December 31, 90,

Audrey Vogel Harris, 90, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at Brookdale Country Day Road.

Audrey was born in St. Louis, Missouri on June 25, 1927 to the late Frederick George Vogel and Florence Mossmann Vogel. She was married to the late Zachariah Harris, Jr. Audrey had retired from Wayne County Department of Social Services and was a member of the Belfast Extension Homemakers. She loved Good Shepherd Lutheran Church where she was a dedicated and faithful servant. 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 Wednesday, January 3, 2018 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church followed by a service to celebrate Audrey’s life at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Joanna Stallings officiating. Interment will be in Wayne Memorial Park.

Audrey is survived by her sons, Rev. Zachariah Harris III and wife Karen of Goldsboro, Dr. Mark Frederick Harris and wife Dr. Nancie Harris of Canonsburg, PA; grandchildren, Grace Audrey Harris, Anna Kathleen Harris, Luke Charles Harris, Jack Henry Harris, Brittany Rebecca Morrill, and Ryan Gregory Morrill.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Dolores Moore.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 532 Country Day Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

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

December 31, 47,

Sandra Ashford, 47, of 342 Harold Pond Lane died Sunday in the Wayne Memorial Hospital.

She was born November 1, 1970 in Lenoir County to Edward Davis and Mattie Foster. She is survived by her husband Thomas Ashford and three children.

Funeral services will be held Saturday in the James T. Haskins Memorial Chapel of the Haskins Funeral Home. Visitation Friday from 2 PM until 6 PM with the family present to receive friends from 5 PM until 6 PM at the funeral home. At other times, the family will receive friends at the residence where they will assemble in preparation for the funeral procession.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Haskins Funeral Home.

December 31, 96, Princeton

Lena Futrell Holt, 96, of Princeton passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2017. She was born on May 31, 1921 and was raised in Pine Level, NC where her parents the late James Clyde Futrell and Addie Creech Futrell lived. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar Alexander Holt, Jr.; brother, C. Lorraine Futrell; and grandson, Geoffrey Oliver.The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 6:00 pm in Casey Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend David Hutchins officiating. The burial will take place in the Futrell Family Cemetery.

She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Edgar Holt III and wife, Pamela of Goldsboro; daughter and son-in-law, Edwina Holt Oliver and husband, Rudolph E. of Clayton; grandchildren, Elizabeth Holt Hall, Scott A. Oliver, Emily Holt Best, Alton P. Draughon III, and Jennifer D. Baynes; great grandchildren, Ethan Hall, Jackson Hall, Cole Oliver, Ella Oliver, Kaitlyn Draughon, Daniel Baynes, Jr., Lilly Draughon, Benjamin C. Baynes, James Best and Ruth H. Best. Mrs. Holt was a member of the Princeton United Methodist Church where she served as the Volunteer Choir Director, a Sunday School teacher, and in various other capacities. She was a member of The Raleigh Oratorio Society, a charter member of the Johnston County Choral Society, Board of Trustees of Johnston Community College, and an alumna of Meredith College and served as the President of the Johnston County Democratic Women. Mrs. Holt taught piano lessons from her home for many years.

The family will receive friends from 4:30 pm until 6:00 pm on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at Casey Funeral Home Chapel. Although flowers are welcome, the family suggests that contributions be made to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534 or to Princeton United Methodist Church, 1st Street, Princeton, NC 27569

A special thank you to the Kitty Askins staff, the staff of Autumn Home Care in Selma, and the staff of UNC Johnston Health.

January 1, 57, Goldsboro

John William Chance, Sr., 57, passed away on Monday, January 1, 2018 after a lengthy illness.

John was born in Wayne County on December 14, 1960 to the late John B. and Juanita Jackson Chance. He graduated from Goldsboro High School in 1979. John received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1983 and his Master of Arts in Education from East Carolina University in 1990. John served as the Executive Director of Wayne Opportunity Center, Inc. in Goldsboro before he retired for health reasons. He was always eager to assist consumers and families in any way possible to enhance their lives, whether it was employment, housing, transportation, food, or clothing. Prior to serving with the Wayne Opportunity Center, John had worked with the Wayne County Register of Deeds, O’Berry Center, and with Skill Creations.

John was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Past Exalted Ruler of Goldsboro Elks Lodge, Past President of the Goldsboro Jaycees, Past President of Wayne County Chapter of the American Heart Association, National Representative for Woodmen of the World, President of the Sunrise Kiwanis Club and was a member and held office in the following: Gateway Transit, Goldsboro Appearance Commission and Goldsboro Community Affairs Commission. In 2006, John teamed with Nancy Delia and the Sunrise Kiwanis to form the Aktion Club, which was a club specifically for People with Disabilities.

John has advocated for People with Disabilities by being the past President of the Wayne County Mental Health Association and Treasurer for the Mayors Committee for People with Disabilities. He has always been involved in the lives of individuals with disabilities. John and Sue have also served as guardians for others for over 20 years.

Scouting played a large role in John’s life. John served scouts in the Tuscarora Council in various capacities such as committee member, cub and scoutmaster and he dedicated much of his adult life to training boys in scouting. One of John’s proudest achievements was receiving his Eagle Scout and was pleased to see many other boys under his guidance achieve the rank of Eagle.

John received other awards which included: Order of the Arrow, Jaycee of the Year, Kiwanian of the Year, Boss of the Year (both the North Carolina National Guard and the Goldsboro Jaycees), Volunteer of the Year (Wayne County Mental Health Association and the Wayne County Heart Association), Honor Plaque from Woodmen of the World, Outstanding Young North Carolinian, and the Mayor’s Trophy for the Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities.

A Service to celebrate John’s life will be held on Friday, January 5, 2018 at 12:00 PM at St. Paul United Methodist Church with Rev. James Harry and Rev. Phyllis Vail officiating. Interment will follow in the Roseboro Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 4, 2018 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home and other times at his home.

John is survived by his wife, Sue W. Chance; son, Will Chance of Greenville; daughter, Susan Kate Chance of the home; daughter, Corrie Deporter and husband Brian of Roseboro; and two grandsons, J.J. and Joseph Shandy.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church 204 E. Chestnut Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530 or Wayne Opportunity Center, 619 S. George Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530.

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

January 2, 70,

Joseph Eugene “Pete” Parks, 70, passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at Wayne UNC Hospital surrounded by his family.

Pete was born in Wayne County on January 22, 1947 to the late Earl Eugene Parks and Edna Mae Lancaster Parks. He was a valued employee of Carolina Power and Light Company where he worked as a lineman for many years. Pete proudly served his country in the United States Army.

Pete enjoyed life and spending time with his family and friends. You could often find Pete and Libby attending a ballgame or any outing that involved their grandchildren. Pete’s courage during his fight with cancer was typical of his strength of character, reflecting his loyalty, dedication to and deep love for his family and his zest and love of life. He will be missed but will be greatly remembered.

A service to celebrate Pete’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 7, 2018 in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home with Rev. Jeff Dail and Rev. Jerry Stephenson officiating. Interment will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 8, 2018 in the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday following the service at Seymour Funeral Home and other times at his home.

Pete is survived by his wife of 51 years, Libby Parks; children, Rene Parks Grantham and husband Rick, Phyllis Parks Howell, and Phillip Parks and wife Megan; and the apple of his eyes, his grandchildren, Zach Grantham, Elizabeth Howell, and Kinsley Parks. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews he loved very much.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Cures for the Colors, SMOC, 203 Cox Blvd., Goldsboro, NC 27534.

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

January 4, 33,

Sarah Elliott Lewis, 33, passed away at home Thursday, January 4, 2018 following a long battle with multiple medical issues.

Sarah was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, June 28, 1984, to Marshalle Elliott Lewis and Judy Lindsay Lewis. She was a longtime member of Rosewood First Baptist Church.

Sarah was graduated from Rosewood High School, The University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Psychology and was near completion of a PsyD. Sarah loved the Carolina Tarheels and was an avid Tarheel basketball fan. The beach was her favorite place where she enjoyed many family vacations. Sarah had a beautiful smile, a contagious sense of humor, and loved others with her whole heart. Her greatest loves were her niece and nephews.

Sarah is survived by her parents, Marshalle Elliott Lewis and Judy Lindsay Lewis, sister Lindsay Lewis Caldwell and husband Stephan Alan Caldwell of Clayton, nephews Wyatt James and Grayson Alan Caldwell, niece Sadie Jewel Caldwell, cousin Jason Lindsay, and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Sarah was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Newton Egbert and Mary Marshburn Lindsay, and her paternal grandmother, Sadie Elliott Lewis.

The service to celebrate Sarah’s life will be Sunday, January 7, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at Rosewood First Baptist Church. The church address is 562 NC Highway 581 South, Goldsboro, NC. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in Braswell Hall of the Family Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Music Ministry of Rosewood First Baptist Church.

January 4, 70,

Felix Thurman “Bud” Summerlin, Jr., 70, peacefully passed away Thursday, January 4, 2018 at his home. Born in Wayne County on February 10, 1947, he was the son of Myrtle Hobson Summerlin and the late Felix Thurman Summerlin, Sr.

Bud was a retired electrician, having worked for Starr Electric and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He was a proud member of the American Legion, VFW, and NRA. An avid sportsman he enjoyed shooting a good game of pool. Bud was a die-hard Carolina fan and enjoyed watching any and every Tar-Heel game.

A service to celebrate Bud’s life will be held Monday, January 8, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. from the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home with Rev. Tony McLamb officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Wayne Memorial Park.

In addition to his mother, Bud is survived by a sister, Brenda S. Linker; nephew, Douglas Thurman Summerlin; niece, Karen Linker; great-niece, Nikki Linker; and special cousin, Sonny Edgerton. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Douglas “Jimmy” Summerlin.

The family will receive friends Sunday, January 7, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home and at other times at the home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 or to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court Glen Allen, VA 23060-9979.

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

January 4, 43,

Thomas Lyle Robinson, 43, of the Scott’s Store community near Mount Olive, died Thursday, January 4, 2018 at his home.

Mr. Robinson, called Tommy by most, was employed as a diesel mechanic with Eugene Pearsall Trucking Co. of Faison. An outdoorsman by nature, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, going camping, and grilling, and he enjoyed working, for he worked hard all the time.

Survivors include his wife, Lee Ann Robinson; daughter, Lynsey Rouse of the home; son, Christopher Casey of Mount Olive; two grandchildren, Hailey Casey and Jackson Casey; his mother, Paula Lujan of Mount Olive; and seven siblings.

A son, Brandon Michael Casey, preceded him in death in 2015.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 9, at 2:00 p.m. at Tyndall Funeral Home with burial following in the Brandon Casey Memorial Garden at the home. Presiding will the the Reverend Ashley Summerlin. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday, January 8, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.

A Tyndall Service.

January 5, 80,

Pearl Hill Head, 80, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2018 at Wayne UNC Healthcare surrounded by her family.

Pearl was born in Lenoir County on July 9, 1937 to the late William Henry Hill and Josie Corinne Lee Hill. She was married to the late Dean Head who preceded her in death on August 2, 2014. Pearl was a member of Harvest Baptist Church and was a dedicated and faithful servant. She was very involved in the work of the Free Will Baptist Orphanage in Middlesex and would participate in their homecoming celebrations each year. Pearl was the kindest and most loving mother and grandmother and a great friend to everyone. She will be missed by all who were blessed enough to know her.

Funeral Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home with Rev. Wesley Johnson and Pete Williams officiating. Interment will be on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in Wayne Memorial Park.

Pearl is survived by her daughters, Angela Gail Letchworth of Goldsboro, Johnnie F. Lawrimore and husband Jerry of Chesapeake VA, Paula Dean Letchworth Cobb and husband Michael of Wilson, Pamela Jean Letchworth of Wilson; grandchildren, Staci Olmstead and husband Joe, Andrea Gilbert and husband Jacob, Rachel Cobb; and four great-grandchildren, Mia, Alexander, Barrett, and Nicholas. She is also survived by her sisters, Margie Casper and husband Billy, Janice Lee Cole; brothers, William Jerry Hill and wife Sue and Ted Hill; and several nieces and nephews she loved very much.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her infant son, Little Paul Letchworth.

The family will receive friends following the service Tuesday evening at Seymour Funeral Home, and at other times at her home in Kirkwood Retirement Community and the home of her daughter, Pamela Jean Letchworth in Wilson.

Although flowers are welcome the family suggests that donations be made to Harvest Baptist Church, 313 Old Hwy 111, Goldsboro, NC 27534 or the Free Will Baptist Orphanage, P.O. Box 249, Middlesex, NC 27577.

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

January 5, 81,

Melba Aycock Kirby, 81, completed her journey home on Friday, January 5, 2018 to the welcoming words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Melba was born in Wayne County on October 2, 1936 to the late A. Worth and Margaret W. Aycock. She enjoyed the opportunities given to her by helping to impact the lives of so many students while serving as a teacher for 30 years with Wayne County Public Schools. Melba loved Pleasant Grove Free Will Baptist Church and was a dedicated and faithful servant her entire life. She served as the treasurer of the W.A. Taylor Sunday School class and had a large extended circle of family and friends with the Senior Saints at the church and they were all very special to her. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and friends, and for over 44 years she traveled with her husband in ministry as he sang in gospel sings across Eastern North Carolina. She will be missed but will be greatly remembered.

A service to celebrate Melba’s life will be held on Monday, January 8, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Pleasant Grove F.W.B. Church with her son, Rev. Stanley Kirby and her pastor, Rev. Barry Stallings officiating. The family will greet friends immediately following the service at the church. Interment will be on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.

Melba is survived by her husband of 57 years, James Kirby; son, Stanley Kirby and wife Nancy and son, Dale Kirby and wife Jenise; and grandchildren, Megan Kirby, Andrew Kirby and Payton Kirby.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, A.W. Aycock, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534, Pleasant Grove F.W.B. Church, WRPG Radio Station, 1100 Pikeville-Princeton Road, Pikeville, NC 27863 or to a charity of one’s choice.

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

January 5, 62, Dudley

George Ray Summerlin, 62, Dudley area resident, passed away Friday afternoon, January 5, at Kitty Askins Hospice.

His family will hold visitation at Tyndall Funeral Home in Mount Olive on Tuesday, January 9, from 6 until 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 10, at 2 p.m. at Tyndall Funeral Home with the Rev. Lee Britt and the Rev. Ashley Summerlin officiating, followed by burial at Wayne Memorial Park. At other times, the family welcomes friends to the residence on Fulton Road, Dudley.

George Ray had served in the United States Army, had been employed at Georgia-Pacific Corporation in the Chip-n-Saw divisision, and had been a long distance truck driver.

He is survived by his three children, Stacey Summerlin Capps of Mount Olive, Joshua Summerlin of Washington state, and Sarah Summerlin of Princeton; two grandchildren, Tyler Summerlin and Jacksyn Capps; his parents, George and Kathleen Overton Summerlin of Dudley; his maternal grandmother, Martha Overton of Mount Olive; a brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Fran Summerlin of Goldsboro; and a niece, April Summerlin Thigpen of Goldsboro.
A brother, Ricky Summerlin, preceded him in death.

January 6, 83,

Mother Ada Knight Melvin, 83, of 104 Country Day Road died Saturday in the New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Haskins Funeral Home.

January 6, 82,

Cherry Ann Guthrie Sugg, 82, peacefully passed away Saturday, January 6, 2018 at home surrounded by her family. She was born on June 13, 1935 in Comanche County, Oklahoma to the late Harold Coleman Guthrie and Mable Terry Guthrie.

Cherry and her husband, William Gordon Sugg owned and operated Ted’s Tires in Goldsboro. She loved Adamsville Baptist Church and was a dedicated and faithful servant her entire life. Cherry was also a member of the Grace Baptist Class. She had a large extended circle of family and friends and they were all very special to her. Cherry was the kindest and most loving mother and grandmother and a great friend to everyone. She will be missed by all who were blessed enough to know her and will be remembered for her love of gardening, cooking and working in her yard as it always showed.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 11, 2018 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a service to celebrate her life in the chapel at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Ryan Fullerton officiating. Interment will follow at Wayne Memorial Park.

Cherry is survived by her daughter, Nancy S. Dawson of Goldsboro; son, William H. Sugg and wife Melissa of Goldsboro; sisters, Betty Southard and husband Jim of Elk City, OK; Judy Farris of Oklahoma City, OK, and Jeannie Wilson and husband Dean of Weatherford, OK; grandchildren, Brad Sugg and wife Morgan, Ashley Dawson, Lezlie Nassef and husband Jamie; Alexis Sanders and husband Nolan; and Morgan Wise; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Gordon Sugg and son-in-law, Roy Dawson.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Cherry’s caregivers, Denise Richardson, Towana Byers, Rose Grice, Wanda Lane, and Clasien Graven. They would also like to thank Community Home Care & Hospice nurses, Crystal and Brittany for the loving care they provided during her recent illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Pennies From Angels c/o Helen Harwood, P.O. Box 511, Black Creek, NC, 27813.

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

January 7, 85, LaGrange

Laura Williams, 85, of 235 Brook Meadow Drive, LaGrange died Sunday at home.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Haskins Funeral Home.

January 6, 79,

Jack William Harper, 79, passed away on Saturday evening at Willow Creek Nursing Home.

Jack was born in Wayne County on February 26, 1938 to the late Gardner and Beatrice Jones Harper. He retired as a supervisor with Borden Manufacturing. Those of us who knew Jack weep at our loss, laugh with our remembrances, and reflect deeply on how much he meant to us.

A service to celebrate Jack’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Wednesday following the service at Seymour Funeral Home and other times at his home.

Jack is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Lillie Mitchell Harper; daughter, Brenda Harper Williams of Goldsboro; sons, William Jeffrey Harper of Goldsboro and Jimmy Lee Harper and wife Shelby of Goldsboro; grandchildren, Lisa Harper Goff and husband John, Jason Harper and wife Christina, Rebecca Leggion, Justin Williams, Matthew Harper and wife Heather, and Christopher Harper; and great-grandchildren, Jasmine Bieri, MacKenzie Goff, Kyla Young, Hunter Holland, Brandon Harper, Jayden Leggion and Colton Harper.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Edna Mitchell, Carol Gurley and Geraldine Sugg; and brother, Johnny Harper.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Vidant Medical Center Heart Center in memory of Jack Harper.

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

January 7, 61,

Albert Handley “Al” Gillikin, 61, passed away Sunday, January 7, 2018 at UNC Hospital, Chapel Hill. Born in Wayne County on November 23, 1956, he was the son of Elizabeth Handley Gillikin and the late Robert Fulton “Bobby” Gillikin.

Al was a 1975 graduate of Wayne Country Day School. A computer expert, Al worked as a Geographic Information Officer with the City of Rocky Mount. Al was most comfortable outdoors, working in his vegetable garden or out on the water with a fishing pole in hand. Prior to his dad’s passing, nothing was better than a father-son fishing trip.

A service to celebrate Al’s life will be held Friday, January 12, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. from the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home with Dr. Glenn Phillips officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. A private committal will be held at Willow Dale Cemetery.

In addition to his mother, Al is survived by aunts, June Hoyle and husband Charlie of Goldsboro and Ruby Lewis and husband Mannie of Florida; and numerous cousins.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by maternal grandparetns, Albert and Elizabeth Handley; paternal grandparents, Herbert and Lena Gillikin; an adopted grandmother, Callie Gillikin; aunts, Annette Goelz, Margaret Smiley, and Marilyn Perrin; and uncles, Albert Handley, Dr. William Gillikin, Charles Gillikin, and Herbert Gillikin.

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