Pamela Diane Hellman
Raleigh
Pamela Diane Hellman, 63, of Raleigh passed away Thursday morning, November 30, 2017. Mrs. Hellman was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania on November 2, 1954.
Mrs. Hellman is survived by a large, loving family. Pam was the bride of her loving, devoted husband Frank Joseph Hellman; the proud mother of two sons, Michael Hellman and wife, Laura, of Kansas and Steven Hellman and wife, Jennifer, of North Carolina; the beloved daughter of Ronald and Pearl Prezioso of Virginia; the sister of four caring siblings, Rhonda Carter of North Carolina, Sheryl Yaconiello of Virginia, Pearl Joyce Gordan of Georgia and Terri Kingry of Virginia; and was loved by many extended family.
The family would also like to express a special thanks to Learning Services and Litchford Falls for their love and care over the years.
A memorial service was held Saturday morning, December 2, 2017, at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home. A graveside service followed at Highland Burial Park, Danville, Virginia.
A service of Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-7400).
Kathryn “Katy” Johnson
Raleigh
Kathryn (Katy) Johnston passed away on November 29, 2017; she was 105 years old. She resided at Springmoor Retirement Village in Raleigh for over 20 years.
Katy was born in Kingston, Massacchusetts to Frank & Kathryn Corrow on December 26, 1911. She grew up the eldest of three in Duxbury, Massachusetts and graduated from Duxbury High School.
Kathryn was the glue that held the family together. She especially enjoyed traveling with her younger sisters. Her hobbies were golf, garden club and bridge. She also volunteered at her favorite church. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
She was predeceased by her husband, Harold (Johnny) Johnston, in 1979; younger sisters Phyllis Bedard and Bernice McCarthy; and niece, Salli LeTowt.
Surviving Kathryn are a nephew, Michael B. McCarthy of Duxbury; a niece, Paula J. Kennedy and husband, Richard E. Kennedy, of Wake Forest; grand-nephew, Jon LeTowt and wife, Aliza LeTowt, of Grass Valley, California; grand-niece, Pam Kennedy and spouse, Debra Jordan, of Raleigh; grand-niece, Kaitlyn J. McCarthy of Charlotte; grand-nephew, Kyle McCarthy and wife, Kaitlyn and their children Reese, Emmett, and Weston Silas.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-5811)
John Alden Force
Youngsville
John Alden Force, a loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away November 23, 2017. He was born in Long Beach, California on May 21, 1942 to the late Chris and Alden Force.
John is survived by his wife, Jean. They recently celebrated 52 years of marriage on November 20, 2017. Also surviving are his three sons, Robert (Nina), David (Elaine), and Michael (Carolyn); and his three grandchildren, Jack, Peyton, and Penelope Force.
John served in the U.S. Navy for four years. He was an electrical engineer at Grumman Aerospace on Long Island and at IBM defense systems in Owego, New York for 20 years.
He stuck with the New York Giants…no matter what. He loved America, politics and history. John was a smart, caring man who will be dearly missed.
Funeral services were held at 1 o’clock Tuesday afternoon, November 28, 2017, at Youngsville Baptist Church
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Youngsville Baptist Church, 315 East Main Street, Youngsville NC 27596.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-5811)
Richard Harvey Morgan Jr.
Franklinton
Richard Harvey Morgan Jr. went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, November 26, 2017. He was born on July 6, 1934 to the late Richard H. Morgan Sr. and Eleanor Brooks Tunnell Morgan in Mannings Township, Spring Hope, North Carolina.
Richard met the love of his life, his “special girlfriend” named Judy Batchelor, in Spring Hope, and they were married on June 16, 1960, and honeymooned in Niagara Falls, New York. That union produced three children and two grandchildren, all of whom were loved dearly.
He is survived by his wife Judy B. Morgan; his daughter, Darlene Morgan-Shoemaker of Boone; son and daughter-in law, Richard H. Morgan III, and Janine of Louisburg; and son, John Lawrence Morgan of Franklinton; and grandchildren, Hunter G. Morgan and Mckenzie Skye Morgan of Louisburg. He is also survived by seven siblings, Roderick Tunnell Morgan (Joan) of Butner, Gene Morgan of Richmond, Virginia, Linda Lindskoog of Atlanta, Georgia, Carolyn Shearin (Mickey) of Rocky Mount, Elizabeth Matthews (Sammy) of Knightdale, Gerald B. Morgan of Louisburg, and Derald K. Morgan of Louisburg. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Elmer Vann Morgan, and sisters Ruth Wernelle Morgan and Eleanor Brooks Morgan.
Upon his graduation from Spring Hope High School, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army on February 4, 1954. He served his country honorably while stationed on several bases in the United States. In 1955, he was transferred to Germany where he served until February of 1956. Richard continued serving in the Reserves another six years. Afterwards, he studied management and business law at the College of Albemarle in Elizabeth City from 1963 to 1968.
After his time in the U.S. Army and Reserves, Richard spent his entire adult working career in the wood/veneer business: three years at Walker Lumber Company in Gold Rock, five years at Goblet Veneers in Whitakers, and then a five-year stint at Hertford Veneers in Hertford. On December 26, 1967, Richard purchased Franklin Veneers, where he operated Franklin Veneers and served as the president of the company from 1968 until he promoted his son, Richard H. Morgan III, to president in 2014. Richard turned over the operation of the plant to his son in 2014 but he never stopped loving the work and being involved in the day-to-day functions of the plant. The Franklin Veneers plant provided, and continues to provide, jobs for many hardworking employees that are grateful to Richard for his employ.
Those who knew Richard best knew the things that were important to him. These include his love for the Lord, his love for his family, his love for his churches, both in Hertford and in Franklinton, and his tireless work ethic. Richard served faithfully in the churches where he was a member. He served as a trustee, Sunday School teacher, a deacon, took leadership positions on numerous committees and in varying capacities, and helped move the churches forward. He had a knack for greeting visitors at the church that made them feel loved and welcomed as a guest. Just recently, Richard and Judy gave a piece of property on North Hillsborough Street to Franklinton Baptist Church where children are often seen running and playing during Vacation Bible School. It brought such joy to his heart to make this generous contribution to the future of the church. Richard also served as a member of the Hertford Fire Department and Franklinton Fire Department, this being just another example of his servant heart.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-5811)
Marguerite Bishop Paschal
Wake Forest
Marguerite Bishop Paschal of Wake Forest died November 28, 2017 at Springmoor Health Center in Raleigh.
Mrs. Paschal was born in 1927 to William Jackson Bishop and Hattie Finch Bishop in Wilson. The family moved to Raleigh when she was in the fifth grade. She graduated from Needham Broughton High School in 1945 and from the St. Mary’s School in 1946.
Mrs. Paschal was a homemaker in Wake Forest. In 1963, she married H. Edward Paschal of Wake Forest. She loved her family and, especially, her two grandchildren who were the light of her life.
Prior to marriage, she worked at the State Bureau of Investigation and the N.C. Department of Revenue. After her marriage and many years later, she went back to work with N.C. General Assembly and was an assistant to Sen. Marc Basnight when he was president pro tem of the Senate and the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Mrs. Paschal was a trained and talented vocalist who, in her youth, sang for many years at different churches and temples in the Raleigh area. After she married, she sang for many years in the choir of her church, Wake Forest Baptist.
She was a terrifically fun, graceful, and caring soul. She loved spending time at the family cottage at Ocean Isle Beach. She loved to travel and favorite destinations were Great Britain and Cabo San Lucas. Mrs. Paschal was described as a “bridge fiend” in her high school yearbook and that passion continued throughout her life. She won several bridge tournaments at Springmoor since moving there in 2010. She was a sports fan, too, and wanted to watch televised games when she could.
She is survived by her son, Richard Allen Paschal, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Lynne Paschal, of Raleigh; by grandchildren, Catherine Noelle Paschal and Richard Allen Paschal Jr.; and by other family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her two sisters, Katherine Bishop Oxford and Mary Frances Bishop Bass.
A graveside service was held at the Wake Forest Cemetery on Friday, December 1, 2017. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Wake Forest Baptist Church or to a favorite charity.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-5811)
Vickie B. Baker
Louisburg
Vickie Lou Bryant Baker of Louisburg passed away peacefully on November 28, 2017. She was born on April 15, 1953 to the late Maxwell “Pete” Carl Bryant and Elizabeth “Ann” Daniels in Nash County.
Vickie is survived by her loving sons, Anthony L. Hicks Jr. and wife, Kirstin, and Tommy R. Strickland; her brother, Johnny Bryant; sister, Bonnie Billings; and many special aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and clients.
A memorial service was held on Friday, December 1, 2017, at East Wake Church of God in Wendell.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to East Wake Church of God, P.O. Box 1628, Wendell, NC 27591.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-5811)
Ramona Gore Denny
Wake Forest
Ramona Gore Denny, 52, died Friday, December 1, 2017, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born December 3, 1964 to Charles Abner Gore and Kayward Fore Gore. She was a 1983 graduate of Clinton High School and a 1987 graduate of East Carolina University. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, where she maintained lifelong friendships.
Ramona grew up and lived her early life in Clinton. She married her husband, Jeff, in 1994 and had two sons. Family and friends were Ramona’s passion in life, especially her boys, who were her pride and joy. She was a very involved mother, helping her husband run the Pop Warner Football program in Wake Forest for many years.
Ramona had a great sense of humor and quick wit. She was loved by all who met her and was a dedicated, loyal and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was not only a mother to her own sons, but a mother figure to many of her sons’ friends.
Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Monday, December 4, 2017, at Wake Forest Baptist Church.
Surviving are her husband of 24 years, Jeff of Wake Forest; two sons, Jack and Brooks, both of Wake Forest; her parents, Abner and Kay Gore of Clinton; two sisters, Robbie Williams and her husband, Todd, of Wake Forest and Abbie Smitherman and husband, Heath, of Goldsboro; a brother, Charles Gore of California; a niece, Mabry Williams; three nephews, Ford Williams, Hank and Carson Smitherman; mother-in-law, Ellen Teal of Richmond, Virginia; father-in-law, Reid Denny of Pilot Mountain; and many other loving family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army of Wake County, 1863 Capital Boulevard, Raleigh, NC 27604 or to the Wake Forest Boys and Girls Club, 325 South Wingate Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-5811)
Barbara Stephens Smith
Raleigh
Barbara Stephens Smith, 77, died Friday, December 1, 2017. Barbara was born October 31, 1940 to the late Melvon Stephens and Margie Watkins Stephens. She was a longtime member of Parkview Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana before moving to Raleigh 10 years ago.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Scott Little.
A memorial service will be held 4 p.m. Friday, December 8, 2017, at Bethany Baptist Church, 3417 Rolesville Road, Wendell.
Surviving are two daughters, Terri Ballard and husband, Shane of Wendell and Cindy Yost of Morrisville; a son, Jerry Little and wife, Leslie, of New M; grandchildren, Catherine, Ryan, Bailey, Emily, Davis, Zachary and Nicholas; a brother, Larry Stephens and wife, Rhonda, of Texas; a sister, Mary Ann Robinson of Texas; and nieces and nephews.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-5811)
Henrietta Castles
Raleigh
Nora “Henrietta” Thomas Castles, 69, passed away at her home on Wednesday, November 29th, 2017. She was born October 17, 1948 in Walker County, Alabama, to Paula Jean Wyatt and the late John Henry Thomas.
Henrietta was a proud member, friend, and advocate of the deaf community as well as the deaf-blind community. Henrietta has helped to create and maintain the strong bonds of love to those she worked with. Her house was always open and inviting, a visitor never needed to call before showing up at her door. She always looked forward to the next social gathering with her friends, to bond and share their lives together.
Her passion for, and her faith in Jesus Christ defined who she was and how she lived her life. One of her proud moments was earning her associate degree in divinity at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Henrietta is survived by her mother, Paula Jean Wyatt; brother, Stan Wyatt; sister, Paulette Grimsley; son, Jeffrey Castles and his wife, Rebecca Castles; daughter, Etta Castles; and granddaughters, Dylan Castles and Brandi Privette.
A memorial service for Henrietta was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at Wake Forest Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the North Carolina Lions organization, which was her favorite retreat.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-5811)
Jackie F. Allen
Garner
Jackie F. Allen, 71, died Thursday, November 30, 2017. She was born May 23, 1946 in Franklin County to the late Florence Woodlief Ferguson and John Henry Ferguson. Jackie retired from Westinghouse in 2015 after 51 years. She was a longtime member of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Youngsville.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, Paul David Pearce and Calbert Ervin Allen, and two brothers, Bervin and John Ferguson.
Funeral services for Mrs. Allen were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 3, 2017, in the Chapel of Bright Funeral Home, Wake Forest. The Rev. Jim Robertson officiated. Burial followed in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Youngsville.
Surviving are a son, Rodney Pearce of Garner; a daughter, Sharon M. Tyner and husband, Craig, of Smithfield; a step-daughter, Peggy Allen of Benson; six grandchildren, Sierra, Nicholas, Jena, Devin, Austin and Aiden; four sisters; two brothers; and many other family members and friends.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-5811)
