Obituaries

Raymond Jeffrey Smith

Raymond Jeffrey Smith

Jul 9, 2026

Raymond Jeffrey Smith, 67, of the Cypress Creek community of Bladen County, passed away at his home on July 9, 2026.

Jeffrey enjoyed NASCAR, golfing, fishing at the Outer Banks, and following the UNC Tar Heels and the St. Louis Cardinals.

He was preceded in death by his father, Willis Raymond Smith; his mother, Lucille Lewis Smith; and his brother, Jerry Michael...

Ida Lee Johnson

Ida Lee Johnson

Jul 8, 2026

Ida Lee Johnson, born Ida Lee Fryar on July 10, 1921 in the close-knit community of Sampson County, NC, passed away peacefully at Mary Gran Nursing Center in Clinton, NC, just two days shy of her 105th birthday. Her remarkable life, spanning over a century, was marked by resilience, devotion, and quiet strength—a tapestry woven with cherished memories that will...

Christine Caraway

Christine Caraway

Jul 7, 2026

Christine Monroe Caraway, 78, of Garland, NC, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, at The Gardens of Roseboro, NC. 

A Viewing will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Carter Funeral Home, 111 N. Ingold Ave., Garland, NC, from 1:00-6:00 PM, with the family present from 5:00-6:00 PM. 

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, July 18,...

Joe "Pa Joe" Thomas Cashwell

Joe "Pa Joe" Thomas Cashwell

Jul 7, 2026

Joe "Pa Joe" Thomas Cashwell, of Sampson County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, at Rex Hospital in Wake County, NC. According to his Birth Certificate he was born on September 30, 1939, in Sampson County, but he was born a week before, on the 22nd. Joe was the beloved son of the late Johnny James Cashwell...

Anya Tomeka Owens-Ray

Anya Tomeka Owens-Ray

Jun 28, 2026

It is profound sadness that we announce the passing of Anya Tomeka Owens.She was the treasured daughter of Mary Owens & Pervis Ray Owens Sr. 

Anya Tomeka Owens was born on June 6, 1980, in Cumberland County, NC. She was called home at the tender age of 46, on June 28, 2026, in Fayetteville, NC. 

Anya was talkative, energetic, family oriented, and...

J B Spearman

J B Spearman

Jun 27, 2026

JB Spearman was born on January 5, 1947 in Sampson County, North Carolina to the late Henry James Spearman and Elizabeth Harvard Spearman. He received the Master's call to transition from this earthly life to his heavenly home on Saturday June 27, 2026 at 2:17AM at Beth Israel Hospital in Newark, N.J.

JB attended the public schools of Sampson County and graduated...

Shellia D Scott

Shellia D Scott

Jun 24, 2026

Ms. Shellia D. Autry Scott, 71, of Beulaville, formerly of Harrells, NC, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at her residence. 

Shellia is preceded in death by her husband Fred Scott; Her father Preston Autry; Her mother Evelyn R. Herring Autry; Her brother Randall Autry. 

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 PM, at Carter Funeral...

Johnnie Ray "Zero" Jackson

Johnnie Ray "Zero" Jackson

Jun 13, 2026

Johnnie Ray “Zero” Jackson of White Lake, North Carolina, peacefully departed this life at home in his beloved man cave at the age of 68 on June 13, 2026, following a short but courageous battle with cancer.

He was born July 9, 1957, in Bladen County, NC, the loving son of Nellie Horne Jackson and Hubert Olin Jackson. Johnnie worked for...

Roger "Hugh" Johnson

Roger "Hugh" Johnson

Jun 7, 2026

Roger "Hugh" Johnson, a dedicated and respected member of his community known affectionately as "Gravedigger," passed away on June 7, 2026, at Novant-New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina. Born on January 6, 1956, in Pender County, North Carolina, Roger devoted much of his life to his work as a self-employed gravedigger, serving numerous local funeral homes and...

Charles Hester Barnes

Charles Hester Barnes

Jun 7, 2026

Charles Hester Barnes, born May 25, 1962, in Bladen County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, at his residence in Bladen County. He was a cherished son, brother, and friend whose life left a meaningful mark on all who knew him.

Charles was the beloved son of the late Charlie Hoover Barnes and Matilda Jane Gilmore Barnes. He...

Larry Albert Long

Larry Albert Long

May 22, 2026

Larry Albert Long, 67, of 633 Mote Rd. Harrells, NC, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, at his residence.

Larry was born on May 28, 1958, in Pender Co. to the late John Albert Long and Arlene Squries Long. He was preceded in death by his wife, Matilda Long, a step-son Mitchell Barnes, and a brother Johnny Ray Long.  He...

Donna "Kay" Smith

Donna "Kay" Smith

May 20, 2026

Donna Kay Smith, known affectionately as Kay to her family and friends, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center in Wilmington, North Carolina. Born on April 14, 1951, in Wilmington, Kay lived a life marked by warmth, generosity, and an infectious spirit that left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Kay dedicated much...

Gregg Lamont Pittman

Gregg Lamont Pittman

May 15, 2026

Gregg was born on October 7, 1975, to Hattie Autry Streeter and the late George Pittman. Gregg was a loving father; devoted son; caring and protective brother, uncle, and cousin; also a loyal friend to many. His warm spirit, joyful laughter, and caring heart brought comfort and happiness to those who knew him.

He leaves behind to cherish his precious memories,...

William "Dal" Dallas Moore

William "Dal" Dallas Moore

May 1, 2026

William "Dal" Dallas Moore, 74, of Garland, NC, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Southwood Nursing Center in Clinton, NC.

Mr. Moore was born on November 18, 1951, in Bladen Co., the son of the late James Floyd Moore and Emma Barnes Moore. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Connie Moore.

A graveside service will...

Lucille Smith

Lucille Smith

Apr 28, 2026

Clara Lucille Lewis Smith, of the Cypress Creek community of Bladen County, passed away peacefully at home on April 28, 2026, just days shy of her 95th birthday. A lifelong resident of Bladen County, Lucille lived a full life devoted to God, family, church, and community. She was a dedicated member of Cypress Creek Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death...

Cora M. Lee

Cora M. Lee

Apr 19, 2026

Cora Jane McLean Lee was born to the late Lency and Esther Autry McLean in Bladen County, NC, on April 6, 1942. She departed this life on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

Cora leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters and son-in-love, Genel and Vann Newkirk, Constance Lee; grandsons and daughter-in-love, Denzel (Natalie) Webb, Jamel Webb;...

Emily Maready Andrews

Emily Maready Andrews

Apr 18, 2026

Obituary

Ms. Emily Maready Andrews, 65, of 450 Wells Chapel Church Rd., Harrells, NC, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026, at her residence.

Emily married Aaron Andrews on December 10, 1978. They were married for 47 years.

In her younger years, Emily and Aaron enjoyed going dancing. They also loved the beach and went whenever they could.

Emily loved to go shopping with the...

Bobby W. Norris

Bobby W. Norris

Apr 15, 2026

Bobby Wayne Norris, a dedicated Maintenance Supervisor known for his tireless work ethic and commitment, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, at his residence in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. Born on May 28, 1948, in Sampson County, North Carolina, Bobby's life was marked by a steadfast dedication to his family and career.

A proud graduate of Garland High School, Bobby launched...

Marshall Spencer Horne

Marshall Spencer Horne

Apr 4, 2026

Marshall Spencer Horne, a dedicated farmer known for his work with swine and various crops, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, at his residence in Garland, North Carolina. Born on February 15, 1939, in Sampson County, North Carolina, Marshall devoted his life to both his family and his community with steadfast commitment.

Marshall’s life was marked by honorable military service...

Jannie B. Newton

Jannie B. Newton

Apr 3, 2026

Jannie Bell Newton, a cherished member of her community and devoted family member, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026, at the Mary Gran Nursing Center in Clinton, North Carolina. Born on July 28, 1943, in Sampson County, North Carolina, Jannie’s life was marked by dedication, hard work, and a deep commitment to the people she loved.

Jannie Bell Newton devoted...