Obituaries
Grady Coleman Smith
May 7, 2025
Grady Coleman Smith, a beloved member of his community and a dedicated worker, passed away on May 7, 2025, at Columbus Regional Hospital in Whiteville, North Carolina. He was born on February 11, 1964, in Bladen County, NC, where he began his journey through life.
Grady took up auto mechanics from Bladen Community College in Dublin, NC. He devoted many years...
Adarius Rakim Owens
May 3, 2025
Adarius Rakim Owens aka “AO” of Garland, NC, departed into eternal life with Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 3, 2025, at his residence. He was born on April 27, 1990, to Otis Swain and Everlene Goddard Owens. He was adopted at the age of 4 by his stepfather, Howard Lee Owens. Adarius attended and graduated from East...
Sherry Ann Johnson Carey
May 3, 2025
Ms. Sherry Ann Johnson Carey, 57 of 668 Cain Rd. Garland, NC, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, NC.
Ms. Carey was born on December 02, 1967, the daughter of the late William Sherman Johnson and Annie Smith Johnson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Carey Jr.
A Memorial service...
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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...
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