Bertie COUNTY NC Obits October 2004 ********************* Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/nc/bertie.htm ******************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Claudia Williams Mmaker52@aol.com BERTIE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA OBITUARIES OCTOBER 2004 ETHEL TILLERY BARKLEY Ethel Tillery Barkley, better known as "Love", 74 of Aulander, died at her residence on October 1, 2004. She was born on January 1, 1930 in North Hampton County, NC She was a homemaker and a resident of Chapel Hill Baptist Church. She is survived by her daughter Evelyn Hyman of the home, her sons, Charles Barkley of Aulander, NC and Carl Barkely of Brooklyn, NY, one sister, Hattie Hill of Garysburg, NC, ten grandchildren, and several great- grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Chapel Hill Baptist Church on Saturday, October 9, 2004 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Rex Edwards officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Wilder's Funeral Home, Inc., of Aulander was in charge of the arrangements. JOHN RIDDICK WINDSOR - John William Riddick, also known as "Little Jack", 76, of Windsor, died Sunday, October 3, 2004, at Three Rivers Health and Rehabilitation Center in Windsor. Little Jack was born to the late James and Annie Riddick on May 3, 1928 in Bertie County. He was married to the late Louvenia Warren Riddick. They had one child, which he leaves to cherish his memories, his daughter, Linda Riddick of Merry Hill, NC., four grandchildren, two sisters, Maggie Riddick of Windsor, and Mable Perry of New York, two brothers, George Lee Riddick of Colerain, and Odell Riddick of Colerain, who preceded him in death, a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 9, 2004 at 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Gospel Baptist Church on Jamestown Rd in Windsor with a burial to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. Gilliam Funeral Home in Windsor will be handling the arrangements. BERTHA HARRELL Bertha Harrell of Windsor, NC died on Sunday, October 3, 2004 in Bertie Memorial Hospital in Windsor, NC. She was a member of Refreshing Center COGIC in Windsor, NC She is survived by four sons, Clarence M. Cooper of Williamston, NC, William L. Harrell Jr., Julius M. Harrell and Joseph C. Harrell, all of Windsor, three daughters, Annie Bertha Phillips and Loretta Barrett, both of Windsor, Beverly H. Goffery of Elizabeth City, NC, one brother, John S. Cooper of Windsor, one sister, Elise M. Mourning of Windsor, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the Refreshing Center COGIC in Windsor, NC on Friday, October 8, 2004 at 1 p.m. with Elder Joe Sherman officiating. Burial followed in Hillcrest Cemetery in Windsor. Reynold's Funeral Home, Inc, of Ahoskie was in charge of the arrangements. JANNIE SLAUGHTER Janie Slaughter, daughter of the late Tom and Dorothy Stewart was born on November 28, 1941 in Windsor, NC. She went home on October 6, 2004 to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jannie attended W.S. Etheridge High School in Windsor. She relocated to Philadelphia, PA where she met and married the love of her life, the late Melvin Slaughter on November 29, 1965. In June of 2004 she returned to her hometown of Windsor. Here she stated that she was home at last. She leaves to mourn and to cherish her memories, her only son, Willie Stewart, five grandchildren, Brandon, Tamara, Devin Jones, Ashley and Sahnae Bassett, and one great- grandchild, four brothers, Thomas Stewart, Joseph Stewart, Alvin Stewart, and Melvin Stewart, and four sisters, Gloria Long, Betty Hoffman, Marjorie Stewart, and Lettie Mosley, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Funeral services were held at Cedar Landing Missionary Baptist Church in Windsor on Wednesday, October 13, 2004 with Pastor, Shelton Barnes officiating. Internment followed at the Bond family cemetery. Gilliam Funeral Home of Windsor was in charge of the arrangements. JOE ANNE GATLING GATES - Joe Anne Hoggard Gatling, 56, of Gates, died Thursday, October 7, 2004 at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville. A native of Bertie County, she was employed with Freeman Metal and was a member of Piney Wood Chapel Baptist Church. Survivors include her fiancé, Walter Wolfrey; one son, David Louis Taylor Jr. of Lewiston; two daughters, Elaine Taylor and Chowaine "Gail" Taylor both of Ahoskie; three brothers, Herbert "Hawk" Hoggard of Ahoskie, Jimmie Hoggard and Clarence Hoggard both of Middletown, CT; two sisters, Mollie Bazemore and Isabelle Riddick both of Ahoskie; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A funeral will be held Tuesday, October 12 at 1 p.m. at New Piney Wood Chapel Baptist Church with a burial to follow at Hoggard Family Cemetery. Hunter's Funeral Home in Ahoskie will be handling the arrangements. MARJORIE OUTLAW MANNING WINDSOR - Marjorie Outlaw Manning, of Windsor, died Thursday, October 7 at the Brian Center Health & Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services will be held at Cedar Landing Baptist Church in Windsor, where she was a member, on Saturday, October 9 with Rev. Shelton Barnes officiating. Burial will follow at the Outlaw Family Cemetery in Windsor. Reynolds Funeral Home, Inc. will be handling the arrangements. SEMAJ FLOOD POWELLSVILLE - Semaj Flood, 6, of Windsor, NC, died Oct 8 2004 in Plymouth, NC. He was born in Hertford County on April 20, 1998. He was a 1st grade student at Windsor Elementary. He is survived by his father, James W. flood of Powellsville, NC, his mother, Sugtrisha L. Flood of Windsor, NC, three sisters, Jahnayih Powell, Zahniyah Powell, and Tyana Flood, all of Windsor, paternal grandfather James Lassiter of Ahoskie, maternal grandmother, Lynette Johnson of Roxobel, maternal grandfather, William Buddy Powell of Aulander, and god- mother Sherma Howard of Greensboro, NC. A funeral will be held Friday at 2 p.m. in Luella Baptist Church with Rev. Vernon Lassiter officiating. Burial followed at the Freeman Family Cemetery. Wilder's Funeral Home Inc., of Aulander is in charge of the arrangements. C. WATSON LEWISTON - Adm. C. "Shack" Watson, 80, of the 100 block of Short Road, Lewiston, NC died October 8, 2004 in Bertie Memorial Hospital in Windsor. He was born on January 3, 1924 in Bertie County. He was a truck driver and a member of Village Gate Holiness Church, He is survived by his wife, Albinia P. Watson of Lewiston, two sons, James Edgar Watson and William Augusta Watson, both of Lewiston, three daughters, Elizabeth Watson Cherry, Doria Watson Bishop, and Fostene Watson Bess, all of Lewiston, two brothers, Paul Glenn of New York and Gene Glenn of Yonkers, NY, twenty-five grandchildren, and thirty-four great-grandchildren. A funeral will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. in New Bethlehem AFCOGIC Church, Windsor, with Elder William E, Carmon officiating. Burial followed in the Wilder-Cherry Family Cemetery. Wilder's Funeral Home, Aulander, is in charge of the arrangements. LESSIE LEE Lessie "Peter Rabbit" Lee, 63, Aulander, died on October 9, 2004 in Guardian Care Nursing Home in Ahoskie. He was born on July 5, 1941 in Bertie County, NC. He was self- employed brick layer and a member of Mill Branch Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lee of Aulander, two sons, Tony Harris and Lessie Lee Jr., both of Aulander, five daughters, Marjorie Bazemore and Nettie Lee both of Aulander, Laura Lee and Inesia Harmon, both of Ahoskie, and Margaret Lee of Roxobel, three sisters, Ola I. Outlaw of Ahoskie, Barbara Lee and Francis Lee, both of Lewiston, fourteen grandchildren, twelve great- grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at Hunter Funeral Home Chapel in Ahoskie on Tuesday, October 12, 2004. Hunter's Funeral Home of Ahoskie was in charge of the arrangements. GEORGE POWELL George W. Powell, 88, of Lewiston, NC, died October 10, 2004 in the Guardian Care Nursing Home in Ahoskie, NC. Funeral services were held Saturday, October 16, 2004 at Spring Hill Baptist Church in Lewiston at 1:00 p.m. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Gilliam Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. STARKEY BAZEMORE JR. Starkie Bazemore Jr., "Bo", of Aulander, died October 11, 2004 at his residence. He was born on April 3, 1922 in Bertie County. He was retired from Georgia Pacific, Bennett Box, Co., and the NC State Dept. He was a member of Zion Grove Baptist Church. He is survived by one son, Ercell Bazemore of Aulander, five daughters, Sarah Ann Mitchell, Ruth Holley, and Sherlene Bazemore, all of Aulander, Marion Bell of Aldephia, MD and Jean Flood of Ahoskie, one sister, Augustine Dodd of Ahoskie, twenty-one grandchildren, thirty-two great-grandchildren, and fourteen great-great- grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Zion Grove Baptist Church on Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Milton Lee officiating. Burial followed in the Wilder-Cherry Family Cemetery in Aulander. Wilder's Funeral Home of Aulander was in charge of the arrangements. LAURA ELIZABETH CHERRY Laura Elizabeth Cherry, the daughter of the late Frank and Sally Cherry, was born February 2, 1911 in Bertie County. God called her home early Thursday morning, October 14, 2004, to be a part of his vineyard. At an early age, she joined Mt. Ararat Baptist Church and was a faithful member, where she loved praising the Lord and going to church. She served in the capacity of Mother of the church, a Deaconess, and former Sunday School member. She also loved praying, talking to God, and reading her Bible. Her faith in Jesus Christ, her strong family role, and her love for family, church, friends, and neighbors left lasting impressions for all of us to treasure. She was well known and loved by many, young and old. In 1933, she married Linwood Froster Cherry, who preceded her in death. Unto this union, eleven children were born, six girls and five boys, two of whom died at very early ages. She leaves to cherish her precious memories Helen White of Windsor, Pauline Jones of Wilson, NC, Lucille Hyman of Norfolk, VA, Mattie Providence of Portsmouth, Va, Daisy Outlaw of Harrisburg, PA, Gracie Outlaw of Brooklyn, N, Roosevelth Cherry of Norfolk, VA, William Cherry of Atlantic City, NJ, and Leon McCoy Cherry of Newark, NJ. She raised her granddaughter, Barbara Watson, as her own and two grandsons, Tracey and Jamie Watson. She leaves thirty-three grandchildren, thirty-nine great- grandchildren, ten great-greatgrandchildren, two sisters, Katie Cherry of Queens, NY and Mable Bazemore of Ahoskie, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Funeral services were held at Mt. Ararat Missionary Baptist Church on Monday, October 18, 2004 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Steven Blunt presiding. Internment followed at Hillcresr Cemetery. Cherry's Funeral Homes was in charge of the arrangements. KATHERINE J. CLARK KELFORD - Katherine J. Clark, 74, a native of Bertie County, died October 15, 2004. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Wilder's Funeral Home Chapel, Aulander, by the Rev. Kevin Earl Callar. Burial will be in the Jenkins Family Cemetery, Lewiston. Mrs. Clark was a homemaker. Survivors include two sons, Larry Clark and Clyde Clark Jr, both of Kelford; six daughters, Betty Clark of the home; Ethel Clark of Kelford, Cynthia Watford of Aulander, Wilma Pittman of Tarboro, June Jones of Apex and Mary Ann Mills of Louisiana; a brother, George Jenkins of Lewiston; and several grandchildren. WILIE W. CHARLES MURFREESBORO - Willie W. Charles, 67, a native of Bertie County, died October 16, 2004, at Guardian Care Nursing Home, Ahoskie. A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday at Sandy Branch Missionary Baptist Church by the Rev. Lycurgus R. Harrell. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Wilder's Funeral Home Inc., Aulander, is in charge. Charles was a retired foreman for Textile Co. He was a member of Sandy Branch Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Jean Charles of the home; one son, Anthony Charles of Newark, NJ; two daughters, Marilyn Charles of Wendell and Jennifer Jefferson of Greensboro; one brother, James W. Charles of Paterson; two sisters, Ruby Anderson and Frances Charles, both of Paterson; and five grandchildren. DONNIE JENKINS JR. WINDSOR - Donnie "Dee Jay" Jenkins Jr., 26, of the 2700 block of Indian Woods Road, Windsor, died Oct 18, 2004. He was the son of Roberta Jenkins and the late Donnie Jenkins Sr. He was born and raised in Perth Amboy, NJ. He entered this life on June 25, 1978. He received countless championship trophies during high school where he played for the Perth Amboy Panthers. Several colleges accepted him. He accepted a scholarship to attend Paris University of Texas where he played basketball. Upon returning home, he met the love of his life, his fiancé, Lonnie Rodriquez, whom he loved dearly. Together they produced a son Donnie Jenkins III, who was the "apple of his eye". Dee Jay, who the family called "Mama's Boy", moved to Windsor to be near his mother. He periodically attended Bazemore Temple Church of God in Christ, Windsor, NC. He leaves to cherish his memories, his mother, Roberta Jenkins of Windsor, his grandmother, Mable Harrell, his finace, Lonnie Rodriguez and his son, Donnie Jenkins III, his stepson, Terrell Clark, three sisters, Philippa Vasquez of Perth Amboy, Aisha Vaughn and Ecolia Outlaw, both of Windsor; his nine aunts, nine uncles, five nieces, one nephew, two God sisters, as well as a host of other relatives and friends. A funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday (Oct 22) in Bazemore Temple in Windsor, NC. Burial followed in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Windsor. Gilliam Funeral Home is in charge. WILBERT EARLY SR ROXOBEL - Wilbert Early Sr, 78, a native of Bertie County, died October 18, 2004, at Pitt Memorial Hospital, Greenville. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at Aulander First Baptist Church by the Rev. Wilbert Early Jr. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Wilder's Funeral Home, Inc., Aulander, is in charge. Early was a member of Aulander First Baptist Church and a retired mechanic. Survivors include two sons, the Rev. Wilbert Early Jr. of Gloucester, VA, and Gilbert Early of Ahoskie; four daughters, Jackie Early of Fayetteville, Ga, Gloria Payne of Garner, Ivey Early of Raleigh and Lucille Hukins of Huntersville; 11 grandchildren and 13 great- grandchildren. CHARLIE E. BUNCH WINDSOR - Charlie E. Bunch, 61, died October 18, 2004 in his home. Charlie was born May 12, 1943 in Windsor, NC to the late Willie Bunch and Sarah Pugh Bunch. He was the second of five children reared in Windsor. He moved to New York City, where he lived for about thirty-five years before moving back to Windsor. Charlie loved his family and friends. He was a very outgoing person who always had something encouraging to say. He will be truly missed and always remembered. His son, Jimmy Norfleet, one brother, William Bunch, and one sister, Deloris Bunch, preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memory, two sisters, Fannie Bunch of Windsor and Sarah Elias of Atlantic City, NJ, one uncle, Charlie Bond and a host of other loving relatives and friends. A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 23, 2004, at St James Disciple Church, Windsor with Rev. Ricky Clemmons officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Gilliam Funeral Home, Windsor, is in charge. Survivors include two sisters, Fannie Bunch of Windsor and Sarah Ellis of Atlantic City, NJ. VIOLA R. JOHNSON BALTIMORE - Viola Ruffin Johnson, 66, of Baltimore, MD, formerly of Rich Square, NC, died October 19, 2004 in University Medical Center in Baltimore. She was born on February 15, 1938 in Bertie County. She was a homemaker. She is survived by four daughters, Shirley Vernice Johnson of Lorton, VA, Evon Johnson of Silver Springs, MD, Eloise Johnson Payne of Rich Square, NC and Denise Johnson Drew of Winterville, NC, two sons, Randy Johnson of Fort Washington, MD, and Larry Johnson of Mitchellsville, MD, two sisters, Sarah J. Williams and Rachel Anderson, both of Rich Square, NC, five brothers, Garfield Ruffin, Madrif Ruffin, John Ruffin, Haywood Ruffin and Paul Ruffin, twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren A funeral will be Sunday October 24, 2004 at 2 p.m. in Wilder's Funeral Home Chapel, Aulander, NC. Burial will follow at the Wilder Cherry Cemetery in Aulander. Wilder's Funeral Home, Inc., Aulander, is in charge of arrangements. SAMUEL SAULSBURY HEXALENA - Samuel Saulsbury, 73, a native of Bertie County, died October 20, 2004 at Three Rivers Nursing Home, Windsor. He was born on April 30, 1937 in Bertie County. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday at Mill Branch Baptist Church by the Rev. Elton Hall Jr. Burial will be in the Saulsbury family cemetery. Wilder's Funeral Home, Inc., Aulander, is in charge. Saulsbury was a retired mechanic operator for Georgia- Pacific, Ahoskie. Survivors include one daughter, Annie Liz Sutton of Winton; three sisters, Maggie Little, and Estelle Little, both of Hexalena and Agnes Saulsbury of Powellsville; two brothers, Knowledge Saulsbury and Norris Saulsbury, both of Ahoskie, four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. LENORA SMITH EDENTON - Lenora Hazel Miller Smith, 86, a native of Bertie County, died October 21, 2004 at Pitt Memorial Hospital, Greenville. She was the widow of Charlie Minton Smith. Mrs Smith was the daughter of the late James H. and Rachel Baker Miller. A funeral will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday at First Christian Church by the Rev. Randy W. Miller and the Rev. Ricky L. Freeman. Burial will be in Beaver Hill Cemetery. Miller Funeral Home, Edenton, is in charge. Friends may join the family from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home and all other times at the home of her daughter, 810 Virginia Road, Edenton. Mrs. Smith was a homemaker and a member of First Christian Church of Edenton. Survivors include three daughters, Ruby S. Mince of Tyner, Rachel A. Smith of Ahoskie and Mary S. Skinner of Edenton; three sons, Edward L. Smith of Ahoskie, Charlie C. Smith of Aulander, and Andrew M. Smith of Suffolk, Va; a sister, Amanda M. Overby of Branchville; two brothers, Rodgers W. Miller of Ahoskie and Bobby R. Miller of Plymouth; 19 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. JOHNNIE WEAVER Johnnie Weaver of Harlem, NY died on October 23, 2004 in NY Presbyterian Hospital in Harlem, NY. He was born in Powellsville, NC. He was a member of New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife Virginia Weaver of Harlem, one son, Johnnie Weaver Jr. of Harlem, four daughters, Yvonne, Lessie, Carolyn and Bernadette, one brother, Donnell Weaver of Harlem and two sisters, Helen Howell of New Jersey and Marion Weaver of New York, seventeen grandchildren and a host of other family and friends. Funeral services were held at New Mt Calvary Baptist Church in Harlem on Wednesday, Oct 27 2004 at 11 a.m. Information furnished by Hunter's Funeral Home, Ahoskie. BRACK G. SESSOMS SR. CHESAPEAKE, - Brack G. Sessoms Sr, 87, of the 600 block of Partridge Ave., died October 24, 2004 at his residence. Born in Powellsville, NC, he was retired from Norfolk Naval Base after 32 years and was also employed as a longshoreman. He was a member of Mason Excelsior Lodge 087. Mr. Sessoms was predeceased by his wife, Ruby Mae Askew Sessoms and is survived by a daughter, Eunice Brandon of Fort Washington, MD; son Brack G. Sessoms Jr. of Chesapeake; two brothers, Simon Sessoms of Portsmouth and John Sessoms of Powellsville, NC; three grandchildren, Andrea, Tamra and James Brandon Jr.; and son-in-law, James Brandon Sr of Fort Washington. A funeral service will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. by the Rev. John W. White Jr. in First Baptist Missionary Church, Powellsville. Burial will be in the Sessoms Family Cemetery, Powellsville. The wake will be held Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Graves Funeral Home, 1631 Church St., Norfolk. Reynolds Funeral Home, Ahoskie, NC is in charge. LARRY D. LASSITER POWELLSVILLE - Larry Donnell Lassiter, 51, a native of Bertie County, died October 25, 2004 at Guardian Care Nursing Home, Ahoskie. He was born on November 21, 1952 in Bertie County. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at Wilder's Funeral Home Chapel, Aulander, by the Rev. Vernon Lassiter. Burial will follow in the Wilder-Cherry Family Cemetery. Survivors include a son, Renato Lassiter of Aulander; four daughters, Katrina Lassiter of Powellsville, Shelia Lassiter, Glenda Lassiter and Melissa Lassiter, all of Raleigh; one brother, Milton Ray Lassiter of Aulander; and three grandchildren. MATOKIA O. ASKEW CORONA NY - Matokia Omega Askew, died October 26, 2004. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday at Zion Grove Baptist Church, Aulander, by the Rev. Elbert Lee. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Reynolds Funeral Home, Inc., Ahoskie, is in charge. Survivors include one son, Malvin D. Marsh of Corona; one brother, Malvin W. Askew; and one sister, Voyd Britt of Bronx. EVA B. MITCHELL AULANDER - Eva Bishop Mitchell, 89, a native of North Hampton County, died October 27, 2004 at Roanoke Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie. A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Sunday at Sandy Branch Baptist Church by the Rev. Lucurgus Harrell. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Wilder's Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge. Mrs. Mitchell was a retired custodian from Hertford County High School and a member of Sandy Branch Baptist Church. She was also a member of Order of Love and Charity and the Pastor's Aide. Survivors include sons, Godwin A. Mitchell of Norfolk, VA, Edward Mitchell of Paterson, NJ, Thomas A. Mitchell and Roy Chester Mitchell, both of Washington, DC, David Mitchell of Los Angeles, CA, Freddie Mitchell of Landover, Lionell Mitchell, Donnell Mitchell, and William Mitchell all of Aulander; one daughter, Brenda DeLoatch of Aulander; one sister, Foy Whitaker of Georgia; 32 grandchildren; 53 grear-grandchildren; and 25 great- great-grandchildren. JOHN S. SESSOMS SR. POWELLSVILLE - John Selma Sessoms Sr., died October 28, 2004 at his residence. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at City of Praise, Powellsville, by the Rev. Walter Boston Jr. Burial will be in Sessoms family cemetery. Reynolds Funeral Home, Inc., Ahoskie, is in charge. Sessoms was a member of City of Praise. Survivors include three sons, Lavon Sessoms of Charlotte, John Selma Sessoms Jr of Ahoskie and Cedric Sessoms of Richmond, VA; one daughter, Linda S. Peele of Powellsville; one brother, Simon Sessoms of Portsmouth; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; seven stepchildren; and 10 step great-grandchildren. MARIE L. HARDEN WINDSOR - Marie Long Harden, 81, died October 29, 2004. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in Edgewood Cemetery. Walker Funeral Home is in charge. LENA B. BRYANT AULANDER - Lena B. Byrant, 96, died peacefully on Saturday, October 30, 2004 in her home in Aulander, NC following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Lena was born July 31, 1908 in Bertie County, the eldest of 10 children born to Andrew Jackson and Penelope Bunch. She retired from Golden Peanut Company many years ago and became a fulltime homemaker. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Aulander, NC. Preceding her in death are her parents, her husband of sixty-seven years, Luther Acree Bryant, her brothers, Marvin Bunch, Curtis Bunch, Clyde Bunch, Jack Bunch, Fred Bunch, John Bunch and one sister, Louise Bunch. Surviving her are two daughters, Vera B. Drew and her husband John of Aulander, NC and Emily B. Rawls and her husband, Wayne of Woodland, NC; two sisters, Bessie Bruno of Chesapeake, VA and Mary Mitchell, and her husband, Elvin of Virginia Beach Va. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Janet Emory and her husband Wayne, Larry Drew and his wife Carolyn, Billy Drew and his wife, Kathy, Fred Drew and Sandra Peele and children, Kristie Dunlow, her husband Scott and their sons, Scott and David Simmons, his wife Denise and their children, David, Gracie, and Caleb; and Eddie Drew and his wife Vicky. Great grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, Jeff Emory and his wife, Angela; Mickey Drew and his wife, Mindy; Brain Drew; Scott Drew and his wife Angie and their children, Dylan and Katlyn; Sonya Ramsey and her husband Joe and their sons, Trey and Jospeh; Heath Drew; Tina Vaughan and her husband Mike and their son, Michael; Tracy Burkett and her husband, Scott and their children, Ashley and Austin; and Reba Drew; along with a large extended family and dear friends. Funeral services were conducted on Monday, November 1, 2004 at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Sykes Funeral Home in Rich Square, NC. Officiating was the Rev. Lester Jarrett and the Rev. Earl Whitmore. Burial followed at Aulander Cemetery in Aulander, NC. The family received friends at Sykes Funeral Service on Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. and received guest other times at the home of Mrs. Bryant. The family wished to express their gratitude to caregivers of University Life, Roanoke-Chowan Hospice and friends of the community for their care and support during her illness. For those who wish to do so, memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society through Bertie County Relay For Life or Roanoke-Chowan Hospice. . NAOMI P. LEE PORTSMOUTH - Naomi P. Lee, 85, of the 1600 block of Lyontine Lane, died October 30, 2004, in Sentara Health Care. Born in Bertie County, NC she was the widow of William M. Lee and a member of Third Baptist Church, Portsmouth, where she was a deaconess, and member of its Sunday School and other ministries. She was also a member of Police Community Relations of Cavalier Manor (PCR). She is survived by a goddaughter, Jean A. Weaver of Baltmore, MD; a sister, GeorgEtta Wright of Covington, KY; sister-in-law, Jannie "Snow" Kirk of Portsmouth; special niece, Marion McIntyre (Billie) and special nephew, Ronald Lee (Mary) of Greenville, NC; other relatives and friends. A funeral will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in Third Baptist Church, Portsmouth, by the Rev. Joe B. Fleming and the Rev. Robert Addison of Centennial Baptist Church. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Chesapeake. Viewing will be today (3 Nov ) from noon to 7 p.m. The family will be at 1211 Roosevelt Blvd. and will assemble there for the procession. The body will be placed in the church Thursday at 10 a.m. Condolences may be sent to http://www.fisherfuneral.com Fisher Funeral Home, 1520 Effingham St. Portsmouth, is in charge. ESTELLA L. FREEMAN WINDSOR - Estella L. Freeman, 79, of the 1900 block of Cooper Hill Road, died October 31, 2004 at Three Rivers Health and Rehabilitation Center in Windsor. The daughter of the late Matthew and Romine Blount, she was born January 18, 1925. She attended school in Bertie County. At an early age, she joined St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church. She married William Henry Freeman and they relocated to New York City. There she joined Bethany Church and was a faithful member of the North Carolina Auxiliary. She returned to Windsor, NC and reunited with St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church where she served as a member of the Usher and Missionary Ministries. She loved attending Bible Study, Prayer Meetings, and Sunday School. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband, William "Bill" Freeman, three daughters, Minnie Walker of Windsor, Althene DeGraffenreid of Chesapeake, VA, Joyice Bigini of Houston, two stepdaughters, Mary Freeman and Mable Freeman, five sons, Thomas Bradley of Rocky Mount, George Holley of Norfolk, VA, Frond Freeman, William Wayne Freeman, and Windell Keith Freeman of New York, three sisters-in-law, Alberta Holley, Heneretta Green, and Mozella Cherry, Twenty-one grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday 5 November, 2004 at Saint Luke Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Gilliam Funeral Home.