Obituaries
Willie Cowan
Apr 1, 2026
Willie Clarence Cowan, affectionately known to many as Bill, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, in his beloved hometown of Sampson County, North Carolina. Born on September 12, 1944, in Sampson County, Bill’s life was deeply rooted in the community and landscape that shaped him.
Bill served a short stint in the Army, demonstrating his dedication and commitment to his...
Silas "Pete" Egbert Howell, Jr.
Apr 1, 2026
Silas Egbert (Pete) Howell, Jr., 90, 3091 Stedman Cedar Creek Road, Fayetteville, NC passed away Wednesday, April 1, at his home.
Mr. Howell is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Nancy Johnson Howell of the home; his son, Paul Howell (Samantha) of Clinton; one grandson, Austin Howell (Gracie) of Clinton; one brother, John Howell of Clinton; and one sister,...
Maryrose "Rorry" Hope
Mar 31, 2026
Maryrose "Rorry" Hope
October 15, 1939 - March 31,2026
So many bumps in this life—it was still a celebration. The gift of my five children is by far my greatest accomplishment: Darrell, Brian, Danny, Beth Ann (passed in 2012), and Malissa. These precious children blessed me with nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. I was a person of faith and truly lived in...
Master Legend Peterson
Mar 29, 2026
With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our precious baby boy, Legend Amir Peterson, who departed this life on March 29, 2026, at just five months old. Legend was born on October 10, 2025, and in his short time here, he brought immeasurable love, joy, and light to his family.
His gentle presence, beautiful spirit, and the...
Delma Louise Autry
Mar 27, 2026
Sorrows come and go just as surely as the joys of life. Yet there is something so disquieting and deeply sorrowful about the death of a loved one that we are never quite ready to accept.
Whereas God in his infinite wisdom and divine love has seen fit to call from this earthly scene to a land that is free from...
Willie Graham Highsmith
Mar 19, 2026
Willie Graham Highsmith, a dedicated welder in the steel industry and beloved family man, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, at his residence at 89 N. Grant Ave, Garland, North Carolina. Born on April 20, 1948, in Bladen County, NC, Willie lived a life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a quiet strength that touched all who...
Kristie
Mar 14, 2026
Chrystal Gail Smith, 48, of Garland, NC, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at her home.
Kristie is survived by two sons, Zack Avery and Justin Smith. Two grandchildren, Cayleigh and Camdyn Avery. Her mother, Brenda Fowler, and several Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. 3 bonus children, Triston, Aerial, and Remme Smith. 2 sisters, Mary Smith and Miranda Faircloth, and a...
Mary Ethel Chavis
Mar 7, 2026
Mary Ethel Chavis, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, at the age of 72. Born on December 24, 1953, Mary lived a life defined by her unwavering love for others and her deep commitment to her family. She was a shining beacon of warmth and kindness, always prioritizing the needs of those around...
Mittie Coore Smith
Mar 7, 2026
Mittie Jane Coore Smith, 88, born on September 19, 1937, in Bladen County, left this world on March 7, 2026, leaving behind a legacy as vibrant and bold as she was. To know Mittie was to know a true firecracker- a woman who possessed a sharp wit, a contagious energy, and a "straight-shooter" philosophy. She was a beloved mother, grandmother,...
Elma Lois Ingram
Mar 5, 2026
Elma Lois Boatwright Ingram, 89, of Clinton, North Carolina, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, NC.
Elma was born on July 26, 1936, to the late Homer and Bertha Boatwright in Dothan, Alabama. Elma was educated through the Dothan City School System. She then built a long career in New Jersey, including...
Debbie Ann Jernigan
Mar 2, 2026
Debbie Ann Jernigan, a beloved matriarch and a cherished friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing her, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, in Fayetteville, NC, at the age of 69. Born on December 14, 1956, in Dunn, NC, Debbie was a vibrant spirit who touched countless lives with her kindness and warmth.
Throughout her life, Debbie dedicated...
Deborah Lynn Hillestad
Feb 28, 2026
Ms. Deborah Hillestad, 65, of 1032 Davis Rd., Garland, NC, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at her residence.
Born on October 18th, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan to the late William Pearsall Sr and Maryan Pearsall. She was the baby of the family, having one older sister and four older brothers. She always joked that her parents finally got what...
Carol Ann McLean Wright
Feb 27, 2026
Carol Ann Wright, a devoted school bus driver for the Public School System and a beloved member of her community, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, in Columbus County, North Carolina. Born November 7, 1943, in Bladen County, NC, she dedicated her life to nurturing young minds and ensuring their safety on the road.
Carol was known for her warmth,...
Sylvia Madeline DeVane
Feb 17, 2026
Sylvia Madeline DeVane, lovingly known as "Syl," passed away on February 17, 2026, at UNC Chapel Hill Memorial Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and kindness that will forever be cherished by her family and friends. Born on March 25, 1954, in Clinton, North Carolina, Sylvia brought joy to all who knew her during her vibrant life marked by...
Barbara A. Mulwee Imes
Feb 14, 2026
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Carter Funeral Home, 111 N. Ingold Ave., Garland, NC 28441. Reverend Willie Earl Imes and Reverend Harris Wallace will be officiating the service. Interment to follow in the Jumping Run Cemetery, Mckoy Loop Road, Ivanhoe, NC 28447.
Mrs. Barbara A. Mulwee Imes, 81, was welcomed into the...
Sulynne Jay Kennedy
Feb 12, 2026
Mrs. Sulynne Bryant Kennedy, 66, of Sneads Ferry, NC, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Cape Fear Life Center in Wilmington, North Carolina, after a brief illness.
She was born January 05, 1960, in Sampson County, the daughter of the late Shelton Bryant and Sylvia Watson Edwards. She completed High school through a GED and for a short period...
Michael "Cotton" Anthony Rice
Feb 1, 2026
Michael Anthony Rice, affectionately known as "Cotton," was born on June 24, 1964, in Bladen County, North Carolina. He departed this life on February 1, 2026, at UNC Southeastern in Lumberton, North Carolina.
Throughout his life, Michael made significant contributions to the construction industry as a skilled Brick Mason. His dedication and craftsmanship earned him respect among his peers and set...
Jimmie Butler Blackman
Jan 29, 2026
Jimmie Butler Blackman, a devoted member of his community and beloved family man, passed away on January 29, 2026, at Kitty Askins. Born in Sampson County, NC, on December 13, 1938, Jimmie lived a life characterized by dedication, service, and love for his hometown of Garland.
At the young age of 18, Jimmie began his career at Carter Funeral Home, where...
Etheline Johnson Bradley
Jan 26, 2026
Ms. Etheline Bradley of 6418 Gwinnett Lane, Bowie, MD, formerly of Elizabethtown, NC passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her loved ones.Ethel was born on February 17, 1938, to the late Jessie Johnson and Odessa Richardson Johnson. Ethel retired from the Washington Metro Transportation Authority in the DMV area.A funeral service will be held...
Deborah Herring
Jan 25, 2026
Deborah Ann Herring, beloved daughter, sister, and a retired office manager at Smithfield Foods, Inc., passed away on January 25, 2026, in Sampson County, North Carolina, at the age of 73. Born on April 10, 1952, in Sampson County, she was a warm and uplifting presence to all who knew her.
Deborah was the daughter of Robert Henry Howard and Alean...
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