Ms. Alisha Gayle Evans, 51, of Bladen County, passed away on March 21, 2023. She was born on September 1, 1971, the first child, and only daughter, of Ralph and Hilda Evans. She graduated from East Bladen High School in 1989. She went on to study Criminal Justice at Fayetteville State University. She proudly served her home and community of Bladen County for over twenty years. She was passionate in her work helping the citizens of her county, and all those she came across personally...

Robert “Bobby” Clay Taylor, 58, of Harrells, passed away on Monday, March 13, 2023.  Bobby was born on April 6, 1964, to Dale Dew Jernigan and the late Clay Taylor. He married Joan Taylor on November 9th, 1984 and they celebrated 38 wonderful and loving years together.  Bobby’s life will forever be cherished in the lives of his family: wife, Joan Taylor, children, James Taylor, and Matthew Taylor, and wife Brianna,  Elisabeth Ownbey, and husband...

Ms. Barbara Hall Matthews, 90, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2023.  Born on June 19, 1932, she was the second of five daughters of H. Pritchard Hall and Lella Mae Hall of Sampson County.  She attended Clement School and graduated in 1950.  She worked for over sixty-five years as an office manager in various companies.  She served as a legal assistant for Holland and Poole, Attorneys, and M.B. Fowler, Attorney at Law.  She served as office manager for Boren...

Mr. Gary White, 64, of 3152 Sommer Dr., Hope Mills, passed away on Wednesday, March 08, 2023, at Novant Health-Forsyth Medical Center in Winston Salem. Gary was born December 15, 1958, in Hampstead, NY, to the late Elmer Howard White Jr. and his wife Rita Flagg White. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM, Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Little Piney Grove Baptist Church in Clinton. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. The Reverend Michael Redd will be officiating the...

Mr. Romie James Spearman (RJ) was born in Ingold, NC to the late Mr. Romie James Spearman, Sr. and Mrs. Katie Catherine (Sellars) Spearman on April 14, 1936. He departed this life on March 07, 2023. RJ’s spiritual journey began at First Baptist Ingold Church, Ingold, NC and his formative spiritual foundation was fortified at the Kingdom Stewards Ministries, Virginia Beach, VA under the leadership of the Rev. Valencia Todd. Romie James Spearman was educated in the Sampson County...

Mr. Ernest Ruben Scott, 63, of Highland House, 1700 Pamalee Dr., Fayetteville, formerly of Elizabethtown, passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville. Ernest was born November 07, 1959, in Bladen County to the late Ernest Scott and his wife, Lila Bell Davis Scott.  Ernest leaves to cherish his memory two sisters: Shelby Jean Tatum and husband Charles of Elizabethtown; Mary Elizabeth Coley and husband Ronald D of Clarkton, one brother:...

Ms. Myrtie Tysinger Powell, 84, of 4026 NC-11, Wallace, NC, passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Dayspring of Wallace in Wallace. Myrtie was born on April 13, 1938, to the late Lillie Cain Powell and Faison Powell. Myrtie enjoyed a career as a Tower Operator in the Forestry Industry. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by two sisters: Faye Herrin; Dorothy Powell, and four brothers: Willie Powell; Gerald Powell; Robert Powell; and Danny Powell. A graveside service...

Ms. Ernestine “Steine” Newkirk, 88, of 393 Stringfield Rd., Willard, NC, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2023, at UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh. Ernestine was born September 01, 1934, in Sampson County, to the late Rosa Lee Highsmith Newkirk and Bero Rhodes Newkirk. In addition to her parents, Ernestine is preceded in death by four sisters: Pearl Newkirk; Eleanor N. Robinson; Virginia Lee N. Harris; Glendora Wright, and four brothers: James Cicero Newkirk; Larry Keith Newkirk;...

Amanda “Olly” Conner, of The Gardens of Roseboro, Assisted Living Center, Roseboro, NC went home to heaven to be with her sweetheart on Valentine's Day, February 14th, 2023. Amanda was born in Widen WV on June 21st, 1933 (The longest day of the year) to the late Earl W. and Florence Blackson Hall. She is preceded in death by her husband Charles “Charlie” Conner; infant baby daughter, Deborah Marlene, and four sisters; Florine Cockran, Vaylon Queener, Glaydys...

Mrs. Lillie Doris (Murphy) Shaw McKoy, 57, of 12200 NC Hwy 41 W., Bladenboro, passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton. Lillie was born May 07, 1965, in Sampson County to the late Willie Paul Murphy and wife Allie Mae (Pridgen) Murphy. In addition to her parents, Lillie is preceded in death by two sisters: Willie Mae Murphy; and Ella Jane Murphy. Lillie enjoyed serving her community and was a CNA in the Health Care Industry for many...