Eleora Davasha Toomey
Wake Forest
Eleora Devasha Toomey passed into God’s Glory on April 26th, 2019. She led an extraordinary life by any definition.
She pulled entire groups of people together to fight for a common goal. She weaved community by bringing together people that would have never met without her presence. Though she was non-verbal if you took the time to learn her language she spoke so loudly and clearly and with such spirit that all one could do was smile, laugh and nod. Her bright smile would light up a room, in that old cliché, but could also send your spirit soaring when you least expected it. Her laugh was infectious, but it was so much so that one would find oneself not only laughing along, but laughing to the point of joyous tears.
Though she was non–mobile, she mobilized people to assist her and each other. Her will power and incredible strength were spoken in reverent tones in both the medical community and between all of those that had the pleasure of being around her. Uncounted number of doctors have proclaimed uncounted times over the years words to the effect that they can’t believe she has “fought through” some new difficulty. She was sweet and kind and strong and filled to the brim with pure will power.
Nothing thrilled her like going very, very fast with the wind in her face and whipping through her hair. Whether that was on her special bike down the greenway, a boat across the water or being pushed as fast as possible across the green field while playing Miracle League baseball – it did not matter as long as she was going fast.
Nothing moved her like music – usually of the very fast, very intense beat variety. As long as there were driving chords, she would dance and dance as long as the music would last. She would anticipate the downbeat to catch her breath. She taught us all to dance with her and like her controlled, but uncontrolled, passionate and fiery and joyous.
Music filled our house like bird song fills an early morning spring time forest. Nothing calmed her like being in the water. Floating in the pool or sinking waist deep into a lake was pure perfection for her soul.
As the years have passed, her medical conditions have gotten more complicated and difficult. She was born with an incredibly rare genetic condition. So rare, in fact, that she was the only one in the world with her genetic combination. In a world where everyone is unique, she was a singularity. She provided incredible hugs, intense soul-searching stares and smiles that could turn an otherwise dour day into an emotional confection. Our every day was made better by her. All I can do is hope that we made her every day just as great.
She is survived by her Grandfather, Ron Kirschbaum; Grandmother, Nancy Toomey; her parents, Sean and Cindy; and her brother, Cullen. Also, by her uncles, aunts and cousins. And by so many amazing friends that had the privilege of knowing her. She is now in the company of loved ones including her Grandmother Honey Kirschbaum, Grandfather Donald Toomey and countless Toomey’s, Kirschbaum’s, Sagers, Saunders, Martin’s, Paes’ and Goode’s.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Eleora’s Promise on Gofundme.com
A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2019, in the Chapel of Bright Funeral Home. Interment will be private.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811
Keith Dale McClung
Raleigh
Keith Dale McClung, 79, died Sunday, April 28, 2019, at his home. He was born July 26, 1939 in Oak Hill, West Virginia. Keith served in the United States Army and he was an avid golfer who enjoyed playing his whole life.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at Bay Leaf Baptist Church, 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh. The Rev. Don Gilbert will officiate. Burial will be private.
Surviving are his wife, Sharon Price McClung of Raleigh; daughter, Carrie McClung of Raleigh; son, Todd McClung of Raleigh; sister, Frances Surbaugh of Oak Hill, West Virginia; and two brothers, Richard McClung of Charleston, West Virginia and Mark McChung of Oak Hill, West Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bay Leaf Baptist Church Missions Fund, 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27614 or Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.
Friends may visit with the family in the fellowship hall after the memorial service.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811
Steven “Stevie” Allan Acord
Youngsville
It is with great sadness that the family of Steven “Stevie” Allan Acord announces his passing on Friday, April 26, 2019, at a young age of 48. He was a much loved husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. Stevie will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend of 30 years (LAMFY), Debbie, and his children, Lindsay, Eric Williams (Amber), and Matthew Williams, along with one grandson Nicholas Russo. He will be greatly missed by his parents, Delano “Dean” and Wilma (Murphy) Acord of Franklinton; brothers, Tim (Theresa) Acord of San Jose, California, Gary (Kim) Acord of Rolesville, and Darrell (Lori) Acord of Franklinton; along with many many other family members and friends. He loved everyone unconditionally and was proud to be a part of such a large circle of family and friends. Stevie shared an especially close relationship that he cherished with Ed and Becky Donahue.
Stevie never met a stranger. He devoted a great portion of his life helping others and took great pride in the way he lived his life by “paying it forward”, taking care of his “karma”, and always trying to do the right thing. He was an amazing friend and was happy to lend a hand and help out in any way he could. He loved being “just a phone call away” to everyone. To know him was to love him.
Stevie was past Master of Rolesville Masonic Lodge #683 where he was a Brother for nine years. He was also a member of Zebulon Shrine Club for three years. Some of Stevie’s favorite times were spent participating in Masonic and Shriners events and functions. He was a true Brother to all and was proud to live a life that reflected the meaning of Brotherhood.
His happiest times were spent camping at the Outer Banks, fishing, hunting, and hanging out with his best buddy Leo (dog). Stevie and Leo spent many hours taking rides on the golf cart and riding in Poppy’s big truck. His most cherished times were spent with those he loved. He truly enjoyed the simple pleasures in life.
In lieu of flowers the family has suggested donations be made to the foundations that were very near and dear to Stevie’s heart, The Masonic Home for Children in Oxford, NC, or The Shriners Hospital for Children.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2019, at Bright Funeral Home. Immediately after the visitation there will be a Celebration of Life, to include a Masonic Memorial, at 6 p.m. at Zebulon Shrine Club, 1201 West Gannon Avenue, Zebulon.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811
Ernest Dysart Baker
Raleigh
Ernest Dysart Baker, affectionately known as Ernie or Big EZ, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 26, 2019, following a nine-year battle with Multiple Myeloma. At age 67, surrounded by his family, he crossed the finish line and is now celebrating his eternal life in heaven, free from cancer.
Ernie was born in Buffalo, New York on December 31, 1951 to Lewin and Erna Baker. His family moved from New York to Ormond Beach, Florida, when he was young, and he was a graduate of Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Florida Technological University, now known as the University of Central Florida, his beloved alma mater. This is where he met “the gorgeous girl in the pink bikini,” the love of his life, Linda Stout.
The majority of Ernie’s career was spent as an executive with IBM, which brought him first to Boca Raton, Florida, and later to Raleigh, North Carolina. After 20 years with IBM, he served as CEO for a number of start-up technology software companies in Research Triangle Park.
Ernie believed in living life to the fullest and enjoyed the great outdoors by playing racquetball, camping, going deep sea fishing, hiking in the woods, snorkeling, and traveling the world with his family. He also enjoyed woodworking and put his engineering skills to use in the building of all sorts of things. His greatest joy was spending time with loved ones, ranging from his parents to his grandchildren.
Being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma at the age of 58 forced Ernie into an early retirement, which allowed him to spend much more quality time with his whole family. He filled his days creating precious memories, including long walks with Linda, DIY projects with his children, and tickle fights with his grandchildren. He survived two stem cell transplants at Duke Hospital’s Adult Bone Marrow Clinic and endured numerous treatment regimens and surgeries, all with such courage and strength as he trusted the Lord and his amazing team of specialists. He truly “learned to be content in all circumstances” (Philippians 4:11-13), and somehow managed to smile and tell jokes through it all. Loved by many, his presence is deeply missed, but we know that this world is not our home, and we will be reunited one day in heaven, our eternal home.
Ernie is survived by his wife of 43 years, Linda; his daughter, Tara Dew and her husband, Jamie; his daughter, Leah Guenther and her husband, Kyle; his son, Nick Baker and his wife, Anne; his grandchildren, Natalie, Nathan, Samantha and Samuel Dew, Emery and Will Guenther; his sister, Sherry Cato and her husband, Bobby; his brother, Marvin Baker and his wife, Laurie; and his mother-in-law, Ginny Stout. He was loved by a host of nieces and nephews, and of course his English Springer Spaniel, Lucy.
A celebration of his life will be held at Bay Leaf Baptist Church, 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, on Monday, May 6, 2019 at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ernie’s memory to the International Myeloma Foundation (www.myeloma.org).
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811
Donnie Wayne King
Wake Forest
Donnie Wayne King, 60, died Saturday, April 27, 2019. He was born December 18, 1958 to the late Homer L. and Emma Jean Ray King.
He worked many years as an automotive technician.
Donnie was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Timothy.
Graveside services were held 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at Falls Community Cemetery, 12165 Old Falls of Neuse Road, Wake Forest. The Rev Al Thomas will officiate.
Donnie is survived by his wife, of 28 years, Sherry King; two children, Chris Faison and wife, Victoria, of Burlington, and Rachael King of Wake Forest; and four grandchildren, Amber, Skylar, Tyler and Austin.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811
Edna Loyd Privette
Wake Forest
Edna Loyd Privette, 83, passed away on Wednesday April 24, 2019, at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh. She was born in Franklin County, the daughter of the late Macie Pleasants Loyd and Hubert Loyd. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Margaret Ann Privette, and her husband, Raney Jasper Privette.
Mrs. Privette is survived by her children, Sue Perry of Franklinton, Ricky Privette and wife, Vickie, of Franklinton, Brian Privette and wife, Donna, of Wake Forest and Ronnie Privette and wife, Angie, of Franklinton; a sister, Helen Parrish of Franklinton; a brother, Julian Loyd of Franklinton; grandchildren, Jennifer Kaleel of Franklinton, Rickey Privette of Durham, Jennifer Cozart of Henderson, Nicole Privette of Henderson and Bailey Privette of Raleigh; and great-grandchildren, Rachel Allen and Katy Allen.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811
Linda Wood Waiden
Marian
Linda Wood Waiden ended her journey of 62 years on this earth April 22, 2019. She began her life’s adventures on October 14, 1956 in Franklinton with parents Bob Wood and Alice Wood Hock along with sisters Pam and Janice and brother Ricky.
She had a heart of gold and loved her family with all her being. Linda was obedient to the Lord and thrived to be as close to him as anyone could be. We take great comfort in knowing she is in his loving arms and free from pain and all the worries that life brings.
Linda was preceded in death by her father, Bob Wood, and her son, Bobby Gagnon.
She is survived by her husband, Gene Waiden of Marian; daughter, Alice Waiden McFadden and son-in-law, Wayne McFadden, of Wake Forest; two granddaughters, Madison McFadden Steele and husband, Allen, of Louisburg and Chloe McFadden of Wake Forest; great-grandson, Wyatt Steele of Louisburg; her mother, Alice Hock of Franklinton; step-father, Maurice Hock of Franklinton; sisters, Janice Peoples and Pam Wood, both of Franklinton; a brother, Ricky Wood of Spring Hope; sister-in-law, Garlene Wood of Spring Hope; two nephews and three nieces that she loved so much; aunt and uncle, Jimmy and Zura Scott of Wilson; and a host of so many more family members whom she loved so much.
Memorial services were held Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Community Chapel Church, 11556 Taylor Store Rd, Nashville. The Rev. Jimmy Scott and Bishop Carrol Wiggs co-officiated. Burial followed at Fairview Cemetery in Franklinton.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811
Dewey Baxter Stewart
Wake Forest
Dewey Baxter Stewart, 69, of Wake Forest, passed away at WakeMed on Thursday, April 25, 2019. Dewey was born in South Boston, Virginia to the late David Carl Stewart and Marie Williams Epps Stewart. If you ever met Dewey, you would never forget him. He never met a stranger and there was nothing he would not do to help someone. Dewey will truly be missed by his family and his many friends.
Funeral services were held at 1 o’clock Saturday afternoon, April 27, 2019, at Falls Baptist Church.
Mr. Stewart is survived by his son, Jason Stewart and wife, Stacie of Louisburg; grandchildren, Skylar Chandler and partner, Noah Cosme, of Franklinton, Katelyne Stewart of St. Louis, Missouri and Taylor Lee Stewart of Louisburg; siblings, Priscilla Hamilton of Clover, South Carolina and Hannah Liles of Rolesville; special nephews, Joey Groves of Wake Forest; many more nieces, nephews and cousins; and his beloved Keith’s Store family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janie Faye Tharrington Stewart; daughter, Mary Crumpler “Prissy” Baldwin; and brother, Malcolm Stewart
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Falls Community Cemetery, 9705 Fonville Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587.
A service of Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, Wake Forest, NC. (919)556-7400
www.cswfuneralhome.com
Robert J. Loomis
Rolesville
Robert J. Loomis, 47, died on February 12, 2019 from a heart attack.
He was born May 7, 1971 in Cooperstown, New York, and had resided in North Carolina since 1999. He worked as a Network Engineer and operated his own structured cabling business.
Rob never sought praise and he was never one to boast. He just went on quietly working for the ones he loved the most. His dreams were seldom spoken, his wants were very few and most of the time his worries went unspoken too.
Through all the storms of life, he served as our firm foundation. Whether the times were good or bad, we could rely on him. He was one of his family’s greatest blessings and the man that the children called Dad.
He is survived by his wife, Lauren; his son, Joseph; and his twin daughters, Sophia and Gabriella.
A private memorial service will be held for the family.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
– Romans 8:38-39
