Kenneth James Morris
Knightdale
Kenneth James Morris passed away unexpectedly in his home in Knightdale, North Carolina on Thursday November 9, 2017 at the age of 32. He is survived by his wife, Allyssa Morris, and their precious son, Kason.
Among friends in both North Carolina and Virginia, Kenny is remembered by his loving parents, Randy and Leona Morris; mother, Vickie Walker and her husband, Jarrett Catlett, with his son, Bryston Catlett; sister, Viktoria Anello together with her husband, Nick Anello; brother, Patrick Woolheater; in-laws, Pete and Collette Balbero and their son, Nick Balbero; uncle, Buddy Walker together with his wife, Lisa Walker; and uncle, Mike Walker.
Kenny was born in Charlottesville, Virginia and graduated from Monticello High School in 2003. He went on to earn a degree in auto mechanics at NASCAR Technical Institute. He proudly and successfully ran his own business in Raleigh.
Kenny shared the love of hockey with his son, Kason, and they played any chance they could. He truly loved what he did, and had a passion for cars in any and every capacity.
Kenny was known and loved for his kindness and generosity. His willingness to help others left an imprint on many hearts. He will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to help support Kenny’s wife and child in this difficult time.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest 27587 (919) 556-5811
Shirley M. Galaviz
Youngsville
Shirley M. (Richardson) Galaviz; age 83, beloved wife, mother and grandmother to three generations passed away on Monday, November 6, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Shirley was born on May 15th, 1934 in Beaverton, Michigan to Joseph and Sarah Richardson. She married Salvador Galaviz on August 15, 1953 and lived in Troy, Michigan where she raised their five children. Shirley spent her last two years living in Youngsville.
While raising her five children, Shirley spent many hours volunteering in the school, community and church. In her later years, she enjoyed visiting grandchildren and remained involved in the community. She loved to travel and had no fear of venturing out on her own.
Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon, November 12, 2017, in the Chapel of Bright Funeral Home.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Salvador Galaviz; children, Brenda Tabaka, Vicki Bondie, Cynthia (Martin) Green and Salvador (Gloria) Galaviz; eleven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Sarah Richardson; son, Roger Galaviz; brothers, Joseph Richardson, Ronnie Richardson, and John Richardson; and sisters, Rosalie Crago, and Mary Mathiesen.
She will be missed but forever in our hearts.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest 27587 (919) 556-5811
Wayne Alfred Sterling
Youngsville
Wayne grew up in Amityville, New York. After graduating from high school, he worked building and repairing boats. His next job was working for Gunman Aircraft Corp. where he attained the rank of crew chief. This inspired him to join the Navy, where he was a gunner’s mate for two years. Transferring to aviation, he became a crew chief where he learned to fly and flew Gunman aircraft.
Wayne was a very reliable person. He finished everything he started and was also very responsible with all he did.
Dogs were his love and treated them like they were his children. His first dog was half-wolf, and half-German shepherd, when he passed away Wayne got another shepherd.
While retired, Wayne lost his leg due to medical problems. This did not slow him down. He drove his truck, got where he had to go, and he helped others.
It was a shock to his 97-year-old father that his son went home before he did.
God Bless them Both!
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest 27587 (919) 556-5811
Anna Okrepky
Raleigh
Anna Didyk Okrepky, 83, passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2017. She was born in Kolomyja, Ukraine, the daughter of the late Maria Pulkowska and Demetri Didyk, and was preceded in death by her husband, Stefan Okrepky.
Mrs. Okrepky is survived by her children, Roman S. Okrepky and his wife, Joanna, of Clayton, Mary A. Okrepky and her husband, Thomas Abernethy, of Cary, Peter D. Okrepky and his wife, Wanda, of Raleigh and Christina DeLucia and her husband, Stephen DeLucia of Hilton, New York; grandchildren, Roman R. Okrepky, Lydia O. Stepp and husband, Jeramiah, Ashley Okrepky, Peter J.Okrepky, Alexandra Okrepky, Anthony Stephen DeLucia and his wife, Elise, and Nicole Marie Delucia.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest 27587 (919) 556-5811
www.brightfunerals.com
Pearl Lloyd Harris
Raleigh
Pearl Lloyd Harris, 81, of Raleigh passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2017, at her home. She was born May 4, 1936 in Wake County, the daughter of the late Ruby Morris Lloyd and Berry W. Lloyd. Pearl married R. L. Harris Jr. in 1954 and was one month shy of enjoying 63 wonderful years together. She was a member of Falls Baptist Church and was a retired Administrative Assistant with the State of North Carolina.
Funeral services were held at 11 o’clock Wednesday morning, November 15, 2017, at Falls Baptist Church. Burial followed in the Falls Community Cemetery.
In addition to her husband R.L., Pearl is survived by her son, Mike Harris and wife, Angie; daughter, Susan Lewis and husband, Derek; granddaughters, Michelle Evans and husband, Michael, Ashleigh Crawford, Megan Allen and husband, Clint, and Jennifer Crawford; great-grandsons, CJ, Ray, Ben, Hudson, and Will Evans; sisters, Nina Barham, Shirley Brown and husband, Ed, Ruth Young, Lottie Yates and Cynthia Weatherspoon and husband, Jimmy; brother-in-law, Ronnie Harris and wife, Lena Shey; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Falls Baptist Church General Fund, 9700 Fonville Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587, Bay Leaf Baptist Church Children’s Fund, 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27614 or to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27605.
Friends visited with the family from 7 to 8:30 Tuesday evening at Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-5811)
Beverly Ann Winslow
Wake Forest
Beverly Ann Boyce Winslow, 81, passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, at Brighton Gardens in Raleigh. She was born in Plymouth, New Hampshire, the daughter of the late Mildred Morrison Boyce and John Norman Boyce.
Ms. Winslow was a retired registered nurse and a resident of Wake Forest for 50 years.
She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Winslow of Raleigh; a step-daughter, Elizabeth Miller of Lansing, Michigan; step-son, Dr. Bradford Winslow of Denver, Colorado; and eight step-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at the home of Sarah Winslow following the service at the funeral home.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest 27587 (919) 556-5811
www.brightfunerals.com
Donald Rudnick
Raleigh
Donald Rudnick, age 70, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 11, 2017. He was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts and was a member of Richland Creek Community Church.
Mr. Rudnick is survived by his wife of 19 years, Barbara; daughter, Carrie Ann McVey and husband, John, of Arizona; son, Jason Allen Rudnick and wife, Tracey, of Jackson, New Jersey; daughter, Teresa Lynn Rudnick of Toms River, New Jersey; stepson, William E. Welch and wife Susan, of Raleigh; stepson, Robert E. Welch and wife Melissa, of Brambleton, Virginia; stepdaughter, Jennifer M. Welch of Raleigh; 12 grandchildren; sister, Barbara Borris of Jackson, New Jersey; and several nieces and nephews.
Before starting a career with many accomplishments, Donald served honorably in the United States Navy for six years. He then went on to work for RCA in the Astro Electronics Division, developing the Apollo Moon Missions TV Camera, in Hightstown, New Jersey. He then worked for the Gusmer Equipment Company on foam machines used for the shuttle program, in Lakewood, New Jersey. His next job was for the Northeast Electrostatic Paint Spray Equipment Company in Howell, New Jersey. Donald finished his career giving twenty years to the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier in Eatontown, New Jersey.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest 27587 (919) 556-5811
Norman Gilbert Jr.
Frankinton
Norman Gilbert Jr., 56, passed away on Tuesday November 7, 2017.
He was born in Brevard County, FL the son of Geraldine Lamm Gilbert and the late Aubrey Norman Gilbert, Sr.
Mr. Gilbert was retired from his landscaping business.
He is survived by his children, Aimee Dixon and Joseph Gilbert; his mother; Geraldine Gilbert Norton and husband, Frank; sisters, Deborah Hedrick, Annette Gilbert and Donna Allgood; grandchildren, Ethan, Wayne, Bailey, Jackson, Fiona, Drake and Morgan; step-brothers, Steven and Michael Norton; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and his faithful dog companion, Barney.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest 27587 (919) 556-5811
Carolyn P. Shearon
Rolesville
Carolyn Pearce Shearon, 79, of Rolesville died peacefully on Friday, November 10, 2017, from lung transplant complications at Duke University Hospital.
She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Ronald, and his sons, Ron Jr. of Scottsdale, Arizona and Patrick of Raleigh; and five grandchildren, Eliza, Lily, Walter, Henry and Ruby. She is survived by sisters Nola Daniel and Doris Barham, and by brothers E.B. Pearce and Jim Pearce.
Carolyn graduated from Atlantic Christian College in 1960 and taught elementary students in North Carolina public schools for 30 years. She had a positive influence on many students and loved them all.
Carolyn possessed grit, passion, perseverance and determination in all aspects of her life. She was always a people person and enjoyed brisk walks and line dancing. She also was a faithful and longtime member of Rolesville Baptist Church where she served in the Sanctuary and Handbell Choirs.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at the Rolesville Baptist Church Family Life Center followed by a celebration of life service in the church sanctuary at 11 a.m.
Memorial gifts may be made to Rolesville Baptist Church Building Fund. 203 E. Young Street, P.O. Box 185, Rolesville, NC 27571.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest 27587 (919) 556-5811
David Symmonds Bradley
Rocky Mount
David Symmonds Bradley, age 52, passed away on November 4, 2017 after a short but brave battle with cancer. He was born March 2, 1965 to Ann Steffen Bradley and the late David Buford Bradley in Jamaica Queens, New York.
He spent the majority of his childhood growing up on the family-owned golf course in Sullivan, New Hampshire. In the early 1980s the Bradley family relocated to Knoxville, Tennessee, where he attended West High School. He was a contributor for the school newspaper, served on the debate team, and was an Honor Society member. Dave attended the University of Tennessee, pursuing a degree in sports journalism. Ultimately Dave moved back to New England and completed his journalism degree at Lyndon State College, Vermont. While attending Lyndon, Dave was a member of the LSC Rugby Team.
Upon graduation, Dave moved to Virginia Beach, finally settling in Rocky Mount. While working in the automotive industry he was hired in March of 2011 as a financial manager with White Motors in Roanoke Rapids. He received many accolades during his tenure at White Motors, which allowed David and Patricia to travel throughout the Caribbean and the Hawaiian Islands sponsored by American Financial.
David was an avid sports fan, playing Little League baseball in New Hampshire and having a tryout opportunity for the Dodgers, while attending high school, as well as being a team member of the West High golf team. David’s favorite sports teams were the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and last but not least, the UT football team – he will always be a Tennessee Volunteer and will continue to cheer for his team from Rocky Top, Tennessee.
David is survived by his wife, Patricia Witcher Bradley of Rocky Mount; mother, Ann Steffen Bradley; son, Derek Bradley of Rocky Mount; brother, Mark Steffen Bradley and wife, Maureen McBride; step-sons, James Witcher and wife, Rachel, Matthew Witcher, and wife, Brittany, Shaun Hand; sister, Tara Bradley, and brother, Thomas Bradley of Barton, Vermont. Mr. Bradley is also survived by his uncles, John AK Bradley Esq. of Manhattan, New York., Walter Steffen and wife, Marti, of Knoxville, Tennessee; aunt Marilyn Merkle and husband, John, of Karns, Tennessee as well as nieces, Rebecca Bradley, and Michelle Alexander and husband, Darrell; and many relatives and extended family. David is predeceased by his father, David Buford Bradley of Barton, Vermont.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest 27587 (919) 556-5811
Erin Elizabeth Calo
Wake Forest
Erin Elizabeth Calo of Wake Forest was born on March 18, 1989 in Raleigh to Thomas Calo of Raleigh and Debra Shepard (Harold) of Wake Forest. Erin walked into the loving arms of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 10, 2017 at the age of 28.
Erin was an avid lover of sports; in her younger years she played soccer, softball, and cheerleading. After graduating in 2011 from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington she moved to Washington, D.C., to pursue her dream of a law career. After returning to Wake Forest in 2012, she sustained a traumatic brain injury which she courageously overcame. Currently, Erin was employed at Levinson and Axford Law P.A. as a paralegal along with working at Show Pros Event Services where she was a security guard for UNC sports games.
Erin is survived by her parents, Thomas Calo of Raleigh and Debra Shepard (Harold) of Wake Forest; her brother, Justin (Amy) Calo of Garner; her maternal grandmother, Kathleen Carlson of Painted Post, New York; several aunts, uncles, and cousins, along with stepbrothers and sister-in-laws. She is also survived by a dear niece and nephew, Madison Watkins and Wesley Hodges.
Calling hours will take place at Bright Funeral Home in Wake Forest on Thursday, November 16, from 6 to 8 and Friday, November 17, at 11 a.m. followed by a 12 noon funeral service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Erin to the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina, P.O. Box 97984. Raleigh, NC 27624.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest 27587 (919) 556-5811.
Mozelle Rogers Wilson
Raleigh
Mozelle Rogers Wilson, 96, passed away on November 6, 2017 at her residence in Raleigh. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Oscar Rogers and Carrie Jordan Wells Rogers, and by her husband of 52 years, Robert Lee “RL” Wilson.
Mozelle grew up on a farm on Rolesville Road in Wake County. She attended Wake County public schools and served as senior class president at Rolesville High School. After graduation from East Carolina University with an education degree, she moved to Aulander, answering a call for teachers in that rural community. In Aulander, she met her husband, RL, and they made their home there for the next 50 years. She taught fourth grade in the Bertie County and Hertford County schools for 35 years until her retirement in 1988.
Mo and RL had a fantastic vegetable garden each year and she “put up” vegetables for the entire family every summer. She was a great cook, famous for making scratch biscuits every day. She enjoyed all sorts of needlework, knitting afghans for her grandchildren, cross-stitching, and even hand-hooking wool rugs. She and RL enjoyed a round of golf when they could get away from the garden work. But most of all she was dedicated completely to her family. She was small but fierce, determined, dedicated and passionate; she gave the best of herself to all she held dear and she expected nothing less from others, especially her family.
Mozelle was preceded in death by her siblings, Andrew Daylon Rogers, Myrtle Rogers Wall, and Anne M. Rogers. She is survived by her son, Robert Lee Wilson Jr., and his wife, Alice, and by her grandchildren, Katherine Sterling Wilson and Robert Lee Wilson Ill, and his wife, Jackie.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 10, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the Rolesville Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Timothy’s School, 4523 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27609.
The family would like to thank Mozelle’s dear friends from Wake Forest Methodist Church and from the Rolesville community for the visits and encouragement over the past few years. Your visits, cards and phone calls meant the world to her and she held each of you close in her heart. Thank you also to the dedicated staff at Magnolia Glen assisted living, especially Tacia, who often went above and beyond to help her these last few years. Thank you to Dr. Bill Lee and his staff for the excellent care and comfort since 2003. And finally, thank you to the team from Transitions Life Care who helped make her final journey peaceful.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest 27587 (919) 556-5811
Theodore John Meserole
Youngville
Ted Meserole, 79, of Youngsville passed away on November 11, 2017. He was born in White Plains, New York on March 27, 1938. He was the son of the late Theodore F. Meserole and Eleanor Ley. He was preceded in death by a sister, Joan Carpenter.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Lynn M. Meserole; a daughter, Nancy Stern and her husband, Brad of New City, New York; sons, Michael Vita and his wife, Heather, of Raleigh, Paul and his wife, Michelle, of Flower Mound, Texas and Ted of Chester, New York. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Jacob, Ryan, Andrew, Caroline, Dakota, Stephen and Brendan. Not to be forgotten are his much loved companions, Maggie Mae and Ginger.
Ted served in the U.S. Air Force Security Service from 1955 to 1959, attended Pace College, and was then employed by IBM for 32 years. He retired as a director of real estate and construction. After retirement he worked for the Rockland County Sheriff’s Department in New York as a computer consultant. He helped install the 911 computerized dispatch system and the Computer Aided Rescue Effort Program for missing children.
He was a life member of the Nanuet Fire Engine Company in Nanuet, New York and served as an assistant chief and then chief for a total of six years. He was also a life member of the Rockland County New York Volunteer Firemen’s and Fire Chief’s Associations.
He recently became a Catholic in 2014 and is a parishioner at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hearts United for Animals, www.hua.org.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest 27587 (919) 556-5811
Iola Woodlief Dew
Wake Forest
Iola Woodlief Dew, 85, passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2017, at Brookdale of Wake Forest. She was born in Wake County the daughter of the late Iola Garland Bailey Woodlief and Bervin Woodlief. She was preceded in death by her husband; James Douglas Dew.
She is survived by her sisters, Nelva W. Perry of Wake Forest and Cornell Chappell and husband, Donald, of Raleigh; brothers, L.T. Woodlief and wife, Gladys, and Tom Woodlief and wife, Joyce, all of Wake Forest; and several nieces and nephews.
Flowers are omitted and memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s N.C., 1305 Navaho Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27609 or to a charity of one’s choice.
Friends may visit with the family following the service in the church fellowship building.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest 27587 (919) 556-5811
Helen Britt Dowdy
Youngsville
Helen Britt Dowdy, 87, passed away on November 8, 2017 at Rex Hospital in Raleigh. She was born March 10, 1930 in Macon, Georgia to the late Manly Calvin and Eriel Marie Merriman Britt.
Ms. Dowdy was a graduate of Mars Hill College which led her to a lengthy and accomplished career as assistant to the president of the department of community colleges. Following her retirement for the state government, Ms. Dowdy became the first full-time executive director of the North Carolina Association of Community College Trustees.
In addition to her professional life, Ms. Dowdy was a devoted wife to her husband, the late Lemuel S. Dowdy, for 35 years as well as a loving mother to her two sons. She was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Cary for many years and served on the church committee.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 18, 2017, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 600 Walnut Street in Cary.
Helen is survived by her sons, Donald Dowdy and wife, Annette, David Dowdy and wife, Becky; grandchildren, Jennifer and Jacinda Carter; one great-grandchild; and her beloved grand-furbabies.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ the King Lutheran Church Music Fund, 600 Walnut Street, Cary, NC. 27511
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest 27587 (919) 556-5811
www.brightfunerals.com
