March 2, 83,

Mrs Donnie Heath Dixon, 83, of the Mount Olive area died Monday morning, March 2, 2020 at Wayne Memorial Hospital.

She will best be remembered for her many years of operating Donnie’s Hairstyling. She was a member of Mount Olive Presbyterian Church.

Mrs. Dixon was preceded in death by her husband, Julius Robert Dixon; her parents, Matthew Leroy Heath and Marie Leida Burrow Heath; a sister, Allene Heath Hood; and brother, Matthew Leroy Heath Jr.

Among her survivors are a daughter, Dr. Karen Marie Dixon with husband, Chris Lee of Annandale, Va.; three grandchildren, Parker, Zoe, and Corbett Lee all of Annandale; a sister, Ina Mae Barefoot with husband, Floyd, of Dunn.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 4, at Tyndall Funeral Home from 6 until 8 p.m. Services will be Thursday, March 5, at 11 a.m. at Tyndall Funeral Home with burial following in Wayne Memorial Park. Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be made to Mount Olive Presbyterian Church, PO Box 158, Mount Olive NC 28365

March 3, 85,

Commissioner John M. Bell

Commissioner John M. Bell, 85, of 507 Stadium Dr. died Tuesday at Wayne UNC Health.

Commissioner Bell has served on the Wayne County Board of Commissioners since December 2000 serving District 3  and was elected  Vice-Chairman of the Wayne County Board of Commissioners in December 2005 and Chairman in December 2006 and 2011.

Commissioner Bell served in the United States Air Force from 1953-1973 serving as Master Sergeant. He served in the Vietnam War from 1969-1970.  He worked with the North Carolina Department of Corrections/Division of Adult Probation and Parole from 1978-1995 as a Parole Officer and Intensive Officer. He worked for the DWI Patrol Treatment as a facility manager and a branch manager. He retired as a Judicial District Manager.

Arrangements are incomplete at Haskins Funeral Home & Cremations. LLC

March 4, 80, Dudley

Mrs. Frances McDowell, 80, passed on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, NC. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Services of compassionate and distinguished class entrusted to J.B. Rhodes Funeral Home and Cremations of Goldsboro.

March 4, 72, Goldsboro

Mr. Jimmy Stokes, 72, passed on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at Wayne UNC Health Care, Goldsboro, NC. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Services of compassionate and distinguished class entrusted to J.B. Rhodes Funeral Home and Cremations of Goldsboro.

 March 4, 86, Goldsboro

March 4, 85,

Durwood Ray Smith, 85, passed away early Wednesday morning at Willow Creek Nursing Home.

A native of Wayne County, Durwood was born on February 23, 1935, one of eight children, to the late Joe and Zola Worrell Smith. He had worked with Kemp Furniture in Goldsboro and retired from Firestone. Durwood was a member of United In Christ Church. His life was filled with humility, kindness and a love for others that he displayed every time he smiled. Durwood dedicated his life to serving his family unselfishly and to serving his Lord.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 6, 2020 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a service to celebrate Durwood’s life at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel with Rev. Ira Williford officiating. Interment will be in Pineview Cemetery.

Durwood is survived by his wife of 64 years, Alice Faye Cox Smith; son, Mike Smith and wife Karen of Pikeville; granddaughters, Amanda Smith and Kristin Render and husband Walter; great-granddaughter, Kynleigh Render; and his sisters, Margie Tyner and Dorothy Holloman, both of Goldsboro.

March 4, 77, Mount Olive

Clarence Tilghman Gardner, Jr., 77, of 800 Francis St., Mount Olive, N.C. died Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at Wayne Memorial Hospital after two years of declining health.

Clarence was born in Augusta, GA on April 15, to Clarence Tilghman Gardner Sr. and Sudie Mae Gardner Daniels. He was a retired general contractor and the owner of Gardner Construction Company of Elizabeth City, N.C. and a master craftsman. In addition to building homes, churches, hospitals and businesses throughout the southeastern United States, Clarence built impressive structures on the campuses of UNC Chapel Hill and N.C. State University.

Clarence loved life and lived it to the fullest, being loved by countless friends as well as his family. He enjoyed boating, beach music, partying with friends and was a skillful dancer.

He is survived by the love of his life Jane Price Gardner and was married to her for 34 years; a son Perry and wife Amanda of Beulaville; son David and wife Nancy of Raleigh; a daughter Kelly and husband Tommy of Fountain; adopted daughter Sherry and husband Gary Williams; a brother Ronnie Daniels and deceased wife Margaret of Albertso; sister Sue Land and husband Danny of Grifton; and deceased brother Craig Daniels.

Also surviving are three grandchildren, Jessica Gardner Adams and husband Eric; P.J. Gardner and wife Candice; and Haley Gardner as well as three great grandchildren, Tyler Kate, Elliette, and Sullivan Adams. Two uncles survive, Reece and Rick Gardner as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A service celebrating his life will be held Saturday, March 7 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church with visitation prior to the service at 1:00 p.m. Officiating the service will be his pastor Rev. Mike Binger and his dear friend Rev. Gary Williams.

March 5, 81, Goldsboro

Ronald Allan Reese, 81, of Goldsboro departed this walk of life Thursday, March 05, 2020 at home with his family by his side.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Linda J. Reese.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.

March 5, 55,

Steve Arlan Halverson, age 55, passed away Thursday at his home.  Born in Wayne Co., he was the son of Myrtle W. Halverson and the late Arlan O. Halverson.

A Graveside service will be held Saturday, March 7, at 11:00 am at Wayne Memorial Park.

Along with his mother, he is survived by his brother, Gary Halverson of Garner.

Shumate-Faulk Funeral  Home is serving the Halverson family and online condolences may be directed to www.shumate-faulk.com.

March 9, 90, Goldsboro

Doris Samia Baddour, 90, passed away suddenly on Monday, March 9, 2020, at Wayne UNC Health Care.

Doris was born on December 31, 1929 in Goldsboro to the late Moussa and Eva Samia. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Mitchell David Baddour. Doris was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church.

Doris’ faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was her anchor. Her sincere smile, enthusiastic love of life, and concern for all people endeared her to those she met. She loved everyone, encouraged others, and had abundant energy. Doris’ greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. She will be missed and greatly remembered.

Doris is survived by three sons, Michael Baddour and wife, Peggy of Hubert; Paul Baddour and wife, Cindy of Fuquay Varina; Tony Baddour and wife, Saharon of Wilmington; one daughter, Mary Ann (Pixie) Kannan May and husband Roger of Nashville; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Arthur Samia and Robert Samia.

A rosary will be said on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 beginning at 6:00 p.m. followed by a time of visitation until 8:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Mary Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Willow Dale Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1000 Jefferson Street, Goldsboro, NC.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.

March 10, 77, Goldsboro

Mr. Shelton M. Wooten, 77, passed on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at Willow Creek Nursing & Rehab Center, Goldsboro, NC. There will not be any public services held.

He was born on July 8, 1942 in Wayne County, NC to Hillary and Eva Williams Wooten.

Services of compassionate and distinguished class entrusted to J.B. Rhodes Funeral Home and Cremations of Goldsboro.

March 10, 85,

Carey Elwood Howell, 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at Kitty Askins Hospice in Goldsboro surrounded by his family.

Born in Wayne County on August 30, 1934, he was the son of the late Alton Howell and Lois Sullivan Howell.

Elwood proudly ran and operated along with his father, the Pikeville Horse Auction in Pikeville. For many years, Elwood could be found driving a truck or on his tractor plowing in the garden. He co-founded the weekly prayer breakfast which originated in C.J.’s Restaurant in Pikeville. He also could be found regularly around the table eating breakfast with the men of Pikeville. A hard worker and a dedicated husband, Elwood would give you the shirt off his back to help anyone in need.

A service to celebrate Elwood’s life will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home with Rev. Berry House and Rev. Mark Whitfield officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday following the service at Seymour Funeral Home and other times at the home of Pam and Johnny Head, 791 Perkins Road, Pikeville. Interment will be on Friday, March 13, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in the Pee Dee Howell Family Cemetery.

He is survived by his daughter, Pamela Head and husband, Johnny; sons, Clellan Howell, Ronnie Howell and wife, Joann, Jamie Howell; sisters, Daylon Pridgen and husband, Thomas, Mary Ann Aycock and husband, Charles; grandchildren, Jeffrey Head and wife, Dana, Jennifer Hines and husband, Brogden, Crystal Howell, Keely-Dan Howell, Luke Howell, and Sarah Jones; great-grandchildren, Lilly and Ella Howell, Danton, Paislee and Hannah Head, Lyla and Peyton Hines; sisters-in-law, Annette Howell and Judy George and husband Dave; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Edna and Ken Whaley; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jencie Whaley Howell, his brother, Wilton Howell, and his parents.

Online condolences may be sent to www.seymourfuneralhome.com.

March 10, 83, Goldsboro

Lillie Mae Coley Cox, 83, of 1204 S. Slocumb St., died Tuesday at Kitty Askins Hospice Center.

She was born December 8, 1936 in Wayne County to Phillip Bo Coley and Genettta Thompson Coley and is survived by five children.

Funeral services will be held Monday at 11 AM at White Oak Grove OFWB Church. Burial will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery.

Visitation Sunday from 4 PM until 7 PM with the family present to receive friends from 6 PM until 7 PM at the Haskins Funeral Home. At other times the family will receive friends at the residence where they will assemble in preparation for the funeral service.

Arrangements are by Haskins Funeral Home & Cremations.

March 10, 65, La Grange

Delmar Kay Edwards, 65, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Delmar was born in Greene County to Gerald Edwards and Cora Pelletier Edwards on May 26, 1954. Delmar was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Johnnie “Skeeter” Edwards.

With a charismatic personality, Delmar was well-loved by many folks. Some of his favorite times were spent visiting with friends and barbecuing pigs for his pals at the Elks Lodge and Stoney Creek Country Club.

Following the example set by his father, Delmar believed in the value of a hard day’s work. His work as a local land developer grew into an international effort as he traveled to China and other places across the world.

Delmar came from a close-knit family and continued to keep those ties wound tightly. He, his brothers, and sister looked out for one another through everything. His niece and nephews held a special place in Delmar’s heart. He was their friend, encourager, and greatest fan. Delmar was always interested in their lives and enjoyed conversations just to catch up.

A jokester at heart, Delmar had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to see others smile. He enjoyed picking on others, especially his little sister, Betty Hope. With a playful personality, he always had a fun time teasing his niece and nephews.

A service to remember and celebrate Delmar’s life will be held Friday, March 13, 2020, at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Rouse Funeral Home. Burial will take place Saturday, March 14, 2020, at 11 a.m. at the Edwards Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening, March 13, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home and other times at Betty’s home, 104 Saddlewood Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

In addition to his mother, Delmar is survived by his brothers, Glenn Edwards and Tommy Edwards and wife, Tina; his sister, Betty Hope Edwards; niece, Danielle Holland Worrell; nephews, Adam Edwards and Dalton Blade Edwards; cousins, Royce and Randy Gray; high school friend, Ronnie Carter; and special friends, Jerry Howell, Art Maxwell, Fletcher and Patricia McGowan, Steve and Tammy Carr, and Bush Kearny.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.

March 11, 68, Dudley

Curtis Blake Graham, 68, of 107 Rollingwood Court, Dudley died Wednesday in the Wayne Memorial Hospital.

He was born January 21, 1952 in Wayne County to James and Julia Ward Graham. He is survived by his wife, Debra Graham and three children.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 AM at the Goldsboro Raleigh District Assembly. Burial will follow in the Ward Cemetery, Mt. Olive.

Visitation Friday from 3 PM until 6 PM with the family present to receive friends from 5 PM until 6 PM at the Haskins Funeral Home. At other times the family will receive friends at the residence where they will assemble in preparation for the funeral service.

Arrangements are by Haskins Funeral Home & Cremations.

March 11, 84, Goldsboro

Leatrice Smith Creech, 84, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at her home. She was born in Greene County to the late Dyke and Annie Belle Smith. In addition to her parents, Leatrice was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Rev. Clyde McGee Creech, and their son, Clyde McGee Creech, Jr. Leatrice was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women.

Brought up on the family farm, Leatrice cared for the household as her parents worked in the field. A few years older than her sisters, she became a second mother to the girls. Leatrice, in fact, could be considered to be a mother to many. No stranger to hard work, she learned early on how to be in charge, and she did like to be in charge. Her experience caring for her family afforded her many skills that came in handy throughout life. She was an incredible cook. There wasn’t a dish that she couldn’t make. Her vegetable soup, chili, and beef stroganoff were favorites amongst her family. Of all of her delicious creations, her ice box cookies were loved by everyone.

Leatrice was a collector of things. She found a thrill in a good thrift store find and was always on the lookout for the right antique dishes and teacups. Her hummingbirds were her favorite, followed closely by her love of clothes. With a giver’s heart, Leatrice always donated her gently used and well-loved clothing back to Injoy and Second Fling for others to adopt.

With a caring and generous soul, Leatrice visited friends and family who needed encouragement and company. From being a chauffeur for their doctor’s appointment to sitting down for a good conversation, Leatrice was always ready and willing to help someone in need. If you had been visited by Leatrice, you knew she never would show up empty-handed. Her friends looked forward to her special goodie bags, homemade treats, and especially those ice box cookies.

Leatrice’s whole heart was devoted to the care of her family. Mothering her siblings even into adulthood, Leatrice’s sisters thought of her as sister, second-mama, and best friend. Leatrice was protective of her children. She still saw Lisa as her little girl. When her grandchildren came along, Leatrice became the world’s best MaMa. Nothing gave her greater joy than spoiling her grandchildren with clothes and shopping trips, chances to cook and make the kitchen a mess, and most importantly, her time. She couldn’t get enough of her grandbabies and great-grandbabies.

Her great big, golden heart was always putting others ahead of herself. She liked to slip her grandchildren extra money even if they didn’t need it, because she would “rather give it to you now” than wait for later. She was generous beyond compare, but never gave expecting anything in return. Leatrice gave from the goodness in her heart, never seeking glory or recognition. Her untold generosities will keep her memory alive in the hearts of those she touched.

A service to celebrate and remember Leatrice’s life will be held by the graveside at Mewborn Cemetery on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at 3 p.m. The family will receive friends at Leatrice’s home immediately following the service, as well as other times through the course of the weekend.

Leatrice is survived by her daughter, Lisa Creech Jones and husband, Steve; grandchildren, Alyssa Price, Clyde McGee Root and wife, Victoria, Christie Newcomb and husband, Joe, Eric Jones, and Nick Jones; great-grandchildren, Caden, Reagan, Josh, and Katie; sisters, Sue Adams, Faye Best and husband, J.D., and Sandra Shirley and husband, Ray; close friends, Charlie Matthews and Winnie Mathews; many special nieces and nephews; and her grandkitty, Merle.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534, or Bethel United Methodist Church Building Fund, C/O Jackie Overbee, 111 Cassedale Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27530. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.

March 12, 81, Goldsboro

Billy Ray Howell, 81, of Goldsboro went to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday evening, March 12, 2020 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center.

Homegoing service will be held Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.  The family will receive friends following the service and other times at the residence.  A graveside service will be held Monday, March 16, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Princeton.

Billy Ray or better known as B.R. Howell, was born in Johnston County on January 31, 1939 to the late Walter and Ella Hicks Howell.  He was a veteran of the United States Army and owner and operator of Billy Ray Howell Registered Land Surveying.  He was a lifetime member of Riverside Free Will Baptist Church in Princeton where he served as Deacon and other positions for many years.  He was proud and instrumental in his son’s beginning of Howell Funeral & Cremation Service in 1997 located next to his surveying office at 208-210 E. Walnut Street in Downtown Goldsboro.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 55 years, Patsy Pilkington Howell; one son, Stephen R. Howell and wife, Heather of Goldsboro; one daughter who was the angel of his eye, Becky Howell Price and husband, Tracy of Princeton; his grandchildren whom he was the best Papa to, Seth and Tanner Price and Gabriella and Isabella Howell; one brother, J.R. Howell; four sisters, Olive Mae Gravitt, Allene Lawhorn Vogen, Joyce Ruth Nemec and husband, Bob and Linda Kay Williamson and husband, Jim and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Rudolph and Howard Howell and two sisters, Edna Earl Martin and Patricia “Pat” Crawford.

Services entrusted to the care of his son and the staff of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.