Beverly Ann Simmons Sumner passed away on November 28, 2023, at her home in Garland. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2:00 pm at Garland Pentecostal Freewill Baptist Church, with Reverend Jeff Testerman and Reverend Dewey Ball.  Visitation will take place at the church at 12:30, prior to the service. Beverly was born on January 18, 1942, to George and Ada Hobbs Simmons. She married her husband, Bobby, in 1960, and began her career in the grocery business alongside her...

Sandy Frank Inman, 69, of Elizabethtown, North Carolina went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, November 26, 2023, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was the loving husband of Janet Inman, with whom he shared 50 beautiful years of marriage, and a proud father to Cody Inman.  Born in Valdosta, Georgia on August 16, 1954, to military parents and raised in Elizabethtown, Sandy was the son of the late Mr. George F. Inman and Mrs. Mildred Faith "Faye" Gooden Inman. Sandy was a...

Mr. Alvin Northern, 78, of Harrells, NC, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at Hock Family Pavilion in Durham, NC. Alvin was born June 05, 1945, in Brooklyn NY, to the late: Alonzo & Tomesena Northern. In addition to his parents, Alvin is preceded in death by his wife: Roberta Northern, and one aunt: Vertell Govan. Alvin enjoyed a 32-year career with the city of New York, working in various capacities in the Social Service sector. Alvin leaves to cherish is his memory one son:...

Mr. Willie Henry Boykin, 79, of 120 Southwood Drive, Clinton, formerly of Garland, passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at Sampson Regional Medical Center, in Clinton. Mr. Boykin was born May 14, 1944, in Bladen County to the late Maddie James and Queen Ester Boykin. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, December 02, 2023, at Mt. Elam Missionary Baptist Church, 6869 NC Hwy. 210 W., Garland, NC. Interment to follow in the Murphy Family Cemetery, 928 Garland Airport...

Mr. James Michael Toler, 70, of Garland, passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at Sampson Regional Medical Center in Clinton, NC. Michael was born August 17, 1953, in Sampson County to the late James Steven & Sally Virginia Toler. Michael served the Garland Community for many years in the capacity of Police Chief. A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, November 26, 2023, at the Garland Cemetery, 1030 Harrells Hwy., Garland. Reverend Dewey Ball will be officiating...

Mr. Briony Kieron Townsend, 36, of Harrells Hwy., Garland, passed away on November 20, 2023, in New Jersey. Briony was born on January 21, 1987, in the Sampson County Hospital.  He is preceded in death by his grandmothers: Cornelia R. Williams, and Gladys Townsend. Briony “Bama” as he was called, was the owner and operator of Salvage Life Trucking but later started driving for Solid Rock Trucking in LaGrange, NC. Driving trucks was his true passion. A funeral service will...

Mr. Willie James Johnson Sr., 83, of 258 West 7th St., Garland, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center in Wilmington, NC. Mr. Johnson was born September 14, 1940, in Sampson Co. the son of the late Willie James Johnson and Rosa Belle Boyette Johnson.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Johnson, and a son Willie “Will” James Johnson Jr., and four brothers, Floyd Johnson, Marshall Johnson, George Johnson, and Sherman...

Kent Dabbs, age 54, died on Monday, November 13, 2023, at UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton, NC. He lost his battle with liver disease and liver cancer. Kent is survived by his wife: Joann Dabbs of Bladenboro, his daughter: Kimberly Dabbs (Jake) of Bladenboro, one sister: Carolyn Dabbs of Garland, and 3 grandchildren: Kaylee Dabbs, Haley Peedin, and Caleb Peedin, and his beloved dog: “Lucky”. Kent was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was married to Joann for 37...

Mrs. Gladys Davis Townsend, 83, of 916 Davis Road, Garland, passed away on Monday, November 06, 2023, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, in Fayetteville. Gladys was born September 22, 1940, in Marlboro County, SC, to the late Jefferson & Julia Cox Davis. In addition to her parents, Gladys is preceded in death by her husband: Charles Lynbryd Townsend, four siblings: Charles Linwood Townsend, Dan Ray Townsend, Johnnie Ray Townsend, Andreal Townsend, and one granddaughter: Vanessa...

Mr. Joshua Ingram, 89, of 288 Nathan Dudley Road, Clinton, passed away on Sunday, November 05, 2023, at his residence surrounded by loved ones. Joshua “Josh” Ingram was born November 8, 1934 to the late Walter and Pauline Ingram in Duplin County, North Carolina. Josh received his early education in North Carolina. After graduating from Garland High School he moved to New Jersey where he enjoyed a long career with International Longshoreman in Port Newark until his retirement in...