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Obituaries

Frederick ‘Rick’ Williamson Duval

Formerly of Wake Forest

Frederick “Rick” Williamson Duvall, age 74, passed away on November 28, 2023. Born in Washington, DC, to the late Mary Louise (née Williamson) and Joseph Edwin Duvall, Rick spent the past 35 years in Wake County, NC. He was a National Merit Scholar who used his intellect and talent as a computer programmer for NASA, the Air Force and the private sector, and as a real estate agent. Known for his warm heart and easy laugh, Rick was an avid conversationalist who delighted in the company of others. 

He is survived by his children, Sandra Duvall (Moulaye Sy), Robert Duvall (Shannon), Joseph “Willow” Duvall, and Bryan Duvall; his siblings, Suzette Dzuik, Marsha Davis (James), and Daniel Duvall (Mary); seven grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother, Richard “Dickie” Marshall Duvall. His memory will forever be engraved in the hearts of those who were touched by his kindness. 

In celebration of Rick’s life, a memorial service and celebration of life will take place in Wake Forest, NC. Information is forthcoming at https://everloved.com/life-of/frederick-duvall/ 

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Martina Altagracia Tavarez

Raleigh

Martina Altagracia Tavarez, 84 of Raleigh, North Carolina passed away on Thursday, November 30th, 2023, at UNC Rex Heart & Vascular Hospital from complications related to a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement. Martina, affectionately known as “Marta” to many, was born in the town of Juncalito within the municipality of Jánico, in the Santiago province of the Dominican Republic. She immigrated to the United States on December 12th, 1963, and settled in NYC. She was the fourth of fifteen children born to Genaro and Flora Collado.

Hailing from humble beginnings as the daughter of a farmer, Marta began working hard and caring for younger siblings at a tender age. She often shared tales from her life—sometimes with deep sorrow, occasionally with enchanting humor, and at times with immense pride. Her stories served as invaluable lessons for her children, emphasizing empathy, compassion, optimism, determination, generosity, morality, ethics, and values.

Marta was wise, creative, spirited, and driven to achieve the American dream. She set ambitious goals for herself and her family, tirelessly working to attain them. A skilled seamstress and astute businesswoman, she established three successful businesses in NY alongside her husband Francisco. She was fortunate to witness the rewards of her labor throughout her lifetime, celebrating her children’s college graduations, purchasing her first home in Hempstead, NY, and eventually relocating to her dream residence in Raleigh, NC.

A fiercely energetic and vibrant woman, Marta adored life and seldom remained idle. She utilized her talents to craft garments for her children and elegant event dresses for friends and relatives. She found joy in crocheting, gardening, and exploring through travel. Her culinary skills were unmatched, and she took immense pride and happiness in nourishing others.

Despite her petite stature, Marta possessed a towering spirit and a contagious laugh. Her remarkably firm hugs were often remarked upon, reflecting her profound love, passionate dedication to her family, and the mutual love and respect she shared. Her profound bond with her children transcended the typical mother-child relationship.

Martina is survived by her son, Roberto Antonio Tavarez, her daughter Janet Tavarez, and her grandson Lucas James Darrow. While their worlds will never be the same without her, they are dedicated to upholding her legacy and making her proud.

The family will receive friends from 5-9 PM on Monday, December 4, 2023 at Bright Funeral Home, 405 S. Main St. Wake Forest, NC 27587.

A Rosary will be held at 12:30 PM on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 follow by a Mass at 1 PM at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church at 520 W Holding Ave, Wake Forest, NC 27587. Burial will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park at 7501 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NYC 27612.

Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.

Bright Funeral Home is serving the Tavarez family.

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Nadine Doughty Poole

Youngsville

Nadine Doughty Poole, 79, of Youngsville passed away on Monday, November 27, 2023 at Transitions LifeCare of Raleigh, NC.  She was born in Fulton, Kentucky May 31, 1944 to the late James Marshall Doughty Jr. and Mary Susie Hamil.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, William Poole and six brothers, Jimmy Doughty, Philip Hamil, Donnie Hamil, Delbert Hamil, Warren Hamil and Petey Hamil.

A funeral service will be held Friday, December 1, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at Bright Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends Friday from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will be private.

She is survived by a son, Joseph Hicks of Youngsville, a daughter, Joyce Holmes (Wally) of Louisburg, two grandchildren, Kristen Campbell (Steven) of Franklinton and Blaine Holmes (Casey) of Franklinton, four great grandchildren, Collin Holmes, Luke Holmes, Pailyn Campbell and Ryland Campbell, a Very Special Long Time Friend, Lucy Edwards, brother, Guy Hamil (Debbie) of Tennessee, sisters-in-law, Cathy Doughty of Kentucky, Judy Hamil of Tennessee and Tina Hamil of Kentucky, half brother and sister, Jay Doughty (Dee) and Peggy Layton of Virginia, uncle, Pete (Gloria) of Virginia, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She worked at Westinghouse/ABB in Raleigh until her retirement.  She loved watching the birds at her bird feeders, working in her yard, and going off with her friend Lucy and to activities with the Joy Club from her Church. She loved her children and grandchildren and great grandchildren and greatly enjoyed doing things with them.  She loved to bake and give out treats to the people and children at her church.  She was a jokester and loved to tell jokes, she enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and word searches.

In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions may be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church, 2124 Oak Grove Church Rd, Youngsville, NC 27596.

Bright Funeral Home is serving the Poole family.

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Liffie Belle Chamblee

Raleigh

Liffie Belle Chamblee, 86, of Raleigh, NC, passed away on Monday, November 27, 2023.

Liffie was born on February 18, 1937 to the late Arthur and Lector Bailey. She worked for 28 years at Alcatel. She enjoyed cooking and loved music; she sang with two of her sisters with the Bailey Brother’s traveling band. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her son, Charles Wayne Chamblee; brothers, William Leonard Bailey, Macon Bailey, Felton Leonard Bailey; and sisters, Ozie Estelle Bailey, Lector Mae Pipper, Essie Etta King, Ola Ree Williams, and Ella Mae Bailey.

She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Harold Chamblee; sister, Evelyn Mary Lee Seagroves; grandchildren, Charles Wayne Chamblee II, Christy Chamblee, Tiffany Laureano; great-grandchildren, Lakisa, Brooke, Rebecca, Bella, Daniel; and several great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to New Hope Christian Church at 2779 NC-98, Louisburg, NC 27549.

The family will receive friends from 10-11 AM on Friday, December 1, 2023 at New Hope Christian Church at 2779 NC-98, Louisburg, NC 27549.

A funeral service will follow at 11 AM at New Hope Christian Church with Pastor Steve Barham officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. 

Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.

Bright Funeral Home is serving the Chamblee family.

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Cindy Marie Bailey

Youngsville

Cindy Marie Bailey, 57, of Youngsville, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 1, 2023, at WakeMed North Hospital in Raleigh. Born on December 28, 1965, in Belleville, IL, she brought warmth and light to those around her.

A graduate of Colorado State University, Cindy dedicated two decades of her professional life to Avaya, where she served as a data analyst. Her colleagues remember her for not just her analytical skills but also for the beautiful spirit, wit and dedication that she brought to the workplace, always uplifting those around her.

Family was at the center of Cindy’s universe, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Her love and kindness touched all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Surviving her is her husband of 24 years, John Bailey; Her Mother Evelyn (Dotty) Mechura of Aurora Co, her siblings, Gary Mechura of Ken Caryl, Colorado, Linda Mechura of Ken Caryl, Colorado, Curtis Mechura of Aurora, Colorado, and Bruce Mechura of Aurora, Colorado. She is also remembered fondly by her nephew, Brandon Krzykowski, and nieces, Allie Krzykowski, Jessica Durso, and Josette Durso. Cindy also adored her eight, fur babies, who brought her comfort and joy. Predeceased by her Father Milton Mechura.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to www.dharmarescue.org/donate or to www.almosthomeadoptions.com.

Friends are invited to visit with the family to celebrate Cindy’s life during the visitation hours from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Monday evening, December 11, 2023, at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Rd., Wake Forest, NC 27587.(919-556-7400)

www.cswfuneralhome.com

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John Robert Capra

Wake Forest

John Robert Capra (Buzz, Papa John) 86, of Wake Forest, formerly of Huntington NY passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday November 29, 2023. 

John was born in Queens, NY on March 16, 1937 to the late Natale and Rose Poggio Capra.

John was a proud graduate of CW Post College and president of the first graduating class of 1959. He was an active member of their alumni association. He was also a member of the TKE Fraternity. 

John married his wife Janet in 1968. They shared a love of traveling, going to Broadway shows, watching Formula 1, and spending time with family, especially their granddaughters. 

John loved the outdoors and spending time at his beloved cabin in Hobart, NY. Whether he was entertaining his friends with fine wine and food, hunting, fishing or just walking in the woods. In Wake Forest, he relished his happy hours in the garage and Wednesday breakfast at the Border Restaurant with his friends. As a member of the Corvette Car Club of NC, he looked forward to his monthly meetings and sharing his lifelong passion of Corvettes. John’s legacy will endure through the countless stories shared by family and friends.

John is preceded in death by his cherished son Gary and his beloved dogs Dixie Belle and Chelsea.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years Janet F. Capra. Daughter Dina Bellia and husband David of Wake Forest. Granddaughters Elisabeth and Chloe Bellia both of Wake Forest. Sister Joyce of New Jersey. Many friends and extended family.

Friends are invited to visit with the family to celebrate John’s life during the visitation hours from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Rd., Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-7400).

www.cswfuneralhome.com

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Duane Brian Lauria

Franklinton

Duane Brian Lauria, 62, of Franklinton, passed away unexpectedly at his home on November 27, 2023. He was born on April 3, 1961, in Highland, New York, to the late Vincent Anthony Lauria and Mona Louise Williams Lauria.

Duane was a foreman with Sears Contract Inc., where he displayed unwavering dedication and commitment over his 18 years of service. His impact as a faithful employee will be remembered by colleagues and friends alike.

Friends are invited to pay their respects and support the family during the visitation hours from 6:00 to 7:30 PM on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Rd., Wake Forest, NC 27587.

He is survived by his sister, Karen Ann Edwards (Nathan) of Havelock, North Carolina; brother, Wade Lauria (Rebecca) of Louisburg, North Carolina; and Richard Lauria of Indiana; nephew and nieces, Thomas Lauria, Mary German, and Shantara Mullis, along with extended family and friends.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital(www.stjude.org)

Arrangements are entrusted to Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, where condolences and memories may be shared during this difficult time.

www.cswfuneralhome.com

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James V. Ricci III

Wake Forest

James V. Ricci III, 79, of Wake Forest, NC passed peacefully from this life on November 26 at Durham VA Medical Center Hospice. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Left to celebrate his life, cherish his memory, and tell his stories are his wife, Michelle; daughters Tara Ives (John) and Alexandra Ricci of Selma, NC; sister Christina Ricci of Bristol, RI; brothers Steven Ricci (Anne) of Bristol, RI and Peter Ricci of Providence, RI; grandsons Austin Wolfe of Wrightsville Beach, NC; Gavin and Drew House of Selma, NC; three nieces, a great niece and two great-nephews. Jim was the son of the late James and Bertha Ricci of Bristol, RI.

Before embarking on a career in sales, Jim served his country in the US Air Force. His service included a tour of duty in Vietnam. He attended Methodist College in Fayetteville, NC.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on December 9 at 11:00 am at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 834 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to may consider a donation to the V Foundation for Cancer Research(www.V.org) or Veterans of Foreign Wars(www.vfw.org).    

Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587(919-556-7400)

www.cswfuneralhome.com

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