June 25, 92,

Patrick Cooke, 92, formerly of Wayne County passed away at his home in Chapel Hill. He was born May 23, 1925 to the late William Luther, and Roxie Belle Brown Cooke. Mr. Cooke proudly served his country through the Air Force of which he retired after 20 years, 1 month and 14 days. The Graveside Service with full military honors will be conducted at 1:00 PM Wednesday, June 28th at the Pikeville Cemetery.

He is survived by; wife, Brigitte Sayk Cooke; son, Robert P. Cooke of Hillsborough; daughters, Carolyn B. Cooke of Chapel Hill, Elizabeth A. Cooke of Chapel Hill; 3 grandchildren, Patrick S. Cooke, Lillian Cooke and Jesse Cooke.

June 25, 66, Goldsboro

Mr. Albert L. Broadhurst, 66, of 802 Fourth St., Goldsboro, died on Sunday, at Willow Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Arrangements are incomplete and are handled by Serenity Memorial Funeral Home & Cremations, LLC.

June 26, 76,

Edward “Eddie” James York passed away on Monday, June 26, 2017, at his home in Goldsboro, NC, after a brief period of declining health. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Julius and Nettie York, at an early age his family relocated to Omaha, Nebraska.

Edward attended Creighton University in Omaha, NE, where he received his Bachelors and Masters of Business Administration degrees. Edward retired from Mobil-Exxon Corporation as a District Manager. Following his retirement in 1989, he went on to become an inventor and patent holder for environmental products as founder and owner of York Industries. His wife often stated that being married to someone with such an inventive mind was like being married to “Walter Mitty.”  Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting Ed has an “Eddie story”.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother, Ed will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.   He attended Best Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Edward leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife of 33 years, Beverly; three children, Spencer (Paula) York of Phoenix, AZ; Angela York of Las Vegas, NV; and Edward Julius “EJ” York of the home. He is also survived by one brother, Robert York, two sisters, Julia Miller (Arthur) of Omaha, NE, and Dr. Joyce Buckner of Carter Lake, IA.  Ed is also survived by three grandchildren, Natosha, Turner, and Tyler York, and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Wilbur and Reginald York.

To honor Ed’s wishes and remember his rich and colorful life, friends and family are invited to the home at 102 Park Place, Goldsboro, NC, on Sunday, July 2, 2017, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Ed’s memory to the charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Services 1300 Wayne Memorial Dr., Goldsboro, NC 27534.

June 26, 82,

Jack Lee, 82, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2017 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro surrounded by his family.

Jack was born in Wayne County on March 15, 1935 to the late George Milton Lee and Pearl Denning Lee.  He retired from his many years of service with the State of North Carolina.  Jack’s first and favorite occupation, however, was a farmer, and many of his happiest times were spent atop his tractor on the family farm.  He was the kind of man who was loyal to his family, who took great pride in caring and providing for them.  Jack was a member of St. John Pentecostal Holiness Church.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. at St. John Pentecostal Holiness Church followed by a service celebrating Jack’s life at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with Rev. Jim Skinner officiating.  A private interment for the family will follow in Wayne Memorial Park with Rev. Richard Parsons officiating.

Jack is survived by his wife of 62 years, Justine Johnson Lee; son, Jeff Lee and wife Cynthia Bowerslee of Wilmington; grandchildren, Catherine, Andrew, and Luke Lee; and sister, Jane Ebert of Sparta.  In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his son, Tommy Lee; and brothers, Harold Lee and Gordon Lee.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to St. John Pentecostal Holiness Church, 276 St. John Church Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.

June 26, 46,

Travis Ray Pope, 46, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2017 at Rex Healthcare in Raleigh.

Travis was born in Wayne County on July 9, 1970 to William Ray Pope of Goldsboro and the late Sheila Chavis Pope.  He worked in construction and assisted many people in Wayne County with their building needs.  Travis will be remembered for his love of the Dallas Cowboys and for spending time with family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 29, 2017 from 10:00 -11:30 a.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a service at the graveside at 12:00 noon in Oakland Heights Cemetery in Smithfield with Rev. Jeff Barnes officiating.  At other times, the family will be at the home of Angela and Chris Barnes, 401 Kuwicki Road, Pikeville, NC.

In addition to his father, he is survived by his daughter, Alexis Pope; son, Dallas Pope; granddaughter, Felicity Sauls; sisters, Angela Pope Barnes and husband Chris, Lisa Pope Mooring and husband Tim, and Bridget Rae Marino and husband Matt; brother, William Thomas Pope; step-mother, Cinda Pope; aunt, Ann Chavis; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Seymour Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.

June 27, 92, Pikeville

Dora Blalock Batts Vail, 92, of Pikeville passed away June 27, 2017 in Blacksburg, VA.

She was born in Fremont, NC January 31, 1925, the only child of Rufus Milton Batts and Abbie Blalock Batts. Her father died when she was eight. She graduated from Fremont High School as salutatorian and from Peace College in Raleigh and remained in contact with “Peace Girls” until her death. She worked at Wayne Wholesale Grocery and Pate-Dawson Motor Co. in Goldsboro before marrying Martin Allen Vail, Sr. in March 1949 and moving to Pikeville where she was bookkeeper for him in his businesses, Western Auto and True Value Hardware. She was a member of St. Joseph United Methodist Church where she held several offices. She served as a member of the Wayne County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee for nine years and was named Pikeville’s Most Distinguished Woman in 2004.

Martin Allen Vail, Sr. passed away in September, 2001 following their 51 years of marriage. She is survived by three children: Donna Vail Morgan and husband Dr. George E. Morgan III of Blacksburg, Virginia; Martin Allen Vail, Jr. and wife Janet Barbee Vail of Morehead City, NC; Dawn Vail Price and husband Dr. Jerry Theodore Price of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia; grandchildren: Abbie Vail Morgan of Bakersfield, CA; Dr. Rachel Dawn Price of Columbus, OH; Dr. Jordan Naomi Price of Fayetteville, GA; Capt. Jerry Theodore (Ted) Price, Jr. of Savannah, GA; Samuel Martin Price of Lynchburg, VA; sister-in-law, Eleanor Vail Cook of Boerne, TX; special nephew, Albert Jesse (Jay) Vail, III of Pikeville; special niece, Rev. Phyllis Vail of Goldsboro; special cousin, Robert (Bob) Smith and wife Ann of Windsor, VA.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 30, 2017 from 7 until 8:30 p.m. at Shackleford-Howell Funeral Home, 102 N. Pine Street in Fremont.  A service to celebrate her life will be held Saturday. July 1, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph United Methodist Church, 200 West Church Street, Pikeville by Rev. Rose Hicks and Rev. Phyllis Vail. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Fremont.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 43, Pikeville, NC 27863.

The family is in the care of Shackleford-Howell Funeral Home in Fremont.

June 28, 86,

Luray Watkins Brantham, 86, of the Rosewood Community joined her loving husband of 55 years in heaven while surrounded by her family on June 28, 2017.

Luray was born on January 8, 1931 to Ressie and Lucille Watkins. She lived her life in the Rosewood Community where she was first and foremost a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  Luray was a former extension home-maker, former part-owner of Rosewood Florist, and a member of Westwood United Methodist Church.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Terry Hobbs officiating.  The family will greet friends in the Westwood United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall following the service and other times at her home.

Luray is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Johnny Kearney; her sons and daughters-in-law, Landis Jr and Debbie Brantham, Alan and Kim Brantham, and Tim and Tracy Brantham, all of Rosewood. She has ten devoted grandchildren, John Kearney, Jennifer Collins and husband, Jason, Clint Brantham and wife, April, Kristy Holmes and husband Reid, Stephanie Brantham, Melanie Short and husband Robbie, Kayce Brantham and fiancée, Jon DeAntonio, Hayden Brantham, Hannah Brantham , Harley Brantham, and eight great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by one sister, Anne Wyman and one brother, Wayne Watkins and wife Coneva; and a loving pet “Boots”.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Landis C. Brantham; a son, Mark Brantham; a brother, JR Watkins; and a brother-in-law, Bob Wyman.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Westwood United Methodist Church, 130 Short Street, Goldsboro, NC  27530.

The family would like to thank the 3rd Floor Staff of Wayne Memorial Hospital and Kitty Askins Staff for their loving care.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.

June 28, 60, Faison

Sharon Williams DuBois, 60, passed away Wednesday evening, June 28, 2017 at her home.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Topsail Island.

Mrs. DuBois was born in Wayne County on June 22, 1957 to the late Carroll Stanley Williams and Geraldine Williams Taylor.

She is survived by her two sons, Donny Oates and wife, Kristy of Wilmington and Travis DuBois and wife, Shannon of Washington, NC; her two sisters, Donna Allen and husband, Jerry of Goldsboro and Gerri Cox and husband, Michael of Shallotte; and Cindle DuBois Lomax and husband, Josh of Panama City, FL and Paula DuBois of Panama City, FL, both of whom were like daughters to her.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. DuBois was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold DuBois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to The Humane Society.

The family is in the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro where condolences may be posted at www.howellfuneral.com.

June 29, 88,

Annie L. Croom, 88, of 4004 US Hwy 70 East died Thursday at her home.

June 30, 90,

Rosa Artis, 90, a resident of the Brian Center died Friday.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Haskins Funeral Home.

June 30, 79, Mount Olive

Martha Lee Weaver Davis, 79, resident of the Mount Olive area, died Friday morning, June 30, at Wayne Memorial Hospital.

Arrangements are incomplete.

Martha was the daughter of the late Rev. Fred Weaver and Lillie Jones Weaver. She was widow of George H. “Buck” Davis.

June 30, 79, Mount Olive

Martha Lee Weaver Davis, 79, resident of the Mount Olive area, died Friday morning, June 30, at Wayne Memorial Hospital.

Family and friends will be  received at the home of Johnny & Linda Davis, 1163 Country Club Road, Mount Olive, on Monday, July 3, from Noon until 2 p.m., with a graveside service to follow at 3 p.m. in the Calypso Cemetery.  Nephew, Wesley Weaver will preside at the service.

Martha is survived by her long-time companion, Pedro Herrera, of the home; a son, Johnny Ray Davis and wife, Linda, of Mount Olive; a daughter, Cindy Davis Mireles and husband, Eliseo Mireles, of Dudley; grandchildren, George Lee Davis and wife, Joboha, Ashley Nicole Davis, Fabian Mireles, Brandy Mireles, and Kaitlin Mireles; two great-grandchildren, Caleb and Colton Davis; a sister, Shirley W. Strickland of Mount Olive; brothers, the Rev. Jay Weaver of Garner, the Rev. Paul Weaver of Mount Olive, the Rev. Nick Weaver of Florence, S.C., and the Rev.  Jerry Weaver of Elkton, , Kentucky; many nieces and nephews; and last but not least, her prized doggie, Chapo.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George W. “Buck” Davis; her parents, the Rev. Fred Weaver and Lillie Jones Weaver; sisters, Bertha W. Hall and Mary W. Jones; and brothers, Fred Jr. Weaver, the Rev. George William Weaver, the Rev. Allen T. Weaver, John E. Weaver, and the Rev. Sam Weaver.

Arrangements by Tyndall Funeral Home.

July 1, 73, Goldsboro

John Kirk, 73, a retired Principal and educator of 212 Bunche Drive died Saturday at his home.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Haskins Funeral Home.

July 1, 91,

Tiny Pelt Sullivan, 91, passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Wayne Memorial Hospital.

Tiny was born in Wayne County on January 18, 1926 to the late David and Sadie Vinson Pelt.  She was married to the late Marion Lee Sullivan.  Tiny’s life was filled with humility, kindness and a love for others that she displayed every time she smiled and when she visited with others.  Tiny dedicated her life to serving her family unselfishly and to serving her Lord.  Her faith, strength and courage during challenging times inspired all who knew her.

The family will receive friends Monday, July 3, 2017 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a graveside service to celebrate Tiny’s life at 3:30 p.m. in Wayne Memorial Park.

Tiny is survived by her daughter, Betty Jo Metcalf of Goldsboro; grandchildren, Stephanie Metcalf, Amber Grimes, Tracy Riggs, Christy Baker, Jeffrey Sullivan; great-grandchildren, Michael Riggs, Caroline Riggs, Natalie Riggs, Tyler Baker, Brittany Baker, Kaitlyn Sullivan, Madison Sullivan, Peyton Sullivan, Dylan Sullivan, Katie Gray, Abigail Grimes, and Brandon Baker; and three great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Marion Earl Sullivan; grandson, Brandon Baker; and sister, Ruby Medlin.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.

July 1, 83,

Seth Walter Best, Sr., age 83, died Saturday Morning at UNC Wayne Health. Born in Wayne County he was the son of the late William T. and Carrie Lee Best and was the husband of Merlene Brock Best of the home. A son, Seth Best Jr. and a sister, Geraldine Benson preceded him in death.
A funeral service will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at Falling Creek Baptist Church with the Dr. Billy Webb and Dr. Kenneth Benton officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery with military honors.

Seth was an avid farmer and for over 35 years he refereed Basketball. In addition, he had been a member and served the Grantham Vol. Fire Dept. for 18 years.

In addition to his wife, Seth is survived by a son; Kent B. Best of Goldsboro, a daughter-in-law; Janice Faye Best of Goldsboro, three brothers; William Nelson Best, Joe C. Best, and Gordon Lee Best, a sister; Brenda Faye Hollowell, special cousins; Rella Jernigan and Jeanette Jackson. A special thanks is given to Dawn Pruett for all of her help during this time.

Flowers are welcome or the family request that you remember a charity of your choice.

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

July 1, 81,

Bobby Gene Lord, 81, passed away Saturday at Wayne U.N.C. Health Care. He was the son of the late Carl S. Lord and Kattie S. Lord, and was the husband of Dorothy B. Lord. Mr. Lord was a United States Air Force veteran, and was retired from Kemp Furniture. He was a member of the First Free Will Baptist Church in Goldsboro, as well as a member of the DAV.

A funeral service will be held on Monday at 7:00 P.M. in the chapel of Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. A committal service will be held Wednesday at 11:00 A.M. in Wayne Memorial Park.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Lord is survived by his daughters, Brenda Sigmon of Dudley, Kimberly Melton of Mt. Olive, and Connie Lord of Dudley; 8 Grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild.

Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to the Wayne County Animal Shelter.

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

July 1, 78,

William Peter Cerny, 78, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.

Pete was born in New York City on February 13, 1939 to the late William and Millicent Cerny.  He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps.  Pete was a man of God and served his community as a pastor.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. in the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery with Rev. Charles Kirkland officiating.

Pete is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gay Woodard Cerny; daughter, Letitia Bridgeman and husband Austin of Washington, NC; sons, William P. “Bill” Cerny II and wife Chasity of Pikeville, John Cerny and wife Susan of Washington, NC, Aaron Cerny of Roanoke, VA, Joseph Cerny and wife Jessica of Goldsboro, and Benjamin Cerny of Goldsboro; twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jimmy Cerny.

The family request that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to Free Heart Ministry, 208 North Herman St., Goldsboro,  N. C.  27530.

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

July 2, 88, Goldsboro

Margie Barnes Shirley left this world to be with Jesus Sunday morning while surrounded by her family at Kitty Askins Hospice Center.  Margie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend whose love for life and others was apparent to all who met her.

Margie had a sparkle in her eye and a heartwarming, generous spirit, always making everyone feel at home.  Her faith, strength and courage during challenging times inspired all who knew her.  Margie’s unconditional love and deeply caring nature graced us all.

Margie loved First Free Will Baptist Church and was a dedicated and faithful servant her entire life.  She had a large extended circle of family and friends and they were all very special to her.  She will be missed, but greatly remembered.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at First Free Will Baptist Church followed by a service celebrating Margie’s life at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with Rev. Gary Bailey officiating.  Entombment will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday in the mausoleum chapel of Wayne Memorial Park.

Margie is survived by her husband of almost 68 years, Wilber Shirley; daughters and sons-in-law, Trista and Dennis Monk and Rayne and Davie Caudill; grandchildren, Brenna Wolfe and husband Adam, Courtney Barnes and husband Jon, Tanner Monk, and Davis Caudill; great-grandchildren, Wesley Wolfe, Allie Gray Barnes and Declan Monk; and her beloved pet, J.J.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Elizabeth Watson and Mavis Hooks; and brother, Ralph Barnes.

Special thanks to her wonderful neighbors, church friends, and the nurses and doctors who cared for her and her family in so many kind and thoughtful ways through the years and during this time of loss.

To honor Margie’s life, memorials may be given to First Free Will Baptist Church, 604 Ash Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.