahoskie, Chevelle Brinkley of Ahoskie and Annie Parker of New York; her stepmother, Lillian Swain; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchildren. ROSCOE EDWARD COFIELD Roscoe Edward Cofield, known as "Block" was born on December 24, 1931 to the late Teconnie and Estelle Mourning Cofield in Merry Hill, NC. At an early age, he joined Ashland Missionary Baptist Church. He departed this life on January 12, 2006. He moved to Newark, NJ in the early 1960’s. He worked for Overbrook Hospital in Cedar Grove and for Nu-Vu Corporation. He returned to North Carolina in 1976 and worked for Williford Lumber Company until his illness prevented it. He leaves to cherish his memories, four sons, James Cofield of Jonesboro, GA, Donald Cofield and Trey Cofield, both of Newark, NJ, and Marcus Cofield of Bloomfield, NJ, three daughters, Virginia Cofield of East Orange, NJ, Dorothy Cofield of Chapel Hill, NC and Arnita Castana of Waretown, NJ, twenty-six grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, four sisters, Essie Mae Capehart of Merry Hill, Minnie Cooper of Windsor, Katie Rankin of Edenton, and Opthelia Smith of Philadelphia, PA, one brother, Teconnie Cofield of Durham, NC and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Funeral services were held on Sunday, January 15, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at Ashland Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. W.J. Best officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Gilliam Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. JAMES FREEMAN MERRY HILL - James Carl Freeman, died January 13, 2006 at UNC Memorial Hospital, Chapel Hill. He was the son of Annie Freeman and the late William Freeman Jr. He was born May 8, 1960. James joined Peterson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Merry Hill, NC and became an usher. He was a graduate of Bertie High School. He later began a career in the concrete and construction industry. He was formerly employed with C and L Construction Works in Camden, NC. He remained a resident of Merry Hill for the majority of his life and in recent years moved to Edenton. He was preceded in death by two siblings, Retha and Alan Freeman. He is survived by his mother Annie Freeman of Merry Hill, five siblings, Eva Riddick of Merry Hill, William Freeman and Horace Freeman, both of Richmond, Va., Betsy Sargeant of Lanham, MD, and Margie Tabbicca of Staten Island, NY, six nieces and nephews, three great nieces and nephews, as well as a host of other relatives and close friends. Funeral services were held at Peterson Chapel Baptist Church of Merry Hill on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Percell Whitaker officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Gilliam Funeral Home, Windsor, is in charge. VERLEEN HORTON AHOSKIE - Verleen Horton, 67, a native of Bertie County, died January 14, 2006 at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital. She was born on August 27, 1938 in Bertie County, NC to the late Raleigh Lee Perry, Sr. and Inez Raynor Perry. A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church by the Rev. Nathaniel Thompson. Interment will be in the Perry family cemetery. Hunter’s Funeral Home, Ahoskie, is in charge. Mrs. Horton was retired from Georgia Pacific. She was a member of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Colerain. Survivors include two sons, Hermon Horton Sr. and Calvin E. Horton of Newport News, Va.; six daughters, Mattie McCoy of Rocky Mount, Elizabeth Howington, Rosa Horton and Jo Ann Horton, all of Newport News, Gloria Regina Horton and Fatina Horton, both of Ahoskie; three brothers, Raleigh Perry Jr. of Ahoskie, Ernest Perry and Benjamin Perry, both of Newport News; four sisters, Alberta Lassiter, Grace Speller and Linda Perry, all of Newport News and Mattie Pierce of Rocky Mount; 36 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren. GARY H. SPIVEY WINDSOR - Gary H. Spivey, died January 16, 2006 at Pitt Memorial Hospital, Greenville. A funeral will be conducted at 12 noon Friday at Indian Woods Missionary Baptist Church by the Rev. Ralph White. Interment will be in the church cemetery, Windsor. Reynolds Funeral Home, Inc, Ahoskie, is in charge. Spivey was a member of Indian Woods Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include one son, Gary Spivey of Atlanta, Ga.; one daughter, Lucy Davis of Philadelphia, Pa.; one brother, Allen Spivey of Windsor; and five grandchildren. LUONZO MCCRAIG WILLIAMS Luonzo McCraig Williams, "aka Sweet Lo, aka Blob" was born the thirteenth child of Roosevelt and Clotene Williams. He enjoyed the good life of play, laughter and fun with siblings, Roosevelt Williams Jr. of Suffolk, Va., Mabelene Harris and Delois Thompson, both of Roxobel, Celestine Cofield, George Williams and Clotene Freeman, both of Lewiston, Robert Williams, Johnny Williams and Theodore Williams, all of Memphis, TN, Harry Williams of Greenville, Annette Outlaw of Windsor, Lakisha Greene of Lewiston, NC and Versillies Williams of Williamston. He graduated from Bertie Senior High School in 1993. After graduation, he furthered his education at Edgecombe Community College in Rocky Mount, NC. In 1999, he was blessed as his daughter, TyquaJhia Monay Williams, was born. On his 21st birthday, he married his high school sweetheart Cynthia Marie Williams. While relaxing peacefully at his earthly home, the Lord called him to Heaven on Monday, January 16, 2006. Funeral services were held at Springhill Baptist Church of Lewiston on Saturday, January 21, 2006 with Rev. Dr. James E. Jones, Jr. officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Cherry’s Funeral Home of Windsor was in charge of the arrangements. NONIE HARRIS AULANDER - Nonie Leigh White Harris, 86, of the 100 block of Windsor Street, died Wednesday, January 18, 2006, in Guardian Care of Ahoskie. Mrs. Harris was the daughter of Woodie Sumner White and Eva Mae Matthews White of Mitchell’s Township. She was born October 18, 1919 in Bertie County and was a homemaker. Survivors include her sons, Leroy Harris, Jr. of Roanoke Rapids and Reese Harris of Manteo; eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday at Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie, with the Rev. Tom Ravan. Burial will be in the Aulander Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday and will assemble at the funeral home prior to the services on Friday. EDGAR L. MOORE KELFORD - Edgar Lorenza Moore, 82, a native of Bertie County, died January 18, 2006. He was born in Bertie County on July 23, 1923. A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Sunday at Willow Oak AME Church, Rich Square, by the Rev. J. B. Baker. Burial will be in the Moore family cemetery. Wilder’s Funeral Home, Inc., Aulander, is in charge. Moore was a member of Willow Oak AME Church and a retired farmer. Survivors include his wife, Ethel Bazemore Moore of the home; his sons, Stanley Moore and Larry Moore, both of Kelford; two daughters, Barbara Jean Moore of the home; a brother, Dallas Brown; a sister, Amaza Stark of Washington, DC; 11 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren. WAYLAND RUFFIN AULANDER - Wayland Earl Ruffin, better known as "Red", 69, a native of Bertie County, died January 19, 2006 at Guardian Care Nursing Home, Ahoskie. He was born on September 15, 1936 in Bertie County. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Sunday at Aulander First Baptist Church by the Rev. Dennis Ruffin and the Rev. Edwarner Ruffin. Burial will be in Cladie Hardy Ambrose Memorial Gardens in Aulander, NC. Wilder’s Funeral Home, Inc., Aulander, is in charge. Ruffin was a member and deacon of Aulander First Baptist Church. Survivors include his brother, Rudolph Ruffin Jr. of New Castle, DE; and his sisters, Elaine Toland of Hampton, Va.; Louise Cherry of Aulander, Mildred Beale of Norfolk and Marion Lee of Lewiston. JESSE H. SANFORD FITZGERALD, GA - Jesse H. Sanford, 83, died January 20, 2006 at Dorminy Medical Center. Mr. Sanford was born November 16, 1922 in Windsor, NC, to the late John T. and Daisy Sutton Sanford. He lived in Fitzgerald for the past 10 years after moving from Norfolk. Mr. Sanford was a former railroad employee and also refinished yachts. He served in the United States Army during World War II. Mr. Sanford was a member of the Azalea Garden Church of God in Norfolk. Mr. Sanford is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Edith and Marvin Jeffers and Rachell and Douglas Ausderau all of Macon, Ga.; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; and brother and sister-in- law, George and Ruby Sanford of Norfolk. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith Louise Spruill Sanford. A funeral will be held at noon Monday at Holloman-Brown Funeral Home, Bayside Chapel, Virginia Beach with the Rev. Aubrey Maye officiating. Interment will follow in Rosewood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.holloman- brown.com. BETTIE KEYS COLERAIN - Bettie Keys, 86, a native of Bertie County, died January 20, 2006 at her residence. She was born on September 19, 1919 in Bertie County. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Greater Wynn’s Grove Baptist Church, Colerain, by Bishop Thomas E. Lee. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Wilder’s Funeral Home, Inc, Aulander, is in charge. She was a member of Greater Wynn’s Grove Baptist Church, the Shepherd Staff and past senior choir member. Survivors include her sons, Joseph Capehart, Calvin Keys and Donald Keys, all of Colerain, Willie Keys and Daniel Keys, both of Norfolk, Va.; one daughter, Joyce Leary of Portsmouth; one brother, Robert Capehart of Philadelphia, PA.; one sister, Mary Etta Winborne of Edenton; 10 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren. HARLEE P. MILLER COLERAIN - Harlee Peyton Miller, 82, of the 200 block of N. Main St. died January 22, 2006 in his home. Her was the widower of Georgia Voliva Miller. Mr. Miller was the son of the late Gertie Hughes Miller and Joe Miller. A celebration of Mr. Miller’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Colerain Baptist Church by the Rev. Garland Cline and the Rev. Donald McNair. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Universal Hospice in Ahoskie or Colerain Baptist Church. Evans Funerals and Cremations, Edenton, is in charge. Miller was a member of Colerain Baptist Church. Survivors include his daughter, Phyllis Collie of Falls Church, Va.; three sisters, Sallie Cowan of Merry Hill, Nancy Bazemore of Ahoskie and Joyce McNair of Raleigh; and one grandson. CARROL W. "NICK" BEASLEY, MAJOR, USAR (Retired) COLERAIN - Carroll Watford "Nick" Beasley, 82, of South Main Street, died Sunday, January 22, 2006, at his home. Mr. Beasley was born September 20, 1923, in Bertie County, a son of the late John Cecil and Mable Claire Morris Beasley of Colerain. He attended the Citadel prior to his entry in WWII and graduated from Wake Forest University after the war. He was retired NCNG Major and a veteran U.S. Army Corps Pilot in WWII. Nick was an active member of Colerain United Methodist Church where he served as treasurer. He was employed as manager and retired after 40 years from Beasley Oil Company of Colerain, NC. He was an avid sportsman and member of Tar River Gun Club. Mr. Beasley is survived by his wife, Ella Beth McCrery Beasley; his daughter, Camille Beasley Soule and her husband, Dennis of Windsor, NC; a son, Louis Carroll Beasley of Nags Head, NC; a sister, Anne Beasley Gurganus of Williamston, NC; and grandchildren, Charles Taylor Spruill, Jr. and wife Elizabeth, Claire Hunter Spruill, Warren Cody Spruill; and great-grandchildren, Brooks Beasley Spruill, II and Charles Jenkins Spruill. He was predeceased by a grandson, Brooks Beasley Spruill. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2006, at Colerain United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Walter Johnston, III, officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery with military honors. Memorial donations may be made to Colerain United Methodist Church, Colerain, NC or to University Health Systems Hospice Care, PO Box 272, Ahoskie, NC 27910. Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie, is serving the Beasley Family. CARRIE FLOOD SUFFOLK - Carrie "Viola" Flood, 93, of the 100 block of S. Eleventh St., died January 22, 2006, at her residence. She was born in Bertie County, North Carolina, and was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Patti Freeman Bunch; her husband, Vernon E. Flood Sr.; son, Vernon E. Flood Jr.; and three brothers, Jesse A. Freeman, Charlie Freeman, and Grover C. Watson. She was retired from the National Basket Company after 20 years of service. She was a member of Tavernacle Christian Church and was formerly a member of the Senior Choir and No. 2 Choir. She was one of the first Bible Class teachers, Secretary of Sunday School, Delegate Representative of the Sunday School Union, previously served on all usher boards, captain of Christmas programs and was secretary of the church for a number of years. She is survived by three daughters, Velma E. Warren, Vivian Terese Vaden (Richard) and Mary H. Davenport (Keith), all of Suffolk; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one great- great-grandchild; two sisters-in-law, Mildred M. Freeman and Mildred F. Outlaw; devoted cousin, Mamie Wright; one godson; two goddaughters; devoted caregivers, Sally Whitfield and Gladys Faulk; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in Tabernacle Christian Church by the Rev. Dr. Carlton R. Upton, Sr. Interment will be in Carver Memorial Cemetery. The body will be taken to the church Friday at 11 a.m.. The family will be at 110 S. Eleventh Street Crocker Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com. RALEIGH BOOKER JR. NORFOLK VA - Raleigh Booker Jr., 62, a native of Bertie County, died January 24, 2006 in his residence. A funeral will be conducted at 12 noon Saturday at Philippi Baptist Church. Burial will be in Smallwood Family Cemetery, Lewiston. Hunter’s Funeral Home, Ahoskie, is in charge. Booker was retired from Harris Tire Co. as a tire changer. Survivors include his wife, Shirley Smalls Booker of Norfolk; six sons, James Reynolds, Michael Booker, Leslie Booker, Jones Booker and Drewitt Booker, all of Virginia and Jason Smalls of Maryland; four daughters, Georgia Reynolds and Vandora Benton of Virginia, Judy Collins of Florida and Fatima Horton of Ahoskie; three brothers, George Booker Jr. of Cofield, Henry Walker of Chesapeake and Rudolph Walker of Colerian; five sisters, Lauralee Jones and Elizabeth Faison, both of Cofield, Lottie Robinson of Winton and Minnie Harrell of Norfolk and Annie Walker of Portsmouth; 28 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. ARNETTE ROBBINS MERRY HILL - Arnette Robbins, 95, died January 25, 2006. A funeral will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday at Peterson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Merry Hill. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at Gilliam Funeral Home Chapel, Windsor. ADDIE H. GARRETT WINDSOR - Addie Hoggard "Gail" Garrett, 74, formerly of 611 Cypress St. Columbus, Miss., died January 25, 2006, in Pitt Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Garrett was born December 26, 1931 to the late Willie W. and Nettie Penwell Hoggard. She was a member of Edgewood Baptist Church and the Women’s Prayer Group. She organized Cub Scout Pack No. 5 and was formerly the senior adult director and Sunday School Teacher at Edgewood. In recent years, Gail was a caregiver to many in her community. Survivors include her husband, Afton E. "Harry" Garrett of Windsor, sons, Robert Garrett of Oxford, NC, Michael Garrett of King George, Va. and Martin Garrett of Clifton Forge, Va.; a sister Nettie Garrett of Goochland, Va; grandchildren, Capt Matthew Garrett, US Army in Iraq, Amy Garrett Hann of Oxford and Martin, Callie and Michael Garrett of Clifton Forge, Va.; and great grandchildren, Evelyn and Ethan Hann of Oxford. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Edgewood Baptist Church by the Rev. Chris Lee. Burial will follow in Edgewood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Walker Funeral Home. Memorial gifts may be made to Edgewood Baptist Church Parking Lot Fund, 348 US 13, Windsor, NC 27983. LUCY J. HOGGARD COLERAIN - Lucy Jernigan Hoggard, 88, a native of Bertie County, died January 27, 2006, at Guardian Care Nursing Home, Ahoskie. She was the widow of Lewis Windley Hoggard. A funeral was conducted Monday at Elm Grove Baptist Church by the Rev. Preston Jernigan and the Rev. Hugh Mizelle. Burial was in Edgewood Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to the Bertie County Rescue Squad, PO Box 74, Windsor, NC 27983. Walker Funeral Home, Windsor, was in charge. Mrs. Hoggard was a member of Elm Grove Baptist Church and a homemaker. Survivors include a daughter, Jacqueline H. Mizelle of Colerain; two sons, Max Truman Hoggard of Colrain and Lewis Lawrence Hoggard of Windsor; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. DAVID C. EARLY WINDSOR - David Charles Early, 71, a native of Bertie County, died January 28, 2006 in Bertie Memorial Hospital. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Edgewood Cemetery by the Rev. Dennis Conner and the Rev. Jack Byrd and the Rev. J.N. Baggett. Memorial gifts may be made to either the Bertie County Rescue Squad or the American Cancer Society. Walker Funeral Home, Windsor, is in charge. Early was a member of Cashie Baptist Church and a retired Lab Director at Martin General Hospital. He was a former member of the Windsor Lion’s Club. Survivors include his wife, Martha Lee Bazemore Early of Windsor; two daughters, Marie Early and Martha Ellen E. Alston; a son, David L. Early, all of Windsor; and two grandchildren. EDWARD J. LANGDALE WINDSOR - Edward Jackson Langdale, 81, a native of Bertie County, died January 28, 2006 in Guardian Care Nursing Home, Ahoskie. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Edgewood Cemetery by the Rev. Richard Rice and the Rev. Michael Bailey. Military rites will be observed. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Walker Funeral Home and other times at the home of Gary Langdale, 543, Republician Road, Windsor. Langdale was a retired truck driver and attended Greens Cross Baptist Church. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife Margie Spruill Langdale of Windsor; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. MARY V. JERNIGAN NORFOLK - Mary V. Jernigan, 87, went to be with the Lord and her husband Eulas on January 28, 2006. Mary was born in Colerain, NC, a daughter of the late Rupert Wade and Nova Lowe Brown. She is predeceased by her son, Donald Wade Jernigan. Mary was one of eight children, survived by two sisters, Viola Harrell of North Carolina and Alene Rhodes of Texas. She was the widow of Eulas Jernigan. Mrs. Jernigan was a faithful and committed woman to Temple Baptist Church as a deaconess and Sunday School teacher for 30 years. She leaves behind her daughter, Connie Seery and husband Ralph; her five grandchildren, Scott Seery and wife Cheri, Brad Seery and wife Dawn, Stacy Freeman and husband Justin, Wade Jernigan and wife Tammy and Elaine Baker; and daughter- in-law, Pat Jernigan. The family will receive friends today from 6 to 8 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk. A funeral will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the Woodlawn Funeral Home with the Rev. Mark Pullen officiating. Interment will follow the service at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of donations to the Alzheimer’s Association. MARY JOHNSON WINDSOR - Mary Alice Johnson, 49, a native of Bertie County, died January 29, 2006 at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Church of God for All People, Windsor, by Pastor Jospeh Watson. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Wilder’s Funeral Home, Inc., Aulander, is in charge. Survivors include her sons, David Harrell Jr., William Johnson Jr., Lester Watson Jr. and Christopher Watson, all of Lewiston, and Darrell Harrell of Windsor; daughters, Tonavis Sessoms, Shanika and Iyona Watson, all of Lewiston, Dawn Crowder of Charlotte and Suzette Cherry of Windsor; a brother, Joseph Powell of New York; sisters, Anetta Rix of Kelford, Barbara Miller of New Jersey and Sarah Thompson of Lewiston; and 12 grandchildren. HUNTER WILDER JR AULANDER - Hunter "Junior" Wilder Jr., 62, of the 600 block of Brick Mill Road, died January 30, 2006 in Britthaven Nursing Home of Edenton. He was born on February 11, 1943 in Bertie County. He was a used car representative for Jenkins Sales in Aulander. He is survived by his wife Mary Harris Wilder of the home, his sons, Dennis Wilder of Georgia, Ricky Wilder, Steve Wilder, and Johnny Wilder, all of Aulander, his daughter Annette Wilder Cherry of Aulander, his brothers, Dennis Wilder, and Ralph Wilder both of Aulander, his sisters Jean McLeod of Virginia Beach, Va., Christine Wilder Shamblee of Aulander, and Kathy Jarvis of Chesapeake, Va., and sixteen grandchildren. A funeral was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2006 in Mill Branch Baptist Church with Rev. Ronald Dolberry officiating. Burial followed in the Wilder’s Cherry Family Cemetery in Aulander.. Wilder’s Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge. PENNY FOREHAND COLERAIN - Penny Forehand died surrounded by family January 30, 2006. Penny was a lifetime resident of Bertie County. She is survived by her husband, Jim "Spider"; sons, Chris and Jonathan; parents, Perry and Delores Forehand; grandmother, Thelma Forehand, all of Bertie County; and her sister and family, Linda Fitzpatrick of Raleigh. Services will be held at Colerain Baptist Church at 2 p.m. February 1, 2006. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Colerain Baptist Church or Colerain Rescue Squad. Arrangements by Garrett Funeral Home of Ahoskie. WINFORD HARRIS WINDSOR - Winford Harris, 78, of the 1000 block of Governors Road, died January 30, 2006. A funeral service will be held at noon Saturday in Church of God for All People. Hertford County Undertakers is in charge.