Peggy Strother Rogers
Wake Forest
Peggy Strother Rogers, 91, of Wake Forest, North Carolina, passed away on September 28, 2023. Born on July 4, 1932, in Wilton, North Carolina, Peggy was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
Peggy is survived by her daughter, Whitney Rogers (Doug), and her son, Thomas Kerby Rogers, III (Tamara); grandchildren Shelby (Kurtis), Samantha, Austin, and Alex; and great-granddaughter Kerby. Peggy is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Rufus and Linda Strother; her niece, Sharon Hauser (Mike); nephews Jimmy Strother and Tony Strother; and many other extended family members and special friends.
Peggy was preceded in death by her father, James Frank Strother, her mother, Lessie Weathers Davis Strother, and her husband of 49 years, Thomas Kerby Rogers, Jr.
A lifelong learner, Peggy’s educational journey started at Wilton High School (which served all 12 grades in those days) and continued as she went on to earn multiple degrees from Woman’s College (now UNC Greensboro) and East Tennessee State University, along with advanced certifications in subjects that were of interest to her.
Peggy also enjoyed a diverse professional career. She worked as a chemist, served as a librarian, and became a registered nurse, providing care in both medical and behavioral health facilities, before retiring and devoting her time and attention to her family.
In her final years, Peggy was a resident of Brookdale Wake Forest, and her family would like to thank the staff for their loving care. We are especially grateful for your open arms, assistance, and support of her transition.
A ceremony to honor Peggy’s life will be held at Banks United Methodist Church, located at 2632 NC Highway 96 in Franklinton, NC, on October 23, 2023, at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in Peggy’s memory.
Please join us in celebrating the life of Peggy Strother Rogers and remembering the love, kindness, and joy she brought to all who knew her.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Rogers family.
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Richard Eugene Cramer
Wake Forest
Richard Eugene Cramer, 86, of Wake Forest, NC, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2021.
Richard was born in Washington, D.C. He graduated Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, MD. He worked for the Bell Telephone Company and later became a realtor for 30 years. He was active in The Lions Club for many years. He and his wife Janice moved to Wake Forest in 2006 and thoroughly loved the area. He enjoyed traveling and his hobbies were playing on the computer, playing “Mr. Fix It” but most of all his dogs.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Arnold Cramer.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Janice Cramer; four children, Stephen (April) Cramer, Gettysburg, MD; Donna (Kevin) Hickey, Arnold, MD; Erik (Lisa) Philpot, Salt Lake City, UT; and Colin (Irena) Philpot, Boise, ID; 11 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Cramer family.
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Karen Darlene (Marston) Morgan
Raleigh
Karen Darlene (Marston) Morgan passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 in Raleigh, NC, surrounded by her loving family; brother, Theodore (Joyce) Marston, of Rochester, NY; and three nieces, Kimberly Lillie, of Rochester, NY; Vicki (David) Norris, of Raleigh, NC; and Anne Marston, of Raleigh, NC.
Karen was born on March 29, 1944 in Springville, NY, to Theodore and Inez (Parsons) Marston. She attended William Smith College where she studied psychology, and, a few years later, received a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Buffalo. Karen worked in rehabilitation and counseling. Karen was most proud of her time at Roswell Park Cancer Center where she worked with patients and their loved ones.
Karen was married to Harland “Mark” Morgan Jr. (deceased) in the Spring of 1982 and was stepmother to Mark Allen Morgan of Fairmont, NE, Lori (Carey) Howard of Tipton, Iowa, and Kerri (Randy) Olsen. She was a proud grandmother to Andrea (Steve) Smith, Tricia (Cory) Coobs, Cassie Howard, Clay (Rebekah) Howard, Dani (Jacob) Koch, Zachary (Kristine) Kuhnke, Brandon (Polly) Kuhnke, Jamie (Jim) Pinkelman, Kellie Allen, great-grandmother to 24, and great-great-grandmother to one child.
Karen was also a loving great-aunt to Benjamin, Rachel, Philip Norris (Vicki Norris), and Alexa Knapp (Kimberly Lillie); and great-great-aunt to Alexa’s son, Ezekiel.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; stepdaughter, Kerri Olsen; and step-granddaughter, Kellie Allen.
Karen brought light and joy into many lives and her presence will be deeply missed. Karen was known for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love for her family and cherished friends. She was a source of strength and support, always there to lend an ear, offer guidance, and share in our joys and sorrows.
She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, quilting, flower gardening, bird watching, and spiritual growth. Karen was a lover of animals, especially dogs.
In lieu of flowers or remembrances, please donate to your local animal shelter. This would make Karen very happy!
May Karen’s soul rest in peace, and may we find solace in the beautiful, funny, warm memories we shared with her. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Morgan family.
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Barry ‘Bear’ Samuel Echols
Rolesville
Barry “Bear” Samuel Echols, 72, of Rolesville, North Carolina passed away peacefully at home on Monday, October 9, 2023 following a long-term battle with liver disease.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama on March 8, 1951 to Buin William Echols and Dera Gibson Echols, he was the youngest of five children (three brothers and one sister). Barry graduated from Ensley High School in 1970. He attended Jefferson State Community College and Birmingham-Southern College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting in 1982. He earned a Master of Science in Human Resources Administration from Central Michigan University in 1998.
Barry met Cathryn “Cathy” Prosser while attending Jefferson State Community College. They dated a short time, then reconnected in 1980. They were married June 30, 1985. They traveled the world on many cruises and trips together throughout their 38 years of marriage.
Barry started his law enforcement career with Montgomery Police Department in 1980. From there, he worked for Auburn Police Department and Mountain Brook Police Department in Alabama before becoming a US Marshall in Kansas in 1983. In 1985, Barry attended the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Upon completion, he became a Special Agent assigned to the Charlotte Division (Raleigh resident office). After five years with the FBI, Barry became Executive Director of Corporate Security for 11 years with GlaxoSmithKline, followed by Director of Corporate Ethics and Compliance for 10 years. From 2011-2015, he worked as Vice President of Sales and Operations for Guardsmark, followed by two years as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Private Protective Services Department. Barry ended his career as Owner/President/Licensed Investigator for BLOODHOUND Investigations before retiring in 2019.
Barry was a member of Richland Creek Community Church. He was saved by his Lord Jesus Christ and baptized on August 28, 2016. He served on their Security ministry.
Barry’s greatest passion was Alabama Crimson Tide football. He could be heard yelling “Roll Tide!” throughout the house or while at the game. He devoted an entire room in his home to Alabama memorabilia, and his family shares his love for the team.
Barry never met a stranger. He was always ready with a joke. He was a big kid at heart and loved spending time with his grandsons. He enjoyed entertaining friends and family at the lake. He was a certified scuba diver and enjoyed traveling to various dive sites. He had a beautiful singing voice and used his talent as a square dance caller for over 20 years.
Barry’s best fur friend was their golden retriever named Herbie, who passed away in 2021. Barry spent his last days loving their other golden retriever (Herbie’s son, Harley) and their newest fur family addition, Sam (named after Barry Samuel).
Barry is survived by his wife, Cathy and three children, Jennifer Crocker Lawrence, Scott Crocker, and Brian Crocker; grandchildren Clayton Lawrence (Aspen) and Dalton Lawrence; siblings Ron Echols (Suzanne) and Barbara Nabors (Vernon); sisters-in-law Carol Echols and Tina Prosser, nephews and nieces Steve Echols (Lisa), Scott Echols (Gina), Stephanie Prosser Sing (Todd), Ron Echols (Hilary), Michael Prosser (Lisa), Valerie Echols Grissom (Jake), Amanda Nabors Letchman, Marc Nabors, Josh Echols, Mary Prosser; several great nephews and nieces.
Barry was predeceased by his parents, brothers Julian Echols and Wayne Echols, and brother-in-law Cliff Prosser.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00am at Bright Funeral Home, 405 S Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. The family will receive visitors prior to the service beginning at 10:00am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate) or Saving Grace Animals for Adoption NC (https://savinggracenc.org/).
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Willard Davis (Bill) Tant, Jr.
Knightdale
Willard Davis (Bill) Tant, Jr., age 77, of Knightdale, NC went to be with Jesus on October 9, 2023, at home with his family by his side.
He retired from Duke Energy after 35 years of service. He graduated from Franklinton High School. Bill served in the United States Air Force and was an avid sportsman. He was a member of Samaria Baptist church, Middlesex, NC and loved singing in the choir. He was a volunteer at Rex Wellness Center.
Bill Was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Mary Lou Tant and brothers, Tracy and Darrel Tant. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Joy Shuler Tant, son, Bobby Gray II, special brother, Randy (Donna) Tant, sister-in-law, Lynn (Carson) Scott, 3 nieces, 9 nephews and his church family.
Funeral services will be held at Bright Funeral Home in Wake Forest, NC on October 13 with Pastor Butch Gordon officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 – 2:00 PM. The service will be at 2:00 PM. He will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery, Franklinton, NC immediately following the funeral with graveside services and military honors. Per his request, his wishes are no flowers and donations be made to Samaria Baptist Church, Middlesex, NC or a charity of your choice.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Tant family.
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