Obituaries

Walter Lee Evans

Walter Lee Evans

Oct 29, 2025

Mr. Walter Lee Evans, 72, of 554 E. NC Hwy 210, Harrells, NC, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at CFVMC in Fayetteville, NC.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Talmadge Joseph Spell

Talmadge Joseph Spell

Oct 29, 2025

Talmadge Joseph Spell, known affectionately as Joseph, passed away on October 29, 2025, at the age of 54, in New Hanover County, North Carolina. Born on August 13, 1971, in Duplin County, NC, Joseph's life was characterized by his strong will, charisma, and outgoing nature. He was a self-employed painter, known for his dedication to his craft and the joy...

Sanford "S.J." Walter Smith, Jr.

Sanford "S.J." Walter Smith, Jr.

Oct 27, 2025

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Sanford Walter Smith, Jr. “S.J.”

Born: August 4, 1944

Death: October 27, 2025

On Monday, October 27, 2025, “S.J.” Smith went to be with the Lord.

S.J. is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lee Bordeaux Smith, his father, Sanford Walter Smith, Sr.,  wife, Alice, sisters, Sadie Lee Smith (husband, Buford Tedder), Sally Lane Smith Toler (husband, James Toler), Essie Mae Smith Norris...

Dale Lee Murphy

Dale Lee Murphy

Oct 26, 2025

Dale Lee Murphy, 58, of Fayetteville, NC, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC.  He was the 4th child and baby born to Eugene Murphy Sr. and Jerlene Murphy. He Confessed in Christ at an early age and grew into a Godly man who walked with purpose.

Dale was raised in Harrells, North Carolina...

Charles Ray Johnson, Sr.

Charles Ray Johnson, Sr.

2025

Charles Ray Johnson, age 78, of Clinton, North Carolina, peacefully entered eternal rest on October 21, 2025.

Charles was born on May 16, 1947, in Clinton, North Carolina, to the late Florence Johnson and John Parker. He accepted Christ at an early age and remained a devoted follower of Jesus Christ throughout his life.

Charles was a hardworking and humble man who...

William "WC" Charles Sutton

William "WC" Charles Sutton

Oct 18, 2025

Mr. William “WC” Charles Sutton, 95, of 5030 NC Hwy. 210 East, Harrells, NC, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at his residence.

Mr. Sutton was born March 03, 1930 in Bladen Co. North Carolina, the son of the late Herbert Sutton and Mattie Lee Sutton. Mr. Sutton is preceded in death by a sister, Helen Sutton Mitchell, and a...

Eva Grace Locklear

Eva Grace Locklear

Oct 13, 2025

Eva Locklear, born on May 27, 1941, peacefully departed from this world on October 13, 2025, at the Mary Gran Nursing Center in Clinton, North Carolina. She lived a full life, marked by the enduring love of her family and the unwavering strength of her spirit.

A cherished sister, Eva was the third of thirteen siblings: Mary Lois Peterson (deceased), Jean...

Ruth Johnson

Ruth Johnson

Oct 11, 2025

Ruth Johnson, beloved homemaker and cherished matriarch, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025, at the Hope Mills Retirement Center in Hope Mills, North Carolina. Born on November 3, 1928, in Sampson County, NC, Ruth was a beacon of love and strength throughout her life.

As a dedicated homemaker, Ruth devoted her life to nurturing her family and creating a warm,...

Cynthia Lee Owens

Cynthia Lee Owens

Oct 11, 2025

Cynthia Lee, a beloved daycare teacher and cherished member of her community, passed away on October 11, 2025, in Sampson County, NC. Born on March 17, 1962, in Passaic County, NJ, Cynthia made a profound impact on those around her through her dedication to nurturing the young minds at Cason's Day Care in Roseboro, NC.

Throughout her career, she touched countless...

Sharon Kaye Carroll

Sharon Kaye Carroll

Oct 2, 2025

Sharon Kaye (Freel) Carroll, 83, of Garland, NC, passed away on October 02, 2025, at The Gardens of Roseboro.

Sharon was born June 24, 1942, in Sioux City, Iowa. She is the daughter of the late Dallas and Reva Freel. She married Franklin Carroll on July 25, 1962, and their union was blessed with two children, Franklin Allen Carroll (Linda Carroll),...

Sabina Chavez Gamas

Sabina Chavez Gamas

Sep 26, 2025

Sabina Gamas, a beloved homemaker, was born on April 10, 1927, in Camarines Sur, Philippines. She departed this world on September 26, 2025, in Garland, North Carolina, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion that touched the hearts of many.

A woman of deep faith, Sabina loved God and encompassed a spirit of warmth that was evident in her daily...

Linda Sholar Richards

Linda Sholar Richards

Sep 24, 2025

Linda Sholar Richards, a beloved wife, sister, and friend, a dedicated professional, and community volunteer, passed away on September 24, 2025, in Asheville, North Carolina. She was born on January 23, 1944, in White Oak, North Carolina, to Clarence and Flora Sholar, who preceded her in death. Linda was also predeceased by her brother, Clarence Currie Sholar, Jr., young sister,...

Laura Linda Rice

Laura Linda Rice

Sep 15, 2025

Laura Linda Rice, a beloved homemaker born on March 8, 1938, in Robeson County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully in Cumberland County, North Carolina, on September 15, 2025, at the age of 87.

Laura was the cherished wife of Edwin G. Rice, who remains lovingly at their home. She is survived by her children, Mark Cain and his wife Abby of...

Micah Isaiah McKoy

Micah Isaiah McKoy

Sep 12, 2025

Mr. Micah Isaiah McKoy, 21, of Elizabethtown, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025. 

Micah leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, ZyAsia Crumb; his son, Micah Isaiah McKoy Jr.; his father, Michael McKoy; his mother; Marie Annette McKoy; his brother, Matthew McKoy; his grandmothers, Helen Hollis and Patricia Buck; his father-in-law, Roddie Crumb; his mother-in-law, Jacqui Carter; his sister-in-law, Harmony...

Geneva "Eva" Jean McNeil

Geneva "Eva" Jean McNeil

Sep 10, 2025

Geneva Jean McNeil, affectionately known as Eva, was born on August 3, 1962, in Duplin County, NC. She departed this life on September 10, 2025, at CFVMC in Fayetteville, NC, leaving behind a legacy marked by love, family, and cherished memories.

Eva was known for her warm spirit and culinary skills, particularly her famous fish & chicken, a dish that brought...

Elaine Rich Carroll

Elaine Rich Carroll

Sep 10, 2025

Elaine Rich Carroll, 77, of Garland, NC, passed away September 10, 2025, in Goldsboro, NC. She was born January 4, 1948, to the late Eddis and Mildred Rich. She was a 1966 graduate of Garland High School. She married her high school sweetheart, William Elworth Carroll on August 28, 1966.

She enjoyed meeting and working with people within the community during...

John Buril Murphy

John Buril Murphy

Sep 3, 2025

Mr. John Murphy, 94, of Rosedale, NY, passed away on Wednesday, September 03, 2025, in NY. He was born in Sampson County on July 08, 1931.

Visitation will be on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 11:00 am-12:00 noon, at Keathern Chapel Baptist Church, 92 Bland School Road, Harrells, NC. The service will then commence at 12:00 noon at the church, followed...

William "Billy" Petty

William "Billy" Petty

Sep 1, 2025

William “Billy” Luther Petty, December 31, 1949 – September 1, 2025

William “Billy” Luther Petty, 75, of Rocky Point, passed away unexpectedly at his home on September 1, 2025. He was born in Sampson County on December 31, 1949, to the late Luther and Carlene Petty.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Carlene Petty, and sister Celena Petty...

Alvie Carlton Fennell Sr.

Alvie Carlton Fennell Sr.

Aug 29, 2025

Alvie C. Fennell, Sr., 69, of Bethlehem Twp., passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, August 29, 2025. Born in Harrells, NC. He was the son of the late, Alvie H. and Rosa M. (Alford) Fennell.

He was an active and devoted member of Grace Deliverance Baptist Church in Bethlehem for many years, where he also served as a trustee. Alvie...

Merian Lee Smith

Merian Lee Smith

Aug 28, 2025

Merian Lee Smith, a beloved seamstress and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully at her home on August 28, 2025. Born in Sampson County on December 12, 1951, Merian was known for her honesty, dedication, and culinary skills. She approached life with a spirit of devotion, particularly evident in her commitment to her faith and her church, where...