December 10, 81, Dudley

Deacon Curtis Wade, 81, of 303 Hopes Way Drive, Dudley died Sunday in the Wayne Memorial Hospital.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Haskins Funeral Home.

December 10, 91, Mount Olive

Mrs. Louise Best Hatch, long time Mount Olive resident, passed away Sunday night, December 10, 2017 at the age of 91.

Having been raised up in Calypso Baptist Church and baptized there, she became a member of First United Methodist Church of Mount Olive many years ago. Here, she sang in the choir and offered her time and talents in many capacities through the years. She had been a member of the Mount Olive Business and Professional Women’s group and was named as its Lady of the Year some years ago. She enjoyed travel and in later years, her association with the Mount Olive Senior Center where she truly enjoyed playing her hand at bean bag baseball.

She attended Peace College and later received a master’s degree in education from East Carolina University. Her career in education began as teacher at Grantham and Brogden Schools, then as principal at Seven Springs School, culminating with a position in the central office of Wayne County Public Schools.

Mrs. Hatch is survived by a son, Joe Hatch of Mount Olive and Roanoke Rapids; a daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Rob Blount of Petersburg, Va.; two grandchildren, Meredith B. Cherry and husband, Andrew, of Austin, Texas, and Paige Blount of Stanford, Va.; and a great-grandson, Lucas Cherry.
The family extends a special note of appreciation to Angie Sides for exemplary care and committment to the needs of Mrs. Hatch during the last several months.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert Ray Hatch; her parents, Charles Russell Best and Leah Sellars Best; and an infant brother.

The life of Mrs. Hatch will be celebrated in a service to be held Friday, December 15, at 2 p.m.at First United Methodist Church, corner of East James and North Church Streets, Mount Olive. Dr. H. Dennis Draper, Jr. and the Rev. Marti Hatch will officiate, and burial will follow at Wayne Memorial Park. The family will greet friends in the church library during the hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, it is desired that memorial gifts be made to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 420, Mount Olive NC 28365.

A Tyndall Service.

December 11, 49, Pikeville

Kimberly Ann Thomas, 49, of Pikeville passed away at her home on Monday evening, December 11, 2017. She was born December 13, 1967 in Johnston County to Barbara Talton Thomas and the late Jimmy Randall Thomas. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Ivey Randall Thomas. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2017 in Casey Funeral Home Chapel at 7:00 pm with the Reverend Dennis Pollock officiating. The burial will be in Princeton Cemetery.

She is survived by her mother, Barbara Talton Thomas of Pikeville; nephew, Brandon Thomas and wife, Courtney of Four Oaks; great nephew, Elliot Thomas; uncle, Glenn Talton; aunts, Evelyn “Tootise” Mancuso, Lavern Woodard, and Peggy Kornegay.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at Casey Funeral Home Chapel.

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

December 11, 79, Mount Olive

Joe Dan Strickland, aged 79, of Mount Olive died peacefully on Monday afternoon at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Born in Wayne County, he was the son of the late Ralph and Mary Strickland. Prior to retirement, he was a finishing carpenter for various builders and finally for Outlaw Mobile Homes. Parkinson’s Disease forced an early retirement.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 1:00 pm at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Wayne Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday at 12:00 pm at the funeral home and at other times at the home of Gail Westbrook in the Grantham Community.

Mr. Strickland is survived by his loving and devoted wife of almost 57 years, Carol Westbrook Strickland; a son, Jeff Strickland (Gina); two granddaughters, Hannah Hollingsworth (Jacob) and Nora Strickland; one step-granddaughter, Taylor Urban (James) and one great-grandson, Lucas Hollingsworth; three sisters, Eva Cartwright (George), Alice Mitchell and Sharon Johnson (Stacy); one brother, Jerry Strickland (Frances).

Flowers are welcome and memorial contributions may be directed t o The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014 or to the or Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, 27534.

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

December 12, 67,

Robert Lee Bell, 67, of 903 4th Street died Tuesday in the Willow Creek Nursing Home.

December 14, 58, Pikeville

David Edward Hope, 58, passed away Thursday, December 14, 2017 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

The family is in the care of Howell Funeral Home and Crematory in Goldsboro.

December 15, 84, Dudley

Phillip Ronald Skiles, aged 84, of Dudley, died peacefully on Friday evening at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Born in Pittsburg, California, to the late Albert and Jeanette Skiles, he retired from the US Air Force as an aircraft engine mechanic and went on to work for and retire from AP Parts.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Wayne Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the funeral home.

Mr. Skiles is survived by his wife, of the home, Chong Kim Skiles; two sons, Phillip Skiles, Jr. and Michael Skiles, one daughter, Lori Bolding all of Piedmont, South Carolina; five grandchildren, Shane and Stanley Skiles, Gregory, Matthew and Justin Mueller; and nine great grandchildren, Leni and Luca Skiles, Olivia, Brinkley, Clayton, Tanner, Maddison Mueller, Havoc Suttles and Braydon Henson ; and one step-niece, Kim Hyde.

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

December 16, 58,

Wanda Gail Edwards, age 58, died Saturday at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Born in Duplin County, she was preceded in death by most of her biological family.

A service to celebrate “Granny’s” life will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home.

She is survived by a son, Travis Edwards of Dudley; one former daughter in law and close friend, Linda Ponce of Dudley; one granddaughter, Heather Phillips of Dudley; one grandson, Brian Edwards of Dudley; one brother, Eddie Smith of Albertson and one dear friend, Nadine Cash of Dudley.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions be directed to Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home, PO Box 167, Goldsboro, NC 27533

Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Edwards family.

December 16, 78

Nathan Earnest Gregory, age 78, died Saturday at Wayne UNC Healthcare in Goldsboro. Born in Wayne County he was the son of the late John Nathan and Laura Casey Gregory.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home.

He is survived by three sons; Gary Gregory of Farmville, Timothy Gregory of Jacksonville, FL and Danny Gregory of Hope Mills, N.C.; five brothers; William Gregory of Red Springs, John Gregory of Warsaw, Paul Gregory of Goldsboro and Terry Gregory of Clayton, six sisters; Peggy Daniels of Dudley, Betty Rigsbee of Dudley, Hilda Hodnett of Dudley, Patsy Hanegan of Dudley, Janice Sessoms of Calypso and Marie Herring of Goldsboro, along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions be directed to Cures for the Colors, 203 Cox Blvd. Goldsboro, N.C. 27534

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

December 16, 91, Goldsboro

Edna Corbett DuBois, aged 91, of Goldsboro crossed into the heavenly realm on Saturday morning. Mrs. DuBois was surrounded by members of her loving family when she passed away. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Joseph Garcia DuBois.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 23, 2017 at 11:00 am at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Wayne Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Saturday prior to the service from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the funeral home.

Mrs. DuBois leaves behind three children, Mike DuBois (Denise) of Goldsboro, Keith DuBois (Steve) of Arlington, Virginia and Robin Reccasina (Peter) of Coral Springs, Florida; her beloved grandchildren, Alexandra Reccasina and Christian Reccasina of Coral Springs, Florida. Also surviving are three brothers and three sisters, Janet Price (Griffin), Norma Weaver, Gary Corbett (Joy), Gordon Corbett (Jolene), Gene Corbett (Hester), Linda Edwards (Ronald). Mrs. DuBois was also blessed with six additional grandchildren by marriage, Cynthia Sewell Whitley (Kevin), Pamela Sewell, John Sewell (Ranjay), Phyllis Sewell Suggs (Charles), Vivian Sewell Edmonson (Steve) and Paul Potter.Her great grandchildren include Holden and Noah Whitley, Carly Sewell, Regan, Caleb and Annabelle Hair, Taylor Suggs, Haley Casesa and John Michael Edmonson.

Edna found her greatest joy in being a wife and mother. She was very active in her church, Oak Heights Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church and later, Rosewood Worship Center. She was called to serve as a Sunday School teacher, Deaconess and Ladies Auxillary member. Visiting with nursing home residents was a particular passion of Mrs. DuBois’ and a key role she played with the Lion’s Club as a Lady Lion.

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

December 16, 89,

Ellen B. O’Quinn, a ballet dancer who became an advocate for the art form, died on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at Brookdale Country Day Road. She was 89.

Ellen was born in Germany on July 17, 1928 to the late Johon and Ida Graff Bauersmann. She served as a principal and soloist with the Metropolitan Opera House in West Germany during World War II. Ellen later moved to the United States where she began her future career, teaching. She married the love of her life, Robert Earl O’Quinn who preceded her in death on June 12, 2003 after over 50 years of marriage. In 1963, Ellen founded the Ellen O’Quinn School of Dance in Goldsboro and which was later named Artistic Dance Academy. She never lost her love for dance and her greatest pleasure was teaching students in dance, a number of whom achieved professional success over the years.

Ellen lived a life of dedication to her family and friends, and to her community. She served her community many ways from starting a community theatre known as Carolina Theatre Dance Ensemble, to baking cookies for the children at O’Berry Center at Christmas, to organizing the first Nutcracker Ballet in Goldsboro to help raise monies for the students to travel to Europe. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and friends, especially her precious grandchildren. She will also be missed by the many students she taught through the years.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home. A service to celebrate Ellen’s life will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel with Pastor Andy Stovall officiating. Interment will follow in Wayne Memorial Park.

Ellen is survived by her children, Carmen O’Quinn, Durwood O’Quinn and wife Margaret, Patrick O’Quinn and wife Rose, Patricia O. Warren and husband John, and Chris O’Quinn; grandchildren, Boogie O’Quinn, Erica Thompson, Jackie O’Quinn, Stacey O’Quinn, Michelle and Joe Richardson, Sabrina Taylor, Rhonda Blizzard, Robert O’Quinn, Brian O’Quinn, Mariah and Jeff Fisher, Crystal and Joe Boudy, Shane O’Quinn, Chuckie O’Quinn, Tara Warren, John Thomas Warren, Shannon Rogers, Brandy O’Quinn, and John Lancaster Jr.; 19 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Edgar O’Quinn and sister, Hilda Umstead.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 930B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC 27834.

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

December 16, 65,

Mr. Lee Elbert “Randy” Murphey, 65, resident of the Rhodes Church area near Mount Olive, died Saturday night, December 16, 2017 in a nursing facility in Roanoke, Va.

The family will receive friends at Tyndall Funeral Home from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 20, and at other times at the home of Carroll and Diana Grady. Graveside services will be Thursday, December 21, at 3 p.m. at Wayne Memorial Park. Pastor Carroll Overman will be presiding.

Randy had served in both the Army and Navy. Most of his civilian employment was in swine production on the Carroll Grady farm, with a shorter tenure of service with a truss manufacturing plant in Dunn.

He is survived by two daughters, Amy Lynn Murphey of Winthrop, Maine, and Jessica Murphey Ortiz of Gastonia; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Diana M. and Carroll Grady of Mount Olive, and Etta Beth M. Randolph of Sacramento, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Sandra Murphey of Goldsboro; very special nieces, Laura Read, Sherry Holmes, and Patti Lane; and other nieces, Denise Mitchell, Jenny Murphey, Brandy Pace, and Renee Murphey; and nephews, Jeremy Grady, Jason and Jamie Randolph; along with all their families.

The family gives special recognition to Stephanie Reid, ICU nurse at Wayne Hospital, and to Casey, special assistant at Kissito/Bryan Center in Roanoke for exemplary care and concern shown to Mr. Murphey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jewell Victor Murphey and Edith Bowes Murphey; a brother, Timothy Lee Murphey; and a nephew, Tony Murphey.

December 17, 71,

Pinkie Price, 71, of the Rosewood community went to be with her Lord, Jesus Christ on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at home with her son by her side.

The family will receive friends Thursday, December 21, 2017 from noon until 8 p.m. at the residence, 203 Community Drive.

Ms. Price was born in Wayne County on March 14, 1946 to the late James Henry and Maylene Tucker Price.

She is survived by her loving son, Jay Holland and wife, Shannon of Rosewood and three grandchildren, Sarah, Daniel and Maddox Holland.

The family is in the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.

December 17, 91, La Grange

Enzie Harrison Singleton, 91, received the ultimate Christmas gift on Sunday, December 17, 2017 with her promotion to Heaven. Enzie was born September 13, 1926 in Greene County to the late Titus Greene Harrison and Ruth Leneave Harrison. Her husband of almost fifty eight years, Milford Junior Singleton; and a son, Michael Titus Singleton, preceded her in death.

Determined, strong-willed, and fiercely independent, Enzie was the cornerstone of her family. She was a remarkable mother and grandmother. Family ties were important to Enzie, and each family member held a special place in her heart. Her grandchildren will always remember that she was a fixture at every important event. Enzie always managed to be everywhere for everyone. Her children and grandchildren fondly recall her chocolate “Runny Cake” and delicious homemade ice cream.

A woman who truly personified Proverbs 31, Enzie’s faith in God was a source of strength to her family. The values she instilled in her family were derived from her belief in the power of prayer. Enzie worshiped her Lord at La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church, where she used her gifts from God in the choir and as a Sunday School teacher.

A true southern lady with a love for the outdoors, Enzie had the gift of a green thumb and loved tending to her flowers and garden. There was always a special place in her heart for animals. Enzie loved having farm animals for the little ones to enjoy. Enzie enjoyed her trips to the beach and took great joy in knowing that she had put her feet in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The Christmas season was Enzie’s favorite time of year. She loved the sight of snowflakes falling and a white landscape. Over the years she collected many manger scenes and Christmas villages that she displayed in her home for others to admire. Enzie’s family takes great comfort in knowing that she is spending Christmas with Jesus this year.

A service to celebrate and honor Enzie’s life will be held Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 6 p.m. at La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church. Graveside committal services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery.

Enzie is lovingly survived by four children, Cleo Hinson and husband, Carl, Chris Singleton and wife, Vickie, Yvonne Stroud and husband, Donald, and Jean Jackson and husband, Robert; ten grandchildren, Amy Burke and husband, Ray, Patricia Hinson, Reagan Myers and husband, Jason, Zac Singleton and wife, Beth, Craig Stroud and wife, Becky, Michael Stroud, Michelle Johnson and husband, Chad, Robby Jackson and wife, Blair, Cameron Jackson and Spencer Jackson; six great-grandchildren, Ashleigh Burke, Anna Baird and husband, Luke, Drew Burke, Harrison Myers, Theo Singleton and Tinley Johnson; four siblings, Holton Harrison, Joseph Harrison and wife, Ellen, Clifton Harrison and wife, Joyce and Donnie Harrison and wife, Lucille; sisters-in-law, Wanna Harrison and Rachel Bush; and two brothers-in-law, Billy Singleton and Bobby Singleton. Enzie was also preceded in death by seven siblings, Elvie Ruth Holland, Maxie Harrison, Cleo Harrison, Holton Hillard Harrison, Dixon Harrison, Titus Harrison and Kendrick Harrison.

Family and friends will be received Tuesday following the service. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church, 802 South Caswell Street, La Grange, NC 28551. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.

December 17, 55,

Diane Butts Strickland, 55, passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at her home.

Diane was born in Wayne County on July 21, 1962 to Ann Gray Butts of Goldsboro and the late Donnie Butts. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben C. Strickland, on November 7, 2015. Diane’s warmth, generosity and kind spirit were well known and cherished by those she encountered throughout her life. She gave the true gift of life to her father in 2007, a kidney that allowed Donnie to continue to enjoy life until his death in 2012. Diane was always the person to get her family together for dinners and other social events. With her love for cooking, Diane started a cake baking business called Icing on the Cake and her cakes were sought after for special events. She will also be remembered by many for her eye to decorate and for her need to keep everything clean as reflected in the beauty of her home. Diane was the rock of her family, her children knew that she loved them with all her heart and truly was a blessing to them. Although she had some health challenges, she always remained focused on her family, her faith and her friends.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 21, 2017 from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a service to celebrate Diane’s life at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel. Interment will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.

She is survived by her children: Benjamin Charles Strickland Jr. and wife Adrienne; Cameron Gray Strickland; Pamela Strickland Jessup and husband Dr. David B. Jessup; and Stacie Noelle Strickland; and the grandmother to five grandchildren, Alma Noelle Strickland, Lukas Blackwell Jessup, Delaney Kelsey Jessup, Parker Benjamin Strickland, and Cooper Morris Strickland; and was anticipating the birth of a granddaughter in January, 2018. She is also survived by her brother, Donnie Butts, Jr.; special friend, Marion Wayne Dale; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: John C. and Peggy Strickland and Robie B. and Carol Strickland Jr; and aunts, Peggy Watson, Brenda Gray, Rose Hinton, Emily B. Gurley, and Becky B. Strickland.

In addition to her husband and father, Diane was preceded in death by a grandson, Noah Strickland Jessup; maternal grandparents, Richard and Gladys Gray and paternal grandparents, Earl and Inez Butts.

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

December 18, 91, Mount Olive

Arthur Lee King Sr., 91, of 238 E. Franklin St., Mt. Olive died Monday at Genesis Health Center.

He was born April 11, 1926 in Wayne County and is survived by nine children.

Funeral service will be held Saturday at 2:00 PM at Gospel Light United Holy Church, Mt. Olive.

Visitation will be held Friday from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Haskins Funeral Home. At other times the family will receive friends at 225 Daly Blvd.,Mt. Olive, where they will assemble in preparation for the funeral procession.

Arrangements by Haskins Funeral Home

December 18, 77,

Elizabeth Cary Smith, 77, passed away Monday, December 18, 2017 at home.

Burial will be held in Maryland.

Mrs. Smith was born in Baltimore, Maryland on December 4, 1940 to the late Bryan Black Jr. and Ruth Bowen Black.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Smith.

She is survived by two daughters, Brenda Lee Harper and husband, George L. Harper, of Goldsboro and Elizabeth Turner McFarland and husband, Martin Lee McFarland of Roswell, Georgia; one sister, Elizabeth Kingsley Black Moore and husband, Garland Payne “Bo” Moore of Lutherville, Maryland; and her triplet grandchildren, Katherine V. McFarland, Alastair C. McFarland, and Samuel I. McFarland.

The family is in the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.

December 18, 95,

Helen Hazelip Jackson, 95, passed away on Monday, December 18, 2017 at Willow Creek Nursing Home surrounded by her family.

Helen was born in Ohio County, Kentucky on January 19, 1922 to the late Gaither and Lydia Igleheart Hazelip. She was married to the late Lloyd Jackson. Helen was a generous and gracious woman. She will be remembered for the love and laughter that she shared during her well-lived life.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 21, 2017 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at 2:30 p.m. in Pineview Cemetery near Seven Springs with Rev. Mark Thomas officiating.

She is survived by her son, Lloyd Douglas Jackson of Goldsboro; sister, Barbara Brown of Goldsboro; and grandson, Thomas Douglas Jackson.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Thomas Hazelip and Donald Hazelip; and sisters, Maxine Summerlin, Dorothy Hazelip, Bernice Adams, and Joan Schultz.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Goldsboro P.F.W.B. Church, 2812 McLain Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530.

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

December 18, 71,

Glenda Joyce White, 71, passed away Monday, December 18, 2017 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center.

Homegoing service will be held Friday, December 22, 2017 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.  Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Goldsboro.  Viewing will be held prior to the service from 1 until 1:45 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mrs. White was born in Lenoir County on October 24, 1946 to the late Nathan and Helen Garner.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis A. White Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memories two daughters, Udana White Bivins and Teness White of Goldsboro; two brothers, Nathan Garner and wife, Margo of Kinston and Wendell Garner of Kinston; two sisters, Jacqueline Garner of Kenansville and Rosetta Williams and husband, Hubert of Washington, DC and two grandchildren, Tela and Lexus Bivins.

Professional services have been entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.