Obituaries

Matthew James Hoffert

Matthew James Hoffert

Apr 17, 2025

Matthew James Hoffert, a beloved son, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, at the Angle House Hospice Center in Whiteville, North Carolina. He was born on October 16, 1984, in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, and grew to be a talented mechanic known for his exceptional skills and dedication to his craft.

Matthew's journey was shaped by the love...

Anellio "Neil" Machelle Faison

Anellio "Neil" Machelle Faison

Apr 4, 2025

Anellio Machelle Faison, affectionately known as "Neil," was born on September 4, 1968, in Sampson County, North Carolina. He departed this life on April 4, 2025, at NHRMC in Wilmington, North Carolina, leaving behind a legacy of love and craftsmanship.

Neil dedicated his life to his work as a self-employed carpenter in the construction industry, where his skill and dedication shone...

Rachel Shaw

Rachel Shaw

Apr 4, 2025

Rachel Shaw, of Ivanhoe North Carolina, a devoted wife, loving mother, and passionate gardener, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2025. She was a faithful servant of the Lord and a beloved member of her community.

Rachel joyfully served in the choir at Harmony Presbyterian Church in Harrells, NC, for 78 years, lifting her voice in worship and sharing her faith...

William Ralph Evans

William Ralph Evans

Apr 2, 2025

William Ralph Evans, a cherished husband, father, and educator, passed away on April 2, 2025, at his residence in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. Born on August 19, 1945, in Wayne County, North Carolina, Ralph embraced life with a passion for his faith, his family, and teaching.

A proud holder of a Master’s Degree, Ralph dedicated his career to enriching the lives of...

Patricia Louise Cordle

Patricia Louise Cordle

Mar 28, 2025

Patricia Louise Cordle, born on June 11, 1957, in Clermont, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, at CFVMC in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Her journey through life was one of dedication, compassion, and resilience, notably evident in her long career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) within the health care industry. Patricia brought comfort and care to countless individuals...

Dolly Pink McKeithan

Dolly Pink McKeithan

Mar 20, 2025

Dolly Pink McKeithan, a respected Medical Stenographer in the Health Care Industry, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025, at Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was born on December 19, 1943, and dedicated her life to providing essential support in the health care field, demonstrating exceptional skill and compassion throughout her career.

Dolly is remembered for...

Timothy "King Fish" Stephen King

Timothy "King Fish" Stephen King

Mar 14, 2025

Timothy "King Fish" Stephen King, a devoted family man and skilled welder, passed away on March 14, 2025, in South Carolina at the age of 53. Born on April 23, 1971, in Bladen County, North Carolina, Tim was a cherished member of his community known for his work ethic and dedication to those he loved.

Tim is survived by his beloved...

Mildred Ann Smith

Mildred Ann Smith

Mar 14, 2025

Mildred Ann Smith, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025, at Lower Cape Fear Life Care in Whiteville, North Carolina. Born on October 24, 1947, Mildred dedicated her life to her family and her work as a seamstress at the Garland Shirt Factory in Garland, North Carolina.

Mildred is survived by her devoted...

Hattie Merritt Velarde

Hattie Merritt Velarde

Mar 2, 2025

Hattie Bell Velarde, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, joined her Lord and Savior on March 2, 2025, in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. She was born on August 20, 1946, to the late Murdock and Rosie Mae Merritt. In addition to her parents, Hattie is preceded in death by her beloved husband: Robert Velarde, two sons: Ricky Blackburn, and Robert Blackburn, and...

Willie Hue Lee, II

Willie Hue Lee, II

Feb 25, 2025

Willie Hue Lee, II (aka Quaman) departed his earthly life on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Sampson Regional Medical Center in Clinton, NC. Willie was born on December 10, 1987, to Priscilla Kelly and the late Leroy Lee. Willie graduated from Union High School in 2007. Willie gave his life to the Lord at an early age and joined Keathern...

Stevie "Blue" Lacy Jernigan

Stevie "Blue" Lacy Jernigan

Feb 19, 2025

Stevie Lacy Jernigan, affectionately known as "Blue," passed away on February 19, 2025, in Kelly, North Carolina, surrounded by family. Born on January 28, 1968, in Sampson County, NC, Stevie lived a life dedicated to hard work and family, making significant contributions as a logger in the logging industry.

Stevie is survived by his children: Cortney Jernigan of Elizabethtown, Brandon Blackwell...

Annie Lois Toraine

Annie Lois Toraine

Feb 3, 2025

Annie Lois Toraine, a cherished soul whose impact imprinted itself upon the hearts of many, made her beautiful exit from this world on February 3, 2025, at the Hock Family Pavilion in Durham, North Carolina. Born on July 4, 1941, in the quaint town of Garland, North Carolina, Annie emanated a natural brilliance that endeared her to all who were...

Shannon Gardner

Shannon Gardner

Jan 28, 2025

Shannon Carmella Gardner, beloved wife, mother, daughter, and sister, passed away on January 28, 2025, at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Born on July 12, 1971, in Sampson County, NC, Shannon was a person who embodied compassion and dedication throughout her life, particularly in her career as a Registered Nurse in the Health Care Industry.

Shannon's life was a...

Ethelene R. Barnes

Ethelene R. Barnes

Jan 23, 2025

Ethelene Russ Barnes, at the regal age of 88, was gently called to Heaven on January 23, 2025. She was born at White Lake, NC on December 12, 1936, to her loving parents, Edgar and Annie Lou Norris Russ. 

Loved by all who knew her, Ethelene chose to live her life through acts of great sacrificial generosity of time, effort, and...

Betty Jean Melvin

Betty Jean Melvin

Jan 21, 2025

Mrs. Betty Jean Norris Melvin, 87, of 1775 Lamb Road, Garland, NC, was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at her residence. 

Betty was born September 22, 1937, in Bladen Co., the daughter of the late James Preston Norris and Katie Carter Norris.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul H. Melvin, and...

Geneva Highsmith Townsend

Geneva Highsmith Townsend

Jan 18, 2025

 Geneva Highsmith Townsend, 89, of 89 Townsend Rd. Garland, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Geneva was born on October 20, 1935, in Bladen Co.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Bennie Townsend, sister, Annie Shaw, and grandson, Shawn Terrell Graham.

The Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 12:00 P.M. (NOON)  at  The Church...

Carolyn Raye Dabbs

Carolyn Raye Dabbs

Jan 16, 2025

Ms. Carolyn Raye Dabbs, 53, of 44 N. Ingold Ave, 3rd St., Garland, NC, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Sampson Regional Medical Center in Clinton.

Carolyn was born on January 26, 1971, in Sampson County to the late: David & Daisy Dabbs. Carolyn was preceded in death by three brothers: Frank Carter; Robert Dabbs, and Kent Dabbs, and...

Desiree Cromartie

Desiree Cromartie

Jan 4, 2025

Mrs. Desiree Shawnee Royal Cromartie, 50, of 2385 Holland Town Road, Salemburg, NC, was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 04, 2025, at UNC Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC. 

Desiree was born on August 29, 1974, in Sampson County to James & Hilda Royal.

The public will be received on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 1:00-6:00 PM,...

Gary Winston Padgett

Gary Winston Padgett

Dec 30, 2024

Mr. Gary Winston Padgett, 61, of 509 Birmingham Ave, Carolina Beach, NC, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at his residence.

Gary was born on March 08, 1963, in Baltimore County, MD, to the late Winston & Elzola Padgett. Gary’s greatest loves were: his wife, family, friends, Orioles Baseball, Ravens Football, fishing, and all things country music. Gary enjoyed working...

June H. Stafford

June H. Stafford

Dec 29, 2024

June H. Stafford, 75, of Wilmington, passed away on December 29, 2024. 

A Private Family Service will be held at a later date.