Margaret Karne Tiller Landreth (Peg)
Raleigh
Margaret Karen Tiller Landreth (Peg) passed peacefully from complications of Alzheimer’s on Sunday, September 24, 2023.
Born in Gallion, Ohio on December 29, 1944, to the late Jim and Mable Tiller, Peg was the fourth of five children. She was a graduate of Gallion High School, then proceeded to Nursing School at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. After a few years of nursing Peg decided it was time to travel the world and became an American Airlines Flight Attendant. Once she had the opportunity to travel domestically and internationally, nursing was calling her back. Although she worked in many areas of nursing. The Emergency Room was her passion. Peg continued to pursue her nursing and business degrees. Peg is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (C’97) and a graduate of North Carolina Weslyn College with a degree in Business (C’98).
Peg loved being a wife, a mother, a mother-in-law, a grandmother, and taking care of everything around her. With over thirty years of nursing made her an incredible caretaker. She was the best nurse, mother, and wife you could ask for. Her nursing stories always provided interesting dinner conversation; you better have a tough stomach if you were having dinner with the Landreth’s!
Peg loved the ocean, the smell of salt air, and fishing. She was constantly teased because everyone around her would catch fish and she somehow would get “skunked” even when the person fishing next to her would be pulling in “doubles”. She never got the marlin she always dreamed of catching, however, fishing in bill fishing tournaments with her daughter and best friends was always a yearly highlight.
Peg was not afraid of a challenge. She was an expert windsurfer. When her daughter Kendra (Landreth) Maxwell called one day and said, “Why don’t you do a triathlon with me”, she didn’t hesitate. At 60 she completed her first triathlon, which resulted in multiple additional races and medals over the next decade. Triathlons led to competing in the North Carolina State Games up to age 70. She won numerous medals and trophies for speed walking, swimming, and bicycling. Of course, she believed that having the best road bike on the market was only appropriate making her husband, Jeff Landreth, cringe when he would receive the credit card bill.
When Peg was not training for triathlons, North Carolina State Games, or riding with her Silver Riders bike group at the Outer Banks, NC, she was intensely quilting blankets for her two granddaughters, Haydin and Harper Maxwell. She would make a quilt for each season and holiday and was really excited when she learned to embroider with her new sewing machine, again causing Jeff to cringe when he saw that credit card bill. But in typical fashion, she had to have a great sewing machine! “They just sew better” she would say. When her son-in-law Shane Maxwell and Kendra and Haydin and Harper would come visit, she would always call Shane to get his pre-order of chocolate sweets and goodies for the visit. Often the brownies would even still be warm upon their arrival.
With all these passions, her love was for her family-both her immediate and extended. She would always keep close tabs on her siblings and what her nieces and nephews were doing. You could always get a great update on the extended family whenever you talked to her. Peg was a devoted wife to Jeff, always putting up with his practical jokes and humor. Peg would just roll her eyes and say “Oh Jeff” with a giggle. Peg and Jeff just celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on August 19, 2023. Over the past 51 years, they moved all over the United States and finally settled in North Carolina in 1986. This is where she fell in love with the Outer Banks, retiring there 20 years later.
Although living at the Outer Banks, she hardly missed an event for her granddaughters. She was arguably their best cheerleader. After twenty years of living at the Outer Banks, Peg and Jeff relocated to be closer to the family to ensure they didn’t miss an event. She would always tell Haydin or Harper before a competition, “Now go kick some butt!”
Haydin and Harper love their grandmother deeply and realize how important she was and is in their lives. Her memories will be cherished for a lifetime. So many laughs, sugary treats, and special moments. Haydin and Harper inherited Peg’s quick wit, competitiveness, and caretaker heart.
Peg leaves behind her loving husband, Jeff Landreth of Raleigh, NC and her daughter Kendra L. Maxwell and son-in law Shane Maxwell of Rolesville, NC, her two granddaughters, Haydin Maxwell and Harper Maxwell, three brothers Charles Tiller (Joy, deceased), Fred Tiller (Kay), and Jim Tiller (Francis), and sister Zoe Tiller, as well as many nieces and nephews.
As per Peg’s request, no formal funeral or memorial service will be held. A small gathering of close friends and family to celebrate Peg’s Life will be announced in the near future.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for consideration for a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Landreth family.
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Nancy Ann Downs Spiriti
Franklinton
Nancy Ann Downs Spiriti, 91, of Franklinton, NC, passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023.
A complete obituary will be available soon.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Nancy’s honor to the National Breast Cancer Foundation at www.nationalbreastcancer.org.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Spiriti family.
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William Gerald Thornton Sr.
Raleigh
W. Gerald Thornton Sr. (81) passed to his heavenly home on September 23, 2023 after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Gerald was born to William Richardson Thornton and Dora Myrle Pope on May 13, 1942 in Clinton (Sampson County), NC. He was a hard worker and a beloved friend to many growing up in Clinton. When he was an 8th grader at Clinton Junior High, he saw for the first time a beautiful girl with a ponytail. He would go on to befriend this girl, Katrina Crumpler, whom he later married and stayed by for over 60 years.
Gerald was active on the debate team and was captain of the football team at Clinton High School where he graduated in 1960. Gerald subsequently attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he was active in student government. He and Katrina were married in 1963 and they moved into a small trailer home in Chapel Hill to start their life together. Gerald decided to follow the advice of one of his high school teachers to become an attorney. Gerald graduated from UNC’s law school in 1967. He and Katrina moved to Louisville, Kentucky for four years while Gerald worked as an attorney for the Internal Revenue Service and their first two children were born. In 1970, they moved to Raleigh, NC where Gerald joined Manning, Fulton & Skinner law firm and their remaining three children were born.
Gerald became a well-respected business, tax and estate planning lawyer. He served as Chair of the Tax Section for the NC Bar Association in 1982-83 and on the NC Bar Association Board of Governors from 1988-91. He was regularly recognized as one of the top lawyers in the state of NC in publications, and he was honored to be inducted in 2022 into the NC Legal Practice Hall of Fame. Gerald loved his profession largely because of the friendships he developed from it. He used to say that he doesn’t have clients or co-workers, he only has friends.
Gerald was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Raleigh, NC, serving in various capacities including Bishop, Stake President, Counselor to the Mission President, Raleigh NC Temple Sealer, and Patriarch. Through many of these service opportunities in the church he was able to touch many lives for good and help others in their life’s journey. He was also a Hunter Safety Instructor for many years with the Wake County Wildlife Club, achieving recognition as Member of the Year in 2005 and 2006.
Gerald was a devoted husband, loving father, and committed friend to many. His devotion and love to his family and friends was only surpassed by his faith in and love for his Savior, Jesus Christ.
Gerald is survived by his wife and best friend, Katrina, as well as five children they shared together, Will (Angela), Todd (Lori), Heath (Shannon), KoKo, and Derek (Lexia). He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Ann Wagner.
A viewing will be held for family and friends to pay their respect on Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Bright Funeral Home in Wake Forest, NC. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023, at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1524 Jenkins Road in Wake Forest, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (visit website at donate.churchofjesuschrist.org).
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James Elbert Parker Jr.
Henderson
James Elbert Parker Jr. (Jimmy) was born on 3/4/1947 and went to be his Lord Jesus Christ on 9/22/23. Jimmy was blessed with a wonderful life and the impact he has made will have eternal significance.
Jimmy is survived by his loving wife (Jane) of 57 years. They have both been blessed by such a loving and wonderful family, some of which have gone on to Glory and some are still here. Children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, relatives, and friends have surrounded him his entire life and he loved them all.
Jimmy was a master seamer with Weavex for many years. He was known for having a tremendous sense of humor, an adventurous spirit, a creative mind, a loving nature, and a kindness that made everyone feel at ease. He loved his family and was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Words fail to honor such a great man, but we’ll leave it at this, kudos Jimmy on a life well lived.
A graveside service will be held at 2 PM on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens 770 Stadium Dr. Wake Forest, NC 27587.
Visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Parker Family.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate.
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Leonard E. Hassing
Wake Forest
Leonard E. Hassing, 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 21, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones. Len was born on June 2, 1947 in Little Falls, MN to Leonard and Ella Hassing.
He was raised in International Falls, MN, attended International Falls High School, and vocational school where he earned an Associates Degree. He then served as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force from 1967-1971, including a deployment to Da Nang, Vietnam from 1969 – 1970.
Len married his beloved wife Cynthia (Cindy) Banaszak in Aurora, IL June 3, 1972. Len resided in Plainfield, IL for 43 years where he and Cindy raised their children Erin (Gabriel) and Andrew. He worked as a service technician for Xerox Corporation for 38 years. In retirement, Len moved to Wake Forest, NC to be close to his family.
Len will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was a constant presence in his children and grandchildrens lives, supporting them in all of their endeavors and activities. He loved the beach and enjoyed traveling with his family. He touched the lives of many through the years, with his kind heart, making friends wherever he went, and always lending a helping hand to those in need.
He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Ella Hassing.
Len is survived by his wife Cynthia (Banaszak); children, Erin (Chip) Gabriel, Andrew (Sarah) Hassing; grandchildren, Finnegan and Penelope Hassing and Alexander Gabriel; and brother-in-law, Gregory (Brenda) Banaszak.
In lieu of flowers, if you are so inclined, the family would suggest a donation to the Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry at www.triareaministry.com.
A Mass will be held at 11 AM on Friday, September 29, 2023 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church at 520 Holding Ave. Wake Forest, NC 27587. Burial will follow the service in the church memorial garden.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Hassing Family.
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Grady Smith Macon
Youngsville
Grady Smith Macon, 90, of Youngsville passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2023.
He was born in Wake County, North Carolina, the son of the late Letha Smith Macon and Edwin Grady Macon. He graduated from Wake Forest High School and then served time in the Army as a Corporal with Battery 496 AAA Battalion.
He then continued his education and became an instructor at Polk Youth Center and later a teacher at Wake Forest-Rolesville High School in Auto Body Repair, while running his own Body Shop for decades. He also worked as an Auxiliary Police Officer with the WF Police Department for 20 years as well.
Finally after retiring from teaching, he continued with another job by starting a dealership that he ran for about 30 years, only stopping due to health problems.
Other interests he enjoyed were drag racing and watching just about any kind of auto racing, as well as fishing, and listening to country music. He always wanted to tell entertaining stories and liked to be entertained by others’ tales as well.
Mr. Macon is survived by his wife Joyce Jeffreys Macon; daughter Cheryl L. Macon; and brothers Dan and George Macon of Youngsville and Wake Forest.
Bright Funeral Home is caring for the Macon family. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 26th at Bright Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 27th in the Bright Funeral Home Chapel at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Montlawn Memorial Gardens in Raleigh, NC.
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Allison (Allie) Jeckel Protheroe
Virginia Beach, Va.
Allison (Allie) Jeckel Protheroe died suddenly in Virginia Beach on September 18, 2023, at the age of 24. So beautiful and full of life, she was taken away far too soon. Our hearts are heavy with unbelievable sadness as we realize we will never see her smiling face, experience her gregarious personality, or feel her immense love again while on this earth.
She was born on July 2, 1999 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She grew up for the most part in Raleigh where she had many friends. She graduated from Heritage High School in 2017 and attended Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach, VA. She married Colt on September 22, 2021. They were building a life together, and our hearts go out to him as he has to navigate his life without her. Her greatest achievement was her son Jake. She loved him more than anything in the world. She also loved her dog Lucy (Goose). She put her little family above all else which makes her passing unfathomable. She was very close to her mom and dad, calling her mom her “best friend”.
Nothing that can be said would do Allie justice. Most of all she loved her family. Her son Jake meant the world to her. It is our hope that he can feel the depth of her love for him and carry her in his heart forever. She was smart, funny, kind, loving and caring. She had a laugh that could fill a room and a light that will never be extinguished. We will love her forever and look forward to the day when we will see her again.
She was preceded in death just two months ago by her grandfather, Gerald Wayne Robertson.
She is survived by her husband, Machinist Mate 2nd Class Benjamin Colt Protheroe- U.S. Navy; son, Jacob Maverick Protheroe; father, Dwight Jeckel; mother, Crissy Jeckel; sister, Ashley Jeckel Schopps (husband Alex and children Braxton and Ava Grace); brother, Gavin Jeckel; aunt, Tracy Robertson Lewis (husband Chris and sons Andrew and Matthew); uncle, Scott Jeckel (wife June and children Sammy, Andrew and Nicholas); grandmothers, Betty Griffin Robertson and Charity Anne Jeckel; grandfather, Ron Jeckel and wife Jan; along with countless other aunts, uncles, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to a GoFundMe for Jake. Allie was a stay at home mother. Without Jake’s mother caring for him on a daily basis, Colt faces financial challenges as a single father. https://gofund.me/ae6ad0de
The family will receive friends on Monday, September 25, 2023 from 10-11 AM at Bright Funeral Home, 405 S. Main St. Wake Forest, NC 27587. A memorial service will follow at 11 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Shane Shaddix officiating.
THE SERVICE FOR ALLISON JECKEL PROTHEROE WILL BE LIVESTREAMED, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SERVICE
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort with the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Protheroe family.
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Greta A. Edwards
Wake Forest
Greta A. Edwards, 58, of Wake Forest, passed away on Saturday, September 16, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted and cherished wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.
Greta was born March 22, 1965, in Charleston, WV, to her parents and role models, the late Erik and Laura Wiik. From a young age, Greta was a warm, free-spirited soul who excelled at whatever she tried. Whether it was drawing, taking photos, or playing an instrument, she radiated talent and passion. After graduating from South Charleston High School, she moved to Charlotte, NC, and then found a forever home in the greater Raleigh area.
For over three decades, Greta spent her career in ophthalmology. She had a well-known and respected reputation, making many friends and mentoring others along the way. Her compassion and success set an example for all who had the privilege of working alongside her. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched as a caring technician and a guiding light in her field.
Fearless, outgoing, and thoughtful—these were the hallmarks of Greta’s beautiful life. Her infectious smile, constant sense of humor, and fierce love for living were qualities that drew people to her. She was always searching for her next adventure, a trip to plan, or a friend to meet. In between, she enjoyed the simple moments spent taking care of her flowers, cooking with Charles, and working on interior design projects.
Among all of her accomplishments, Greta was undoubtedly most proud of her daughter, Lauren. The two had a very special bond and never went long without seeing each other, making for many memories. Shared favorites included rock concerts, catching up over dinner, and annual vacations celebrating their birthdays together. Greta was the best mom anyone could hope to have.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at Bright Funeral Home, 405 S Main St., Wake Forest, NC 27587. The family will receive friends beforehand at the funeral home from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
She is survived by her husband, Charles Honeycutt, daughter, Lauren Edwards, brother, Jens Wiik, sister, Siri Wiik, niece, Kirsten Wiik, and her two beloved dogs, Bella and Bentley.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center. (919-556-5811)
www.brightfunerals.com
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Wayne Joseph Grellner
Raleigh
You were born on February 7, 1974, in Jefferson City, Missouri and the world has never been the same since. You grew up with your parents, Tom and Elsie, and your seven siblings in the small town of Frankenstein, Missouri. Although your memories of working on the family farm may not have been your favorite, they helped shape the wonderful person we knew. You always had a strong work ethic and enjoyed problem solving to help others throughout your career in pharmaceutical development. But what really shaped you was the love of your family and the mischief you got into growing up. That love poured over into our relationship when we were married in Kansas City, Missouri in 2010 and then settled in Raleigh, North Carolina where we were blessed with our two beautiful girls, Elizabeth Jane and Ellison Kate. There is not a moment that I ever doubt how much you loved us. Your wit, sarcasm, and joy in joking around with others kept everyone on their toes. You loved to cook, spend time with family, close friends, and neighbors and never said no when we wanted to go for a quick trip to the beach or the mountains. The memories of spontaneous food fights in the kitchen with inedible banana bread, hiding fake bugs to make people jump, riding around town in your Jeep with the music blaring, letting the girls paint your nails, and your spontaneity in putting up a tent in the backyard or dressing up in Halloween costumes any day of the year are memories we cherish and put smiles on our faces. Wayne, you left us too soon and will forever be missed. We will carry the love and joy that you shared with us in our hearts.
All our love,
Jenn, Lizzie, and Ellie
Wayne Joseph Grellner, 49, of Raleigh passed away Thursday, September 14, 2023. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Grellner. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Grellner, two daughters, Elizabeth Jane Grellner and Ellison Kate Grellner, his mother, Elsie Grellner, siblings, Gene Grellner (Janis), Judy Hicks (Kevin), Mary Kever (Mark Meyer), John Grellner (Jill), Diane Haslag (Charles), Rhonda Briot (Randy) and Alan Grellner (Carrie), father-in-law, Steve Ford, mother-in-law, Jane Ford, sister-in-law, Lisa Buss (Patrick) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and extended family.
A Celebration of Wayne’s life will be held Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Wakefield United Methodist Church, 10701 Common Oaks Drive, Raleigh, NC 27614. A visitation/reception will be held in the fellowship hall following the service. An additional Celebration of Wayne’s life will also be held at a later date in Missouri for family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Wayne’s honor be made to Lizzie and Ellie’s educational fund in c/o Jenn Grellner, 2920 Forestville Road, Ste 100-62, Raleigh, NC 27616.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Grellner family.
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Betty D. Bailey
Granville County
Betty Dalton Bailey peacefully passed away September 13, 2023. She was a native of Granville County. She is preceded in death by her parents, Wesley Davis Bailey and Mozelle Adcock Bailey. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Bailey Fuller and her husband Curt, nephews, Wesley David Fuller and wife Erin, Benjamin Adcock Fuller and wife Keevy, a great-nephew, Jackson Davis Fuller and great-nieces, Adlynn Grace Fuller and Emilliah Rae Fuller.
Betty was a 1973 graduate of Youngsville High School. She attended Vance-Granville Community College where she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse Certification. She worked in the OB-GYN Department at Wake Med in Raleigh for 42 years. She retired in November 2016 and moved back home to Granville County.
She was a life-time member of Woodland Baptist Church. She loved her Sunday School Class and going on church trips. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and sharing family stories. She dearly loved her nephews David and Benjamin and their wives Erin and Keevy. She found a special delight in holding and loving on Jackson, Adlynn and Emilliah.
A Celebration of her Life will be held at Woodland Baptist Church on Saturday, September 23. The family will receive visitors at 10:00 A.M. followed by the service at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund, 7020 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 28227 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5171 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center. (919-556-5811)
THE SERVICE FOR MRS. BAILEY WILL BE LIVESTREAMED. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SERVICE.
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Kenneth Zack ‘Buck’ Nowell
Wendell
Kenneth Zack “Buck” Nowell, 86, of Wendell, passed peacefully on Saturday evening, September 16, 2023 at Rex Hospital.
He was born to the late Robert Marcus Nowell and Zelma Hocutt Batten Nowell in Wake County on March 31, 1937. He graduated from Wendell High School in 1954, and after High School, he began a 19-year career at Almay Cosmetics advancing to Director of Operations before a successful career in real estate. He touched many lives over the years and will be greatly missed.
Friends visited with the family from 4:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., Tuesday, September 19, 2023 in the Family Ministry Center, Baptist Tabernacle Church, 1599 NC Hwy 231, Wendell, followed by the funeral service in the church at 6:00 p.m. with Reverend Glen Brock and Reverend Ricky Anderson officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.
Mr. Nowell is survived by his daughters, Kennette Nowell Stewart & husband Scott of Wendell, Kelly Nowell Currie & husband Wayne of Wendell and Kathryn Nowell Batten & husband Neal of Wendell; grandsons, Zack Scott (Allyn Holcomb), Marc Scott (Bethany), Jeff Currie, Jeremy Currie and Rev. Jason Currie (Allison); granddaughter, Kara Stewart; great-grandchildren, Emma Scott, Maelynn Scott, Samuel Currie and Isaiah Currie; special friend, Dot Powell of Newport News, VA; many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Emily Kay Eatman Nowell; an infant son; siblings, Nathan Batten, Marcus Nowell, Jr., Kathleen Carlyle, Wilma Lanier, Rosealeen Wall and Yvonne Hocutt.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Baptist Tabernacle Church, 1599 NC Hwy 231, Wendell, NC 27591.
Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC. (919)556-7400
www.cswfuneralhome.com
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Grace Maul
Wake Forest
Grace Maul, the youngest child of Lily Watts and Arthur Kemp, was born in Barking, East London, where she experienced WW2 and the Blitz. The Kemps moved to Rayleigh, Essex, in 1948, where she met her husband of 70 years, David Maul. The couple married in 1952 and raised their family in Folkestone, England. Grace was a leader in the Baptist Church, invested in community service, and was active in the family business. In 1981 David and Grace moved to America, where her focus shifted to the grandchildren (Hannah, Andrew, and Naomi), for whom her heart overflowed with love. Grace and David lived in Sarasota for more than 30 years then joined Derek and Rebekah in Wake Forest in 2014. Grace was a faithful and enthusiastic follower of Jesus. She loved to read and enjoyed travel, but mostly invested herself in people. Countless testify to the powerful impact Grace had on their lives, and by extension their families and communities.
Grace Maul was predeceased by her brother, Norman; her sister, Mary; her son, Geoff; and her husband, David. She is survived by her son, Derek (Rebekah), 3 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church, September 24, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
Memorial gifts can be given to the WFPC Giving Garden, 12605 Capital Blvd, Wake Forest, NC 27587.
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