Bertie COUNTY NC Obits March 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 March 2004 MAUDE E. DORSEY WINDSOR - Maude E. Dorsey, 76, OF THE 400 block of Governor Road, died March 1, 2004. A funeral will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. in Indian Woods Baptist Church. Gilliam Funeral Home is in charge. ODELL BOND Odell Bond, daughter of the late Johnny Harrell and Anna Palmer-Harrell, born in Windsor, North Carolina on July 28, 1921. She departed this life on March 2, 2004. Odell left North Carolina at an early age. She moved to Philadelphia where she was united in marriage to the late Austin Bond. Austin and Odell Bond had eleven children. Preceding her in death were three sons, Russell Bond, George Bond and Harry Bond; two daughters, Glenell Bond and Nacoma Seawright. Odell Bond leaves to cherish her memory; three sons, James Bond of Windsor, NC, William Bond of Philadelphia, PA, and Jerry Bond of Windsor, NC; three daughters Odell Fraizier, Anna Hamson, and Mildred Bond of Philadelphia, PA. She also leaves one sister; Okdellia Slone of Windsor; one brother, Eli Harrell of Windsor, NC; sister-in-law, Elaine Harrell and brother-in-law, Elizia Slone; thirty-three grandchildren, thirty-five great-grandchildren, twelve great great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 13, 2004 at Pleasant Oak Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. John F. Flowers, Jr. officiating. Cherry's Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. PECOLIA W. PEELE PORTSMOUTH - Pecolia Williams Peele, 72, of the 1600 block of Spectator St., died March 3, 2004 at her residence. A native of Roxobel, NC she retired from General Electric after more than 27years and also from Portsmouth school system. She was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church, Portsmouth, its Female Usher Ministry No. 2 and Margaret Lomic Missionary Circle. She is survived by her husband, Raymond W. Peele; three daughters, Anita Riddick (Marvin), Brendette Haden (Gary), and Sonya Peele; three sons, Raymond L. Peele, Terry Peele (Sharon) and Darwin Peele; her mother Hettie Williams; a sister Geneva White; two brothers, Allen Williams (Zelma) and Ben Williams Jr. (Lillian); 11 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her father, Ben Williams Sr., and a brother, Paul McCoy Williams. A funeral will be held Monday at 11 a.m. in New Bethel Baptist Church, Portsmouth, by Bishop J. M. Whitaker. Burial will be in Roosevelt Memorial Park, Chesapeake. Viewing will begin Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The family will be at the residence. The family will receive friends at Fisher Funeral Home Sunday from 4 to 5 p.m.. The body will be placed in the church Monday at 10 a.m. MARY RICHARDSON ROXOBEL - Mary Richardson, 77, of the 200 block of AC Smith Road, died March 3, 2004. A funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday in Sandy Branch Baptist Church. Hunter's Funeral Home is in charge. OLIVE N. HARDISON AULANDER - Olive Newsome Hardison, 92, died March 3, 2004. A graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m. today in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery, Edenton. Massey Funeral Home, Aulander, is in charge. DAVID TURNER GILLIAM SR. David Turner Gilliam Sr of Edenton, NC was born September 12, 1924 to the late Emmateen Berry Gilliam in Bertie County. On March 4, 2004, David was called from labor to reward at Chowan Hospital, Edenton. David was educated in public schools of Bertie County. He was a farmer. At an early age he joined the Beacon Light Church. David was united in marriage to Bemettie Parker. Left to cherish his memory is his wife Bemettie P. Gilliam of the home; three sons, Earl Gilliam of Edenton, David Gilliam of Greensboro, NC and Louis Gilliam of Pittsburgh, CA; nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; four sisters, Mare G. Cherry, Mary Sue Outlaw, Mildred Williams and Hannah Bond and a host of other relatives and friends; three brothers, Earnest, Joseph, and Domino, and one sister Bertha Gilliam, all prededed him in death. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at the Gilliam Funeral Home Chapel in Windsor with Pastor Frank E. Hyman officiating. HANNAH B. WILDER AHOSKIE - Hanah Bunch Wilder died March 5, 2004. A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Cedar Landing Missionary Baptist Church, Windsor. WILL WILLIAMS LEWISTON - Will Williams, better known as Will, 69, died March 6, 2004 in Raleigh,NC. He was born in Bertie County on March 6, 1935. He was a logger and a member of Weeping Mary Church. He leaves to cherish his memory a very devoted wife, Mildred, six sons Willie of Roper, NC, Johnnie, Jarvis, Phillip, Jessie all of Windsor, NC., James of Woodland, NC, four daughters, Barbara Jacobs of Lewiston, NC, Sandra Bond of New York, Lisa Bess of Lewiston, NC, Leslie Dudley of Knightdale, NC, 25 grandchildren, two sisters, Virginia Williams of Windsor, Bernice Williams of New York and one brother, Clyde Williams of Lewiston, NC, a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, other relatives and friends. A funeral will be Saturday March 13, 2004 at 1 p.m. in Weeping Mary Baptist Church with the Rev. Johnnie Cofield officiating. Wilder's Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge. LOUIS V. JERNIGAN OSSINING, NY - The Rev Louis Van Jernigan, 95, passed away March 7, 2004. He was born in Windsor, NC, to the late Cornelius and Rhodes Bond and was married for 59 years to the late Martha Jernigan. The Rev. Jernigan was a member of the Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Ossining, NY for more than 65 years and he served as the assistant pastor for the past 22 years. Survivors include three daughters, Maggie Marie Lee of Portsmouth, Corola A. Jernigan of Hartsdale, NY and Simone E. (Joseph) Deering of Tokoma Park, MD.; four grandchildren, Donnie (Stanley) Gilliam of Philadelphia, PAS., Hoover Lee Jr. of Portsmouth, Marion (Billy) McIntyre and Michael Lee of Chesapeake; seven great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; three sisters and one brother; a dear friend, Sophie Wesley; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A service of remembrance was held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 12, 2004, at the Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Ossining. Worship leader was Bishop Andy C. Lewter Jr of Columbus, Ohio, and the celebration message was by the pastor, the Rev. Arthur L. Lewter. Interment was in Dale Cemetery, Ossining, NY. Andre F. Baker Funeral Home of Ossining was in charge. MAGGIE F. MILLER Funeral Home, BERTIE - Maggie Lee Freeman Miller, 84, died March 10, 2004. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in Edgewood Cemetery. Walker Windsor, is in charge. TURNER C. WEAVER LEWISTON - Turner Clarence Weaver of Lewiston, NC died March 11, 2004 at University Health Systems in Greenville, NC. He is survived by his parents, Gene and Lottie Weaver of Lewiston, NC, three brothers, Dorian M. Weaver of Lewiston, Andre Jones of Ahoskie, NC, Gene Anthony Weaver of Jacksonville, Fl, three sisters, Valerie Weaver-Wiggins of Ahoskie, Dawn Weaver of Lewiston, and Angela E. Weaver of Virginia. A funeral was held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2004 at Woodville Plains Baptist Church with the Rev. Robert Walton officiating. Reynolds Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. JEAN BEASLEY-CHERRY BRONX, NY - Jean L. Beasley-Cherry, a native of Bertie County, died March 11, 2004 at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, Bronx. Jean was the daughter of the late Daisy and Willie A. Beasley and was born on November 30, 1937. Jean was the last of 13 children from that Union. A funeral was conducted Saturday at Cedar Landing Baptist Church by the Rev. Shelton Barnes. Burial was in the Beasley family cemetery, Windsor. Gilliam Funeral Home, Windsor, was in charge. Jean joined the Cedar Landing Baptist Church at an early age, which instilled in her the desire to continually go to church and serve the Lord. In 1956, Jean graduated from W. S. Etheridge High School, Windsor. Mrs. Cherry was employed by the City of New York as a school crossing guard for 10 years. Survivors include her husband, James M. Cherry of Bronx; her children, Larry G. Beasley of Union, NJ, Myron W. Cherry of Trumbull, Conn, Kevin M. Cherry of Bronx, Dwight Cherry of Capitol Heights, Md, and Demetria Cherry of Manhatten; and 12 grandchildren. RUFUS L. BAUGHAM AULANDER - Rufus Lee "Buck" Baugham, 91, of Aulander, NC died March 11, 2004. A funeral will be Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at Massey Funeral Home, Aulander. Baugham was born July 15, 1912 in Hertford county, NC. He worked with Georgia Pacific for many years. After retirement from Georgia Pacific he did many things including security work. He enjoyed people and had many friends. He was predeceased by his wife Lucille Baugham and a grandson Christopher Norman. Survivors include a stepdaughter, Cathy L. Norman Behrens and her husband Richard of Virginia Beach, VA. Also many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services were held, Sunday, March 14, 2004 at 3:30 p.m. at Massey Funeral Home in Aulander, NC with Rev. J. N. Baggett officiating. Burial will follow in Aulander Cemetery. The family received friends, prior to the services Sunday, beginning at 2:30 p.m. at Massey Funeral Home in Aulander, NC. KATHRYN SMITHWICK FRANKLIN - Kathryn Smithwick, 44, died March 11, 2004, at her residence in Charlottesville after a 14 month battle with cancer. Born in Windsor, NC she was the daughter of Joseph Allen and Marion Grey Smithwick. She was a 1977 graduate of Southhampton High School and received an associates degree from Tidewater Community College. Kathy was a medical records technician at the UVA Medical Center and formerly worked at Southhampton Memorial Hospital and Obici Hospital. She was a member of Franklin Baptist Church and attended Albemarle Baptist Church in Charlottesville. Surviving besides her parents is a brother, Jerry Allen Smithwick and wife Darlene Harrell Smithwick; and a nephew Ronnie Allen Smithwick, all of Franklin. A graveside service will be held Sunday at 4 p.m. at Southhampton Memorial Park with the Rev. Dr. A. Richard Childress officiating. The family will receive friends at the home of her parents, 832 Rebecca St., Franklin, and suggest memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Ruth Petty, 116 Southhampton Road, Franklin, VA 23851 or Hunterdale Volunteer Fire Dept, c/o Janie Ferguson, 21005 Drake Road, Franklin VA 23851, or Albermarle Baptist Church. PO Box 7057, Charlottesville, VA. 22906. ROBERT S. PHELPS JR. WINDSOR - Robert Shafto Phelps Jr, 59, died March 13, 2004. A graveside service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Edgewood Cemetery. Walker Funeral Home is in charge. JOSIE MAE WATSON Josie Mae Watson was born to the late Johnnie and Mary Watson of Windsor on April 18, 1933. Josie was the second born of the seven children, Johnnie, Willie, Ulysses, Robert, Lendora and Mary Alice. Early in life she joined Mount Ararat. She was joined in holy matrimony to the late Cecil Clark. To this union two children were born. Josie leaves to cherish her precious memories two sons, Cecil Clark, Jr. of Windsor, NC, and Johnnie Rae Clark of Mt. Olive, NC, two sisters, Lendora Earley of Ahoskie, NC and Mary Alice Cherry of Oak City, NC, two brothers, Ulysses Watson of Baltimore, MD and Willie Gayner of New York, NY, three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two aunts, four sisters-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held on Sunday, March 14, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at Mount Ararat with Rev. Cornell A. Watson, Sr. officiating. Cherry's Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. LOLA MAE RHEA COLERAIN - Lola Mae Rhea, 92, formerly of Colerain, died March 14, 2004 in Williamston Rehabilitation Center. Mrs. Rhea was born in Bertie County on April 17, 1911 to the late Annie Mae and John Henry Hoggard, and was predeceased by her husband Leslie Rhea. She was a homemaker and a member of Ross Baptist Church. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2004 in Ross Baptist Church with the Rev. Roger Kiker officiating. Burial followed in Ross Baptist Church Cemetery. She is survived by several nieces and nephews. The family received friends after the funeral service at Ross Baptist Church. Walker Funeral Home, Windsor, is in charge. MAHALIA ANN FOREMAN VIRGINIA BEACH - Mahalia Ann Foreman, 57, of the 5100 block of Dandy Court, passed quietly and peacefully on March 14, 2004, at her residence. She was a native of Bertie County, NC and the daughter of Lucy G. Freeman James and the late Joseph Freeman. "Ann" as she was affectionately known by family and friends, attended Norfolk public schools and retired from Lake Taylor Hospital. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends. She leaves to cherish her memory her mother, Lucy G. Freeman James; sisters, Doris L. Ferguson and husband Eddie and Ella Freeman Clemons; and two brothers, Joseph Freeman and Michael Freeman. She will also be missed by other relatives and friends, including Andre L. Fergurson, Catina Clemons, Carlton Clemons Jr., Joseph Freeman Jr., Antonia Highter Freeman, Tamika Freeman, Nicole Freeman, Shawn Freeman and Tia Freeman. A funeral will be conducted Friday at 11:30 a.m. in the chapel of Riddick Funeral Service, 1225 Norview Avenue, by the Rev. Donald Gaffney. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday and other times at 2532 Vincent Ave. www.riddickfuneralsvc.com BETSY ROSETTA SMALLWOOD ROBERSON Betsy Rosetta (Rose) Smallwood Roberson was the daughter of the late Jospehine Walton Smallwood and Johnny Smallwood, was born on October 12, 1917. She departed this life on Sunday, March 14, 2004 at 2:45 p.m. in the presence of her oldest son Willie James Roberson Jr., (Buddy) at the Bertie Memorial Hospital, Windsor, NC. Her last words were "Buddy don't leave me." At an early age Rose joined Indian Woods Baptist Church and was a active and devoted mother.. She was married to the late Willie James Roberson Sr., upon this union, she gave birth to nine children. Mary Alice Roberson, Annie Jane Harrell, and Rosa Pearl Wright preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memories six children, Jospehine Roberson Cherry of Windsor, Doris Roberson Mizzel of Lewiston, Floratina Roberson-Coles of Waldorf, Maryland, Willie James Roberson Jr. of Windsor, Ronald Roberson, Sr. of Windsor, and Ricky Roberson of Raleigh, NC, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and friends. Rosa loved the Lord and gave him the highest praises. She will be remembered as "The Virtuous Woman". Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 18, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at Indian Woods Baptist Church in Windsor with Rev. Ralph White officiating. Cherry's Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. PAUL RANKINS COLERAIN - Paul "Pa Pa" Rankins, 86, of the 100 block of Luther Brown Road, Colerain, NC, died March 16, 2004 at Roanoke Chowan Hosptial. He was born on April 20, 1917 in Chowan County. He was a farmer and a member of First Baptist Church Colerain. He is survived by his wife, Ethel Lee Rankins of the home, one daughter, Maggie Witherspoon of Colerain, NC, one sister, Marie Outlaw of Edenton, NC, five grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 20, 2004 in First Baptist Church, Colerain with Bishop Robert Wise officiating. Hunter's Funeral Home, Ahoskie, is in charge. ELLA E. MORRIS AHOSKIE - Ella Earley Morris, 90, of Morris Road, died March 18, 2004, in Guardian Care of Ahoskie. Mrs. Morris was born June 5, 1913, in Woodville, NC, a daughter of the late Joseph O. Earley and Ivy H. Earley of Lewiston, NC. Ella was a graduate of Norfolk General Nursing School and worked as a nurse at Roanoke Chowan Hospital soon after it opened. She also ran Guardian Care Nursing Home of Ahoskie for many years. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Ahoskie, serving as deaconess and Sunday School teacher. Survivors include a sister, Margaret Earley Springfield of Ahoskie; brothers, J. O. Earley Jr and wife Pauline of Albermarle, NC, and Jim N. Earley and wife Maxine of Chesapeake; granddaughter, Catherine Elizabeth Morris of Ahoskie; nieces, Peggy Springfield of Albermarle; and nephews, J.O. Earley of Oakboro, NC, David Earley of Windsor, NC, Doug Springfield of Cofield, NC, the Rev. Dr. Jim Earley of Norfolk and Chris Earley of California. Her husband J. Corbell Morris; two sons, J.C. Morris and Walter Morris; and a daughter, Susan E. Morris, predeceased Mrs. Morris. A memorial service will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Ahoskie with the Rev. Dr. Jesse J. Croom officiating. The family will receive friends at Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie, from 4 to 6 p.m. today and other times at the home of Mrs. Morris, 140 Morris Road, Ahoskie. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Ahoskie. ANNIE MAE BROOKS CHESAPEAKE - In the early morning hours of Friday, March 19, 2004, our Lord and Savior called Annie Mae Brooks home at the blessed age of 84. She passed away peacefully in her sleep while tucked away comfortably in her own bed. Annie, the daughter of the late Ernest and Daisy Freeman, was born September 7, 1919, in Bertie County, NC. She moved to Virginia at a very young age where she was educated in the Norfolk County public schools. Annie was fortunate to finish the 11th grade and worked hard in various laborious jobs, the last of which was as a domestic engineer. She married the late Willie F. Brooks Sr. in 1938 and together they conceived and raised two sons and two daughters. Annie Mae Brooks leaves to cherish her memory her two sons, Willie Brooks Jr. of Chesapeake and Robert Brooks of Norfolk; two daughters, Carlette Smith-Hinton of Portsmouth and Brenda Brooks of Chesapeake; 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; her sister, Ester Cuffee of Chesapeake; and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, loved ones and friends. Annie Mae Brooks will be missed for her laughter, her tender heart and her devotion to living a simple life. She will be remembered for her love of gospel music, church activities, her homemade pies and cakes, her welcoming home and her warm hugs. We rejoice that she did not suffer in her last days and find comfort that she lived life to the fullest. Her homegoing celebration will take place Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at her home church, New Mount Olive Baptist Church, 662 Fernwood Farms Road, Chesapeake, VA 23320. The Rev. Walter E. Mitchell will officiate. Burial will be in Roosevelt Memorial Park. Fitchett Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. JAMES E. BRACY CHESAPEAKE - James Edward Bracy, 74, a longtime Chesapeake resident, died on March 19, 2004, at his home. Mr. Bracy was born on February 8, 1930 in Bertie County, NC, son of the late William Claude and Mable W. Bracy. After high school, Mr. Bracy served as a corporal in the U.S. Army. For more than 32 years, he was an employee of Ford Motor Co., as a water-test inspector and a riveter. He was also a member of the UAW No. 919. His survivors include his loving wife of more than 50 years, Mrs. Sallie T. Bracy of the residence; his son and daughter-in-law, Jack E. and Teresa Bracy; his grandchildren, Jacob Tyler Bracy and Emily Rose Bracy, all of Chesapeake; his sister, Brenda Lloyd of Colorado; his sister-in-law, Marie S. Tyler of Elizabeth City; three nieces, three nephews, 13 great nieces and nephews; and a host of other loving friends and relatives. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home and Crematory, 6329 Virginia Beach Blvd. Following the funeral, friends will gather in the reception room of the funeral home to greet the family. The burial will be a private service in the family plot at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 6 to 8 p.m. HATTIE WARD F.D. ROOSEVELT ISLAND, NY - Hattie Mae Cherry Ward, 64, a native of Bertie County, died March 19, 2004 at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Astoria. A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Lewiston. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Wilder's Funeral Home, Inc., Ahoskie, is in charge. Mrs. Ward was a homemaker. Survivors include two daughters, Delores Holsing of Bay City, Mi and Della Ward of Atlanta, GA; four sisters, Alberta Veale of Lewiston, Bettie Wilkins of Baltimore, Md, Mamie Ward of Atlantic City, NJ and Lucy Martin of Orange; and one stepbrother, Marvin Clark of Windsor. THOMAS P. PARKER AHOSKIE - Thomas P. Parker, 91m of Union Road, died March 20, 2004. Graveside services will be private. Massey Funeral Home, Aulander, is in charge. DONALD W. DANIEL WINDSOR - Donald Wilson Daniel, 48, died March 20, 2004. A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Capeharts Baptist Church. Walker Funeral Home is in charge. EVELYN V. BROWN NORFOLK - Evelyn Vaughan Brown, 80, of the 3000 block of Danwood Drive, went to be with the Lord March 21, 2004, in a local hospital. She was predeceased by her husband, William Brown, two brothers, Marvin and Reddick Vaughan and sister, Janet Andrews. Born October 5, 1923 in Aulander, NC she graduated from Aulander High School and later attended business school in Ahoskie, NC. Evelyn was a member of Sherwood Forest Garden Club and Norview United Methodist Church. She will always be remembered as a wonderful mother and a good-hearted person that everyone loved. She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Lawrence; her son, William Brown Jr.; granddaughter Traci Scott Jr.; a brother, William Vaughan and wife Betty; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. The family will receive friends Wednesday at Smith and Williams Funeral Home, Norfolk chapel, from 6 to 8 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SEVAMP Senior Citizens or the charity of one's choice. DOROTHY WARD WILLOUGHBY AHOSKIE - Dorothy Ward Wiloughby, 75, died March 21, 2004, at Roanoke-Chowan Hosptial. Mrs. Willoughby was born December 20, 1928, in Bertie County, a daughter of the late Rufus Ward and Pattie Dunning Ward. She was a teacher's aid with the Hertford County School System prior to retirement and a member of Hickory Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. Surviving are her husband, L.M. "Jake" Willoughby; daughter, Sandra W. Williams and husband Kent; grandchildren, Megan Williams, and Clay Williams; and sister, Shirley Bracy all of Ahoskie. She was predeceased by her brothers, Millard Ward and Oliver Ward and sisters, Nell Beard and Edith Tillery. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. today at Garrett Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert May officiating. Interment will be in Ahoskie Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to University Systems Health Hospice Care. WILLIAM M. LEE AULANDER - William McKinley Lee, 86, a native of Hertford County, died March 22, 2004, at Guardian Care Nursing Home, Ahoskie. He was born on October 18, 1937 in Hertford County. A funeral was conducted Wednesday at Wilder's Funeral Home, Inc., Chapel. Burial was in Wilder-Cherry Family Cemetery, Aulander. Lee was a retired sanitation worker in New York. Survivors include his wife, Rosalie Sanchez Lee; sons, Kenneth Ray Lee of Texas, Gene Lee and Stacy Lee, both of Tennessee; daughter, Paula L. Blue of New York; stepchildren, Sharon Bodden, Deborah Bodden, Sabrina Bodden and Frank Bodden Jr.; his mother, Marie Marsh Lee of Aulander; sisters, Irene Foster of Aulander, Lena Askew of Simpsonville, Ky, and Ada Brown of Roosevelt; 15 grandchildren and a great-grandchild. GRACIE V. JENKINS COFIELD - Gracie V. Jenkins, 91, of the 100 block of Railroad St., died March 22, 2004, in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. She was born May 22, 1912, in Colerain, NC to the late Gracie and Jonah Valentine. She graduated from school in Colerain, NC. At an early age she joined New Holley Grove Baptist Church and became a faithful member until death. She served as a deaconess until sickness prevailed, still remaining committed to her church family. She was also a missionary to her community where she was loved by many family and friends. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She was predeceased by her husband, Walter Jenkins Jr.; two daughters, Joyce Green and Ella McKinney; and a son, Melvin Jenkins. She leaves to mourn two sons. Walter Jenkins Jr. of Baltimore, MD, and Malichi Jenkins of Norfolk; three daughters, Vernice A. Smith of Norfolk, Pauline Johnson of Virginia Beach and Brenda Jenkins of Norfolk; two sons-in-law, Lloyd Smith of Norfolk and Willie Johnson of Windsor, NC.; one daughter-in-law, Arlice Reynolds of Norfolk; eight grandchildren, Jacqueline, Queenie, Connie, Malichi Jr., Antonia, Charles Jr., Alcenia and Diane; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and nieces, nephews, a host of other relatives and friends. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in New Holley Grove Baptist Church with burial in the Valentine Family Cemetery. Hunter's Funeral Home, Ahoskie, is in charge. ELSIE M. PARKER CHESAPEAKE - Elsie Marie Parker, 78, wife of the late Luther T. Parker and longtime resident of Chesapeake, died Tuesday, 23 March 2004, in her home. She was born in Bertie County, NC and was a daughter of the late William J. and Elsie Farmer Terry. She was one of 11 children. Elsie was predeceased by a son, Charles A. Parker. She was a member of Parkway Temple Pentecostal Holiness Church approximately 60 years. Her life was a wonderful, loving Christian example to her family and friends. Elsie leaves behind a son, Thomas E. Parker and wife Carole of Pekin, Ill; a son, William A. Parker and wife Louise of Virginia Beach; a daughter, Emili P. Beaudry and husband Gerald of Virginia Beach; a daughter, Pamela P. James and husband Gary of Chesapeake; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, a brother, Hubert Terry, and two sisters, Edna Futrell and Frances Pritchard. A viewing is scheduled for Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Crematory, 6329 Virginia Beach Blvd. The funeral will begin at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends for a luncheon reception at the funeral home immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation be made to Gideon's International, 5775 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach VA 23462 HUNTER BRINKLEY WATSON Hunter Brinkley Watson, 86, of Asheville, NC died unexpectedly at his residence on Tuesday, March 23, 2004. A native of Windsor, NC, he was the third of ten children of Charlie Mills Watson and Eleanor Jernigan Watson. Hunter was educated in the public schools of Bertie County and Fayetteville Teachers College and received a master's degree in Social work from Atlanta University. He was a veteran of World War II. He was active in the community and served in the past on the board of the Asheville Housing Authority, ABCCM and Council on Aging. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Althea Oritque Watson, three sons, Charles Hunter of Bloomfield, MI, Michael David of River Edge, NJ and Steven Gerard of Asheville, one grandson, three sisters, Survilla W. Cherry and Alice W. Rascoe, both of Windsor and Lucy W. Spivey of Bronx, NY, a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and many friends. Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 27, 2004 at Berry Temple United Methodist Church in Asheville, NC with Rev. Phyllis Jones officiating. Arrangements were handled by Ray and Allen Funeral Service. ARTHUR L. MITCHELL Arthur L. Mitchell was born on October 5, 1951 in Windsor, NC. He went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 24, 2004. Arthur was a graduate of Bertie High School. In 1971 he was united in Holy Matrimony with his high school sweetheart, Dale Gilliam. He was employed as a Human Resource Manager at Display Producers in Bronx, NY, where he worked for over twenty years. Arthur was a member of Macedonia Original Freewill Baptist Church and served as vice president of the Audio Ministry. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 32 years, Dale Gilliam Mitchell, two sons, Gregory of Piscataway, NJ and Travis of New York City, his mother, Amaza Mitchell Boyd of Windsor, his father, Arthur Mitchell of GA, one brother, Thessie Mitchell of Durham, NC, two sisters, Angela Watson and Paula Smallwood of Windsor, and a host of other dear relatives and many friends. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at Pleasant Oak Missionary Baptist Church in Windsor with Rev. John Flowers officiating. Gilliam Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. ARMETHA ASKEW WINDSOR - Armetha Askew, 36, of the 1300 block of Windsor Oaks, died 25 March, 2004. She was the daughter of the late Ernest Roosevelt Askew, Sr. She was born on September 8, 1967. She was raised in Bertie County and attended the area schools. She also attended Martin County Community College and graduated as a Nursing Assistant. She was a member of Peterson Chapel Baptist Church. She leaves to cherish her memories her mother, Armetha Askew, two sons, David L. Askew and Raquan D. Askew, two daughters, Romea D. Askew and Shaquna S. Askew, all of the home, four sisters, Gloria White of Merry Hill, Linda Askew of Windsor, Deidra Askew of Roper and Rosa Mitchell of Kansas City, KS, three brothers, Ernest Askew of Windsor, Stanley Askew of Plymouth, and Harry Askew of Merry Hill, four uncles, five aunts, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A funeral will be Friday at 2:30 p.m. in Peterson Chapel Baptist Church, Merry Hill. Pastor Percell Whitaker officiating. Gilliam Funeral Home is in charge. GLENDA H. BYRD AHOSKIE - Glenda Holloman Byrd, 44, of the 100 block of Clarendon Road, died March 29, 2004, in Ahoskie. Ms. Byrd was the granddaughter of the late Ernest and Elsie J. Hall White formerly of Bertie County. Ms. Byrd was born in Hertford County and was administrative assistant for Roanoke Chowan Rural Housing Authority in Gaston. She was a very devoted member of the Rod Steward Fan Club and enjoyed his concerts and music. Survivors include a son, Earl Judson Byrd, Jr. of Roanoke Rapids; her father, E.L. Holloman and wife Barbara of Ahoskie; her mother, Ada Fornes and husband Johnny of Ahoskie; a sister, Sharon Roope and husband Kenny of Ahoskie; her stepgrandmother, Susie Underwood of Franklin, VA; and a niece, Tracy Roope of Ahoskie She also leaves behind a special aunt, Gayle Moore of Scotland Neck; a special friend, Bobbi Warmack of Roanoke Rapids; and many extended family members and friends. A funeral will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie, with the Rev. Doctor Jesse J. Croom Jr officiating. Burial will follow in Cool Spring Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today. Memorial donations may be made to University Health Systems Hospice, PO Box 272, Ahoskie, NC 27910 or Ahoskie Cancer Foundation, c/o Wachovia Bank, Ahoskie, NC 27910 JOSIE H. FAIRLESS COLERAIN - Josie H. Fairless, 85, died March 30, 2004, at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital. Mrs. Fairless was born October 10, 1918, in Bertie County, a daughter of the late Isaac Britton Harrell and Lillie Holloman Harrell. She attended Chowan College, was a member of Colerain Baptist Church and a charter member of the Edgewood Home Demonstration Club. Mrs. Fairless was preceded in death by her husband, Poe Fairless. Surviving are her son, Seaton P. Fairless Jr. and wife Sue of Colerain; daughters, Brenda Edwards and husband Oscar of Greenville and Annette Wood and husband Gilliam of Edenton; sister, Margie Rhea Minton of Tarboro; grandchildren Amy Edwards Powell and husband George of Nags Head, Kimberly Fairless Williamson and husband Mac of Greenville, Mary Jo Fairless Whitley of Colerain; and seven great-grandchildren. A funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Colerain Baptist Church. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Garrett Funeral Home is in charge. Memorials may be sent to Colerain Baptist Church or to the Colerain Rescue Squad. MAMIE TYNES ROANE Mamie Tynes Roane, 89, died March 30, 2004, at Alterra Sterling House of Greenville. Prior to the past five years in Greenville, she lived in Kelford. A memorial service was held at Sterling House on April 2. The grave side service was held on April 3 at the Roxobel-Kelford Cemetery. Mrs. Tynes was at one time a member of the Grace Episcopal Church in Woodville and prior to moving to Greenville, was an active member in the Kelford Baptist Church. She graduated from roxobel/Kelford High School in 1932. For many years, she wrote Kelford's social column for the Bertie Ledger and was active in the Bertie County Home Extension. She is preceded in death by her husband, Perry T. Roane and her brother, Earnest Earl Tynes, Jr. Surviving are her sister, Annie T. Holley and husband Thomas of Greenville; brother, Charles H. Tynes and wife Jimmy Joy of Marietta, GA; nephew, David Holley and wife, Kathy of Meridian, ID; nieces, Theresa Holley of Greenville; Anita Holley of Boise, ID; Margaret Farmer and husband Gerald, of Van Nuys, CA; Joy Lynn Tynes of Marietta, GA; one grandniece and three grandnephews. Memorials may be sent to Kelford Baptist Church. ANNIE MAE WATSON TAYLOR Annie Mae Watson Taylor was born in the year 1935 to the late Evora and Roger Watson of Bertie County. Annie Mae leaves to cherish her memories three daughters, Mary Ruffin of Windsor; Phyllis Bridges of Windsor, Evelyn McNeil of Cofield, NC; two sons, General Taylor, Jr. of Windsor; Jerome Taylor of Newport News, VA, four sisters, Luberta Outlaw and Gloria Rivers of Newport News, VA, Etta and Joserine Watson preceded in death, two brothers, Richard and Lincoln Watson of Windsor, four grandchildren, two great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 1, 2004 at Mt. Ararat Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Cornell Watson officiating. Cherry's Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.