Pansy Bordeaux Holder
Raleigh
Pansy Bordeaux Holder, 92, of Raleigh, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday afternoon at home. She was born in Harnett County, a daughter of the late Glenn and Hazel Lloyd Bordeaux. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Holder, and son, Gary Holder.
Pansy was a lifetime member of Athens Drive Baptist Church. She and Paul enjoyed traveling and their home at the beach. They owned and operated Holder’s TV Sales and Service for many years.
A memorial service was held Saturday, May 4, 2019, at Athens Drive Baptist Church with graveside inurnment later that day at Chalybeate Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, Fuquay-Varina.
She is survived by her sisters, Donna Chappell (Jack) of Cary and Sarah McLamb of Spring Lake; brother, Bobby Bordeaux of Wake Forest; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice and Sharon Poole for their loving and dedicated care.
A service of Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, Wake Forest, NC. (919)556-7400
Joanne Spohn Sorber
Wake Forest
Joanne Spohn Sorber, 71, died Saturday, May 4, 2019, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born June 10, 1947 in Binghamton, New York to the late Mary Jean and Blinn Spohn.
Joanne taught at St. Andrew’s Nursery School in Vestal, New York and Wake Forest Baptist Preschool in Wake Forest for a total of nearly 30 years.
She is survived by: her husband, Brian Sorber; children, Holly Fisher (Troy) and Adam Sorber (Tiffany); grandchildren, Harrison Fisher, Sullivan Fisher, Wilson Fisher, and Calvin Fisher; sister, Marylinn Weston (David), Linda Spohn; brother-in-law, Scott Sorber (Jennifer); sister-in-law, Linda Sorber, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 (919) 828-0890 transitionslifecare.org – or – Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, 110 East 42nd Street, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10017 (800) 259-4636 www.alzinfo.org.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811
James ‘Jim’ Lehman
Wake Forest
It is with great sadness that the family of James “Jim” Lehman announces his passing on Wednesday, May 1, 2019.
Jim, affectionately known as Boo, is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jane Donovan Lehman; his daughter, Liz Amend and her husband, Dan, of Wake Forest; his daughter, Anmarie Rose and her husband, Ryan, of Wayne, Pennsylvania; six grandchildren, Alex, Megan, Kate and Emily Amend and Mackenzie and Taryn Rose; his sisters, Norma Hall of Exton, Pennsylvania and Emer Chapman; 26 nieces and nephews; and 22 great-nieces and great-nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved brother, Edward Lehman. He loved everyone unconditionally and was proud to be part of such a large circle of family and friends.
Jim grew up in Landsdowne, Pennsylvania, attending Landsdowne-Aldan High School and running track where he held a 1-mile run record. Jim served in the U.S. Air Force from 1958 to 1962, working in Radar Relay. He went on to study mathematics and received a Bachelor of Science from West Chester State College and a Masters Degree from Lehigh University. He had a career as an actuary, which culminated in becoming a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries. After retirement, he devoted life to his 3 G’s: his Girls, his Grandchildren & Golf!
Jim appreciated life’s simplicities, including the great outdoors and time with family. He spent many years fishing the Quabbin Reservoir in Massachusetts with his brother. He took any opportunity to golf, and he was always ready to attend a performance at the Carolina Opry. Over the years, he honed a bedtime repertoire that he sang with love to his daughters and grandchildren. He enjoyed talking with his nieces and nephews, passing on his love for mathematics, and convincing the next generation to study actuarial science (we’re still waiting!).
Jim was a kind and generous person who was always willing to help and share with others. He was a role model as an upstanding citizen who believed in doing the right thing for the good of everyone. His memory will be cherished dearly by all who loved him.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811
Carol Green Cass
Wake Forest
“Carol has died. Car for sale.”
That is the obituary that Carol Ann Green Cass wrote for herself. But her family could not let that be the end of the story.
Carol, 74, a resident of Wake Forest, died on April 30, 2019 in Raleigh of complications from cancer. She was born on December 14, 1944 in Panama City, Florida, the oldest child of Jay Robert Green and Ruth Buresh Green. Carol grew up in Charlotte, graduating from Myers Park High School in 1962. She attended Meredith College for a time and years later, while working and a single mom, Carol obtained her degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Carol possessed both stunning beauty and a towering intellect. Throughout her life, she mastered a number of fields, including owning her own mortgage brokerage, working in real estate and insurance sales, book distribution, as a paralegal, and managing a sound studio. For the past 19 years, she served as part of the Decedent Care Team at Duke University Hospital in Durham.
Carol was a force of nature. During the 1980’s, she was life of the party for her “KDNA” social circle in Charlotte, and over the years, her creative spirit shown in mischievous ways: from signing Liz and Robb’s school physician forms with the name “P.D. Trician,” eagerly confronting parents of loud toddlers in restaurants, haggling with the Christmas tree salesman only to post-date the check for a year later, or concealing the real reason her mother’s church circle loved the meatloaf containing special “oregano” that somehow found its way into the freezer. Carol’s acerbic wit spared no targets, her “dingy” martini recipe perplexed many a waiter, and holding court with her cousins at Green family reunions always reinvigorated her eccentric charm. The family marveled at how Carol’s crafty stubbornness was outmatched only by her capacity to hold a grudge over the most trivial of blunders. But she loved animals at least as much as people, readily worked two jobs when needed to support her children, and woe be unto the school administrator if Carol felt her kids were slighted.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Sandra G. Tamplin. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth C. “Liz” Stafford (Mark) of Winston-Salem; her son, Robert C. “Robb” Cass, Jr. (Sherrie) of Raleigh; grandchildren, Andrew G. Stafford of Harrisonburg, Virginia, Sydney C. Cass of Wilmington, William R. “Will” Stafford of Winston-Salem and Tyler G. Cass of Raleigh; her brother, Michael A. Green of Kernersville; nephews, John L. Capes (Vickie) of Jamestown, Bradley M. Green of Vale and Frank H. Tamplin Jr. of Charlotte; and niece, Laura G. Skvoretz (Chris) of Huntersville.
A celebration of Carol’s life took place Thursday, May 9, 2019, in the Chapel of Bright Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Carol’s memory be made to Transitions Life Care of Raleigh, www.transitionslifecare.org.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811
Anna Marie Pait
Wake Forest
Anna Marie Pait, 23, of Wake Forest passed away April 27, 2019. Anna was born in Ohio on August 11, 1995, a daughter of Timothy Pait and Marcy (Rife) Pait.
Anna enjoyed spending time at the beach and the lakes, music skateboarding and basketball.
Anna is survived by her parents; her sister, Krystal Williams; her grandparents, Hulon and Frances Pait, Gail and Sam Swaney, Randy and Bobby Rife and Penny Forsythe; her niece, Jasper Williams; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to a drug rehabilitation support group of one’s choice or to www.newbeginingstreatmentcenter.org
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811
Charles W. Coley
Blaldenlboro
Charles W. Coley, 71, died in Duke University Hospital on May 5, 2019 after an extended and brave battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was born in Bladen County on November 18, 1947, and graduated from Elizabethtown High School in 1965.
Mr. Coley was the son of the late Z.K. Coley and Iola Brantley Coley. He is survived by one daughter, Tonya Davis; and two granddaughters and three great grandsons, all of Clarkton.; two sisters, Carolyn Coley London of Durham and Shelby Jean Farrow; and a brother, Ronald Coley of Elizabethtown. His sister, Fanny Coley Storms of Mint Hill, and his brother, Millard Wayne Coley Sr. of Marshville, predeceased him.
Charles loved his family and adored his two great-grandsons, Drake and Trace. He was a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Brother, and friend. He provided us much joy and happiness. He will be sorely missed, but long remembered, by all who knew and loved him.
Mr. Coley worked in a variety of jobs including home improvement, logging, selling produce, and became known as the “watermelon man” around Bladen County. He continued to work even after it was determined by the VA that he was a 100 percent disabled combat veteran with two Purple Hearts.
While in the service in Viet Nam Charles was recognized for his many contributions. In November 1969 and in January 1970, he was awarded Air Medals with “V” device. These awards were bestowed for acts of heroism against armed enemies. Charles was also recognized for valorous actions while serving as a door gunner with the 174th Aviation Company.He was recognized in March for ignoring heavy volumes of hostile fire directed against him; Specialist Coley continued to work in exposed areas until all casualties had been removed from the battlefield. Specialist Coley’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflected great credit upon him, the Americal Division, and the Unites States Army.
Visitation will be at the Bright Funeral Home in Wake Forest, on Saturday, May 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. and burial will follow at the Coley-Gulley Family Cemetery near 1508 Coley Road.
A memorial service to celebrate his life and honor his numerous accomplishments will be held at a later date in Bladen County.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 249, Middlesex, NC, 27557, in honor of Charles W. Coley. His maternal grandparents donated the land for the children’s home in 1923.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811
Dr. Evelyn Pertalion Bickham
Rolelsville
Dr. Evelyn Pertalion Bickham entered into rest Friday, May 3, 2019, at her residence in Rolesville with her children present.
Evelyn, aged 94, was born in Bogalusa, Louisiana to Evelyn (Evie) and Augustus (Gussie) Pertalion. She was preceded in death by her parents and her Bogalusa High School sweetheart and loving husband of 75 years, Truett Bickham.
She is survived by siblings, Janis Pertalion Knight and Albert Pertalion both of Hammond, Louisiana; her four children, B. Michael Bickham (Sandra) of Franklinton, Janet Bickham Gardner of Wake Forest, Deborah Bickham Szymelewicz (Frank)of Burnsville and Denise Bickham Kerr (Michael) of Taft, Texas. Also surviving her are 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Once her four children started school, Evelyn began her own academic pursuit at Oglethorpe College of Atlanta and ultimately earned her undergraduate and post-graduate degrees from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. Evelyn was active in various Virginia schools as a classroom reading specialist, librarian, teacher, and principal. After earning her doctorate in education, Dr. Bickham became an Assistant Professor of Education at the University of Virginia, and went on to accept a position as Professor of Education at Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Virginia, serving as co-chairperson of the Education Department, Director of Graduate Studies in Education, and Supervisor of Student Teaching.
Dr. Bickham was very active in professional education associations during her career, acting as President of the Virginia Association for Early Childhood Education, board member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum, and the World Council for Curriculum and Instruction. She was a member of several professional organizations including Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Delta Kappa and Cardinal Key at Lynchburg College. Considered an international expert in her field, she often presented workshops at professional conventions in the U.S. and abroad. As an enrichment to the field of study in Education, Evelyn developed, scheduled and directed post-graduate courses abroad during summer terms at numerous universities in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Her husband, Truett, became her faithful travel companion. At Lynchburg College (now University of Lynchburg), she created and funded the Evelyn P. Bickham annual academic scholarship which is awarded to graduate students in the study of Education. Upon her retirement, Lynchburg College named the Department of Education building in her honor. Carrying her passion for education beyond her retirement, as an octogenarian Dr. Bickham traveled alone to South Korea to teach a graduate education course in reading.
Evelyn had an appetite for reading fiction and watching old westerns. Once asked why she preferred old cowboy shows, she responded, “Because good always triumphs over evil.”
In lieu of a memorial service in North Carolina, Evelyn and Truett both requested to be taken home to Louisiana to rest with loved ones in the family cemetery. We would like to give a special thank you to the staffs of Avendelle Assisted-Living at Heritage in Rolesville and Kindred Hospice Care in Oxford for their loving care and support.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811
- Odis Morris
Wake Forest
William Odis Morris, 93, passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2019, at his residence. He was born in Wake County, the son of the late Luna Morton Morris and Burton “Bud” Morris. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nellie Frances Houston Morris, and by 14 siblings.
Mr. Morris was a retired electrician with the American Tobacco Company in Durham and a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Mr. Morris is survived by his wife, Blanche Scarboro Lancaster Morris; his children, William Avery “Buddy” Morris and wife, Linda, Danny Lee Morris and wife, Marianne, Penny Morris Braxton and husband, Glenn and Beth Ann Morris; step-children, Kenneth Craig Lancaster and wife, Nina and Rhonda Monteith and husband, Steve; seven grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and a sister; Elene O’Neal and husband, Winston “Wink”.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811
Kyle Mathew Early
Wake Forest
Kyle Mathew Early, precious son of Tammy and Ronnie Early, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2019.
Kyle was born on June 9, 1999 and was an avid personal computer gamer who loved physical fitness. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol for the past four years and was a member of the Republican National Committee. He loved all of God’s creatures, especially his turtle, Vader, and his lizard, Geico. Kyle was a gentle and kind young man who took pride in helping others. He was pure of heart and never said anything ill to another. He was born with autism and society never understood him. He was different, never less despite how others treated him. Kyle was one of the most intelligent and funny young men that you could ever meet. He struggled through most of his life because he could never conform to what society thought he should be. In the end, he found peace with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We love you forever. Rest in Peace Son.
A celebration of Kyle’s life was held at 4 o’clock Saturday afternoon, May 4, 2019, at Oak Grove Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, Kyle is survived by his brother, Coltin Early, and by his grandma, Connie O’Brien.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at www.afsp.org or to the Autism Society of NC at www.autismsociety-nc.org.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811
Mary-Paige Kendall Merical
Raleigh
Mary-Paige Kendall Merical, 17, passed away Friday, April 26, 2019, at James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital in Greenville. She was born July 7, 2001 in Charlotte.
Passionate about everything she became involved in, Paige spent most of her time and energy focused on family and friends. She had an infectious smile and laughter that would light up every room she was in. You could always find her in the stands cheering on the Wake Forest High School Cougar football team. Paige also played softball, loved music and going to concerts. She was so happy to be able to drive and once she got her license her foot never came off the gas pedal. She used that newfound freedom to take her to her part-time job at Freddy’s in Wake Forest.
Paige had an infinite love for all things — family, friends and food but especially her dogs, Lola and Morgan. She was yet to decide where to attend college. Paige was a truly beautiful soul who will be missed dearly by all of her family and friends who loved her so much. She will leave a void in our hearts never to be filled.
Paige is survived by her parents, John and Suzi Merical; brothers, Matthew Merical of Kingston, Massachusetts and Joe Merical (Jaydan) of Charleston, West Virginia; uncle, Tom Jarrell (Linda) of Vienna, West Virginia; aunt, Nancy (Nanny) Jarrell of Parkersburg, West Virginia; aunt, Shirley Harr of Ashburn, Virginia; uncles, Bill Merical (Sarah) of Omaha, Nebraska and Jim Merical (Leia) of Lynchburg, Tennessee; aunts, Jan Merical Black (Ron) of Ashland, Kentucky and Amy Merical Sweat (Jeff) of Oviedo, Florida; cousins, Tracie (Sissy) Jarrell Hester (Jerry) and children, Jacob and Katy, of Raleigh; Travis Jarrell (Krystal) and son, Connor, of Charlotte, Meredith (Friend) Jarrell (Enio) of Raleigh, Jason Jarrell (Dara) and children, Nick and Evie, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and Jennifer Campbell (Jeff) and daughters, Hannah and Alison, of Leesburg, Virginia.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, the late Harold Lee (Bus) and Mary Lou Jarrell of Charleston, West Virginia and Bill and Martha Merical of Oviedo, Florida; uncle, Andrew (Copas) Jarrell of Punta Gorda, Florida; and cousin, Amy Harr of Raleigh.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to our amazing community for their continued love, prayers and support and also to Paige’s dear friends who made the trip almost daily to visit her and our family as well as the wonderful staff at James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital for their unwavering care and compassion shown to Paige while a patient at their facility.
In lieu of flowers you may send donations to:
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811
Goldie Mae Rastadt
Youngsville
Goldie Mae Rastadt, 90, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2019, at her residence. She was born in Columbus, Georgia, the daughter of the late Avie Tillery Nagy Roy and Harry Roy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Werner Rastadt.
A memorial service was held at 10 o’clock Monday morning, May 6, 2019, in the Chapel of Bright Funeral Home.
Mrs. Rastadt is survived by her daughters, Debra Schmitt and Ginny Zalnoski, and her sons, Gene Leone, John Leone and Nick Leone.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Grace Hospice Foundation, 136 Roxboro Road, Oxford, NC 27565.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest. (919) 556-5811
