wake-forest-gazette-logo

July 26, 2024

Obituaries

v

Bervin Wesley Powell

Wake Forest 

Bervin Wesley Powell, 83, passed away after an eight-year struggle with Dementia at his home in Wake Forest on Saturday, November 18, 2023. He was born July 21, 1940, to Raymond Elmo Powell and Mary Ellena (Lowery) Powell.

Bervin graduated from Wake Forest High School. While his profession was in commercial plumbing, his passion was working as a master craftsman. He took great pride in building many types of furniture.

Bervin was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Gene Addison Powell, and Kenneth Donald Powell.

Survivors include his sisters, Janie Phillips, Joyce Wall (Gene), Jessie Phillips, Lois Walker; brother, James Powell (Patty); and his lifelong companion and caregiver, Mary Ann Lowery. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Friends may visit with the family from 6-8 PM on Monday, November 20, 2023 at Bright Funeral Home, 405 S. Main St., Wake Forest, NC 27587.

A graveside service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at the Powell Family Cemetery on Elmo Drive, Wake Forest, NC for all wishing to attend.

Jamie Powell, Joshua Powell, Wayne Bridges, Kemp Kearney, Trevor Raybon, and Brian Raybon will be serving as pallbearers. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Wake Union Baptist Church, 13345 Wake Union Church Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587 or Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Please visit www.brightfunreals.com to share words of comfort to the family.

Bright Funeral Home is serving the Powell family.

###

Phyllis Ann Warren

Wake Forest

Phyllis Ann Warren, 85, of Wake Forest, NC, passed away on Friday, November 17, 2023.

Phyllis was born on February 15, 1938. She was raised in the Glen Royal Mill Village (‘Mill Hill”) and was a dedicated member of Glen Royal Baptist Church. She was a member of the Wake Forest Eastern Star serving many offices and proudly as Worthy Matron. She loved to cook, drink coffee, and her door was always open for family and friends.

She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Jerry Warren; and brother, Kenneth “Stick” Denton.

She is survived by her children, Mike Warren, Michele Temple, Leigh Ann Warren and her husband Paul Flores; grandchildren, Ashley Tuggle, Lanny D. Temple; and beloved family friend, Stuart Finch.

The family would like to express their thanks to all the staff of Duke Raleigh Hospital for all their love and care of Phyllis and the family during this time.

A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Glen Royal Baptist Church, 731 Elizabeth Ave, Wake Forest, NC 27587 with Pastor Alan Skinner officiating. Burial will follow at Wake Forest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Glen Royal Baptist Church at 731 Elizabeth Ave, Wake Forest, NC 27587.

Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.

Bright Funeral Home is serving the Warren family.

###

Victor Patrick (Pat) Thompson

Raleigh

Victor Patrick (Pat) Thompson, 88, of Raleigh, went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 28, 2023, surrounded by his family. Pat was born in Burke County on June 20, 1935, to the late Victor Thompson and Gaynell McCall Thompson of Morganton, NC.

Pat was the loving husband of the late Magdalene Choplin of Youngsville, NC, for 53 years. Their love story began at a YMCA dance and grew over the five decades they shared. They made their home in the Oak Forest neighborhood and were active members of Millbrook United Methodist Church. 

Pat graduated from NC State University with a degree in Civil Engineering and served in the Army Reserves and National Guard. He had a distinguished career at the NC Department of Transportation, becoming Assistant Head of Hydraulics Unit before retiring in 1998.

Pat was a kind, generous man of faith with a cheerful smile and a big heart. Pat loved the simple pleasures in life:  time with family, especially his grandchildren, telling stories, sharing a good meal, and spending time outdoors. Pat’s sense of humor, marked by his infamous granddaddy jokes, brought joy and laughter to family gatherings.

Pat is predeceased by his son, Vic, who is survived by his loving wife, Mary of Huntersville. Pat leaves behind two daughters, Jenny (Joe) of Raleigh and Susan (Shane) of Portsmouth, RI, and nine grandchildren, including Jon, Tom (Lindsay), Eric, Elizabeth (Russ), Tucker, Meghan, Shane, Kaelyn, and Keegan, and three great-grandchildren, Lottie, Andy, and Ellie.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Pat Thompson will be held on November 21, 2023, at Mount Vernon Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited to gather for a visiting hour beginning at 1:00 p.m., just before the service. The church is located at 7600 Falls of the Neuse Road in Raleigh. Following the church service, there will be a procession to the graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery.

In place of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shepherd’s Table in Raleigh or Camp Joy North Carolina.

Bright Funeral Home is serving the Thompson family.

###

Vermon Clifton Harrison

Wake Forest

Vermon Clifton Harrison, 90, of Wake Forest, passed away at his Residence on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.

A full obituary will be posted soon.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 o’clock Saturday morning, November 25, 2023 at Stony Hill Baptist Church Life Center, 7521 Stony Hill Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery.

Friends may visit with the family from 9:30am – 11:00am prior to the service at Stony Hill Baptist Church Life Center 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Stony Hill Helping Hands, 7521 Stony Hill Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587

A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center. (919-556-5811)

www.brightfunerals.com

###

Elizabeth Lunson Patton

Raleigh

Elizabeth Lunson Patton passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at the age of 84, succumbing to complications from a stroke. She was a woman of remarkable character and a cherished member of her community.

Beth graduated from Hermitage High School in Richmond, VA, in 1957. In 1962, she married Joseph Pitts Patton. They raised their two young boys (Joe and Andy) in Morganton, NC before relocating to Winston-Salem where she was widowed in 1979. After her husband’s death, Beth went to work for Sara Lee Corp, her husband’s employer before his death. That courageous decision culminated in a 20+ plus year career. Following her retirement from Sara Lee, Beth moved to Raleigh to spend her golden years near her two grandsons.

Beth was also an active and dedicated member of North Raleigh United Methodist Church where, for over a decade, Beth found joy and purpose through service in her faith community.

Beth was passionate about healthy living.  She loved shopping for fruits and vegetables and always enjoyed cutting up fruit for her grandsons to enjoy. She was a runner for most of her life and later transitioned to walking. She could often be found walking the Greenways trails and nature park paths around her home for miles and hours. She never met a stranger and had many friends along her walks that might not have ever known her name.

Beth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Pitts Patton and her sister, Mary Ellen Lunson.

Beth is survived by her two sons, Joseph Pitts Patton Jr. and Andrew Tate Patton, daughter-in-law Michelle Patton, and her cherished grandsons Tyson Reed Patton and Logan Joseph Patton, whom she adored. Their memories of her will be a legacy of love, strength, and grace.

The family request that in lieu of flowers, all memorials be made to North Raleigh United Methodist Church | Giving. A drop-down box for Patton Memorial Fund or the memo line can be used to designate it in her name. https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=109361.

A memorial service to celebrate Elizabeth’s life will be held on November 28th at 2:00 PM at North Raleigh United Methodist Church with a reception including refreshments immediately following. Join us in the opportunity to gather with friends and family to remember a remarkable woman who touched the lives of so many. She will be laid to rest on Saturday December 2nd at 3pm in Forest Hills Cemetery of Morganton, NC beside her husband.

Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.

Bright Funeral Home is serving the Patton family.

###

William ‘Bill’ Stainback

Raleigh

William “Bill” Carey Stainback, 85, passed away on Thursday November 16, 2023 in Raleigh. He was born on July 15, 1938 in Lumberton, North Carolina, the son of George “Preacher” Graham Stainback and Wilma Grey Dean Stainback. He was a talented basketball coach, dedicated teacher, proud veteran, and avid outdoorsman.

At North Carolina State University, Bill was in ROTC, a member of the Pershing Rifles, sang in the Men’s Glee Club, and played on the Freshman Basketball team. During his years at NCSU, he met his beloved wife, Lorraine.

After graduating from college, he entered the military, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the 101st Airborne stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. He became a member of the Caterpillar Club during his military service when his life was saved by parachuting from a plane after one of the engines failed.

He then began a long career as a math teacher, coach, and driver’s education teacher. Although he was primarily a basketball coach, he also coached other sports including baseball, football, soccer, and golf. After earning his Master’s degree in Math Education at NCSU, Norm Sloan offered him an assistant coaching job at the university, but he choose to honor a previous commitment to coach at Sandhills Community college. In all his years of coaching basketball, he had winning record in every year expect for a single season, in which he was one game short of a winning record. He was known as a disciplinarian and was considered tough but fair. Bill made a lasting impact on the lives of many young people as he coached and shaped players and students for college.

He was also an extremely talented fisherman, receiving several citations from the NC Wildlife Resources commission for catching large fish. Bill enjoyed fishing, hunting, and sports his entire life, and spent much of his long retirement fishing in the South River. His children and grandchildren spent many hours learning to fish from him.

He is survived by children Tammy Stainback Jackson, James Oliver Stainback (Debbie), and Jay Graham Stainback (Juliet); sister Patricia Hart (Tommy); grandchildren Diane Morton, Billie Burdis, Melissa DeLong, Carey Jackson, Daniel Stainback, Kelly Finn, Michael Stainback, and Kyle Stainback; eight great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by wife Lorraine Stainback, brother Ralph Stainback, sister-in-law Jane Stainback, and son-in-law James Jackson.

A Memorial service will be held Sunday November 19, 2023 at 2 o’clock at North Raleigh Church of Christ 701 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615. The family will have a time of visitation from 1-2 pm prior to the memorial service on Sunday at North Raleigh Church of Christ.

A graveside service will be held Monday November 20, 2023 at 3 o’clock at Flat Rock Baptist Church 1529 Flat Rock Church Rd, Louisburg, NC 27549. An informal viewing will be available in the Fellowship Hall of the church at 2:15 prior to the service.

Please visit www.brightfuenrals.com to share words of comfort to the family.

Bright Funeral Home is serving the Stainback family.

###

Gregory Scott Finch

Franklinton

Gregory Scott Finch, 60, of Franklinton, NC, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.

Gregory was born on November 10, 1963 to the late James Walter Finch and Mae Ferguson Finch. He loved his Harley Motorcycle and enjoyed riding on back roads with family and friends, he was known to be a free spirit.

He is survived by his mother, Mae F. Finch of Wake Forest, NC; brother, Kenneth Finch of Orlando, FL; nephew, James Finch of Youngsville, NC; and niece, Hannah Finch of Wake Forest, NC.

A memorial service will be held at 3 PM on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 in the funeral home chapel with Joe Chandler officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2-3 PM at Bright Funeral Home, 405 S. Main St. Wake Forest, NC 27587.

Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.

Bright Funeral Home is serving the Finch family.

###

Richard Mendes Rodrigues

Wake Forest

Richard Mendes Rodrigues, 44, passed away on Wednesday November 15, 2023 surrounded by love. Born on May 5th 1979 in Suffern, NY, Richard was first generation Portuguese-American. He was very proud of his Portuguese heritage and some of his favorite travels were returning as much as possible to appreciate the beautiful country and visit with family and friends. The kindest soul you could ever meet, Richard never met a stranger, and always brought happiness and laughter everywhere he went. 

Fluent in three languages, Richard began working at a young age in the family business,but went on to study at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Upon relocating to Wake Forest, he worked in Technology Business Development for multiple firms such as Cisco and Lenovo; later moving on as founding partner of a video conference startup. After working in the corporate world, he moved on to follow his true passion of real estate investment and began his own business. 

Richard’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his parents, Noemia and Fernando Rodrigues, his paternal grandmother Irmalinda Ferreira in Portugal, his wife Alexandra (high school sweethearts, together for 29 years, married 18 years), their three children, Nicolas (16), and twins Julianna and Tomas (11), his brother Andrew Rodrigues, brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, RJ Ruberti, Mary Michenzie, Christina Oliveira, and Cristiana Rodrigues, who all loved him as their own brother. 

He is also survived by 7 nieces and nephews who called him the “fun uncle”; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who all loved him dearly; including his beloved Uncle Tony Mendes and close cousins Nuno Rodrigues and Antonio Rodrigues who were all like brothers to him. Richard was loved by so many and the world of those who had the pleasure to know and love him will never be the same. 

###

Andrew Wilson Hayes

Kinston

Andrew Wilson Hayes, 96, passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at the Kinston VA Home in Kinston, NC.  He was born in Castleberry, Alabama, June 19, 1927, to the late William Young Hayes and Marguerite Page Hayes.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Emily K. Hayes.

Mr. Hayes was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in both World War II and Korea.  He was a respected lawyer and a Circuit Court Judge in Baldwin County, Alabama.

His rich life is celebrated by his two daughters, Emily Hayes McMillan of Raleigh, NC, and Marguerite Page Hayes Skinner (Jim) of Milton, FL, brother, Allen Hayes of Rockville, MD and four grandchildren, Emily E. McMillan of Clemson, SC, Sarah McMillan of Rochester, MN, Wilson McMillan of Raleigh, Brandon Skinner of Milton, FL, and several nieces and nephews.

Wilson Hayes spent most of his childhood in Bay Minette, AL. After high school he attended Troy State Teachers College until he was drafted to serve in World War II. After returning from service, he attended law school at the University of Alabama, where he met his future wife, Emily Kay. After completion of law school, they were married on June 25, 1952. Wilson returned to service in the U.S. Army in Korea. The couple moved to Bay Minette when he completed his service in Korea.

Wilson and Emily spent most of their married life in Bay Minette. This is also where both their children were born and spent their childhood. The couple retired to Josephine, AL in 1984. They moved to the Springmoor Retirement Community in Raleigh, NC, in 2001 after Emily was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Wilson dedicated his life to caring for Emily until her death in 2013. Wilson moved to Kinston VA Home in Kinston, NC, in September 2023, shortly before his death.

Wilson Hayes will be remembered by all for the joy he brought anytime he entered a room.

Bright Funeral Home is serving the Hayes family.

Contributions in Wilson and Emily’s memory may be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association in their memory.

Alzheimer’s association: alz.org

Alabama chapter: alz.org/al

North Carolina chapter: alz.org/nc

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 10 am at Soapstone United Methodist Church in Raleigh, NC. The burial for both Wilson and Emily will be in the Baldwin County VA Cemetery at a later date.

###

Barbara Hellenack (Totten)

Raleigh

Barbara Hellenack (Totten) of Raleigh, NC passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on November 13, 2023. 

Barbara was born in Hackensack, New Jersey on July 19,1934 to Louise and Edgar Totten.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Brian Hellenack, her sister, Betty Estelle, and brother, Donald Totten. She is survived by her children, Mark Hellenack (Zoe), and Scott Hellenack (Linda) along with her granddaughter Alyson Hellenack.

After the death of her son Brian, Barbara became actively involved in supporting other families dealing with childhood cancer. Once her other children had grown, she returned to school to earn her bachelor’s degree in anthropology.  She became a Project Leader for ATT/Lucent Technologies before she retired and became an active member of the Leisure Village West Community in Manchester, New Jersey. It was there that Barbara became involved in many clubs including genealogy, gardening, golf, bridge and her weekly game of Rummikub to name a few. She was also an avid traveler and enjoyed many travel experiences in her lifetime.  Barbara decided to head south in 2013 where she became a part of an independent living community. She served as an ambassador welcoming new residents and participated in planning the weekly worship service. Wherever Barbara went she always made friends and was well loved by her family and her fellow neighbors.

A Memorial Service will be held on November 18th, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Bright Funeral Home, 405 South Main St, Wake Forest, NC 27587 

The family has requested in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St Jude Childrens Hospital.

Arrangements are with Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest

www.brightfunerals.com 

###

Rusty Craig Waters

Raleigh

Rusty Craig Waters, age 63, died Sunday, November 12, 2023, in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Rusty was a very loved and special baby brother to his siblings. As an Uncle, Cousin, and Friend, he was truly cherished by many.   Growing up he hunted some with his father, brothers, cousins, and uncles.  He taught his sister how to enjoy the outdoors by riding dirt bikes together. As he and his sister were closer in age, they were left at home with their beloved Grandmother when Rusty’s brothers left for college and careers.  So they were each other’s best friends and confidants from childhood.

Throughout life, Rusty continued hunting activities with very special cousins Hope and husband, Ed Edrington, and their children Angie and Lauren; Marion and husband, Bob Young, and their children, Gill and Whit; and Lennie Waters & wife, Wanda, and their children, Brian and Katie.  He also cherished his time hunting with Jeff Starcher, Keith Warren, their children, and all the many other hunting buddies too numerous to name.  Rusty was an avid deer and turkey hunter. He was the founder and manager of the Roseneath Hunt Club.  Rusty was a Pioneer in Quality Deer Management, and he very much enjoyed all aspects of these sports.  “If he wasn’t hunting, he was preparing to hunt!” was the phrase used by many when speaking of Rusty.

A special thanks to Hope and Ed for providing the farm and their home thereby making Rusty’s dreams come true!  Thanks go to Larry Pendleton, one of his oldest friends and his wife, Tommie Lou, and their children, Danford and Jordan. They played a large role in his routine life as well. Thanks to his friends GW Braxton and wife Kim and sister, Bev, who fed him many meals from The Freez. Rusty surely felt loved and included in relatives’ and friends’ family events watching the kids grow up, participating in special meals, and holiday activities always keeping him close by.

Rusty graduated from James Sprunt Community College, and his career ended in Swine Management as a Service Manager with Smithfield Farms. He retired early and focused on the upkeep of Hope’s farm and managing his hunting activities full-time.

Rusty is preceded in death by his parents, Richard Cecil Waters, Sr. and Margaret Marie Robertson Waters Phillips.

He is survived by a sister, JoAnne Waters Acri and her husband Mark of Youngsville; two brothers, Richard C. Waters, Jr. and his wife Trudy of Emerald Isle; and Randy R. Waters and his wife Joyce of Greenville and Avon; nieces, Robin Waters Woody, Lisa Swanner, Kim Mann, Christen Waters, Crystal Waters; and nephew, Brad Nunn.

There will be a graveside service on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 1:30pm at Sunnyside Cemetery in Scotland Neck. Immediately following the service there will be a Celebration of Life gathering at the Purvis Farm, Hwy 258, Scotland Neck. A meal will be provided by the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the following: National Wild Turkey Federation, 770 Augusta Rd, Edgefield, SC  29824 or ECU Health Foundation, P. O. Box 8489, Greenville, NC  27835-8489, Memo:  Cancer Care Center or Transitions Life Center, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC  27607.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service ~ Letchworth Chapel will be handling the arrangements for the Waters family and online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting garrettsykesfs.com.

###

Senior Chief Mark Allen Spivey

Rolesville

Senior Chief Mark Allen Spivey, 71, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in Rolesville, NC on 11/12/2023. Mark honorably served in the United States Navy for 26 years and was the thing he was most proud of in his life outside of his family.

Mark was born on October 19th, 1952 in Lubbock, Texas to parents Harold Gene Spivey and Catherine Carey. Mark knew at 17 years old that his calling in life was to serve his country in the U.S Navy and was first stationed in Nova Scotia then in Norfolk, VA. While serving on the USS Forrestal In 1975, Mark docked in Palma De Mallorca, Spain. As fate would have it, Mark would meet the love of his life, Filippa who happened to be in Spain on vacation. Mark and Filippa were engaged after 1 day. Mark knew with every fiber of his being that he wanted to spend the rest of his life building one with Filippa by his side. They were married in Nolan, Texas in 1976 and spent the next 45 years creating a beautiful life together until Filippa was called home to heaven. Mark enjoyed cheering on his Dallas Cowboys and enjoyed gardening in his spare time.

Mark was predeceased by his wife Filippa Spivey, his mother Catherine, and his stepfather Bruce. Mark is survived by his sister June Smith, his daughter Karen Spivey Painter (Charles), his son Mark Allen Gaetano Spivey, Jr. (Ashlee), his daughter Melissa Catherine Spivey (Rafael), his Grandsons Houston Painter and Mark Spivey III, his Granddaughters Ella Painter, Giuliana Spivey, Malena Garcia, and Olivia Garcia. We will always carry your memory in our hearts.

Bright Funeral Home is serving the Spivey family.

###

Rev. Dr. David Stout Newell

Raleigh

Pastor David Stout Newell passed away in his home, in the presence of his family, on Saturday, November 18, 2023. He was born to Henry and Helen Newell on April 10, 1943, in Springfield, New Jersey.

In 1962, while attending Wittenberg University, Dave encountered Jesus, who forever changed the trajectory of his life. After answering the call to ministry, he attended Princeton Theological Seminary, receiving his Master’s Degree and Doctor of Divinity. Upon graduating, he moved to New Orleans, becoming a youth pastor and eventually co-pastor at Word of Faith Church. There, he met the love of his life, his wife, Ina Johnson. Together, they served loyally and loved countless members of the community of Word of Faith for nearly 25 years. On June 22, 1997, Dave and Ina started River of Life Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dave was a history buff and enjoyed golf and racquetball. But his real passions were preaching the word of God and seeing people’s lives changed through the power of Jesus. His legacy will live on at River of Life Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ina with whom he just celebrated their 53rd anniversary. Together, they had three sons, Andrew, Charlie, and Matthew, two daughters-in-law, Tamara and Maurya, and three grandchildren, Henry, Zoe and Clara.

The viewing will be Friday, November 24th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road in Wake Forest.

Memorial services will be at River of Life Church, 5508 Munford Rd, Raleigh, Saturday morning, November 25th at 11 am. Burial will be at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens, 770 Stadium Dr in Wake Forest.

In place of flowers, donations can be made to River of Life Church via Paypal.Me/riveroflifedonate or Venmo @RiverMemorial1997

Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC.(919-556-7400)

www.cswfuneralhome.com

###

Allen Eugene ‘Gene’ Wood Jr.

Wake Forest

Allen Eugene “Gene” Wood Jr., 60, of Wake Forest passed away, Saturday evening,  November 18, 2023, at WakeMed Hospital. Gene was born in Duplin County on October 18, 1963.

Gene, as many knew him, developed his mechanical skills under the guidance of his late Uncle Gordon. His knack for working on cars and trucks became a defining aspect of his character, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew him.

A graveside service will be held at 3 o’clock, Wednesday afternoon, November 22, 2023 at Devotional Gardens, 1260 NC 24 and 50, NC-24, Warsaw, NC 28398.

He is survived by his mother, Phyllis Carter, and stepfather, Herman Carter; sisters, Yvette McIntyre, Terry Freeman, Michelle Turner, and Tiffany Stacy; six nieces and one nephew. Gene also found companionship in his favorite pet Cat Blue Boy, and shared a special bond with his longtime friend, Ryan Zandlo. These connections brought joy and comfort to his life. He was preceded in death by his father, Allen Eugene Wood, Sr.

Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC.(919-556-7400)

www.cswfuneralhome.com

###

Hattie ‘Sally’ Edwards

Hattie “Sally” Edwards was born on March 31, 1927 to Virginia Hobgood Dean and Leonard Dean in Eagle Rock, North Carolina.  She left this world and went to her glory on November 14, 2023. 

She is survived by her three daughters, Pamela Brewer of Blounts Creek, North Carolina; Linda Johnson Krooswyk (Bill Krooswyk) of Moncks Corner, South Carolina; and Rebecca Poole (Roy Poole) of Wake Forest, North Carolina.  She is also survived by her sister, Leatrice Yvonne (“Biddy”) Stanley of Goldsboro, North Carolina.  Sally had six grandchildren, Melissa Davis, Bryan Davis, Jason Brewer (Linda), J.D. Brewer (Betsy), Steve Krooswyk (Brittany), Jim Krooswyk (Heather).  She was blessed with seven great-grandchildren:  Aidan and Beau Brewer, Cameron and Cash Brewer, Payton and Eli Krooswyk, and Ransom Brawner.  She was predeceased by her beloved grandson, Nicholas Russos and her son-in-law, Ken Brewer. 

Sally graduated from Wendell High School on May 30, 1945 and her high school last will and testament was that she “promised to reveal to the Sophomore Class her secret for quiet success.”  Sally attended Hoyle’s Secretarial and Business School where she learned her typing, shorthand and stenograph skills.   During her 20s and 30s she worked for American Tobacco Company, Morris Plan Industrial Bank, the State Board of Barber Examiners and the USA Air Force Recruiting Station.  Sally retired in 1988 from Westinghouse Electric in Raleigh with over 20 years of service. 

She married and moved to Roanoke, Virginia and after her divorce moved back to her beloved North Carolina.  Sally loved her flowers and had a flair for many different types of crafts.  She touched many lives and was always ready to make a new friend or comfort those in need.  She was quick with a smile and a helping hand.  She loved her hymns and still remembered many of the words to those hymns that meant so much to her.  Sally was a long-term member of Longview Baptist Church.  The family expresses deep appreciation for the love and care she received from the staff of Life Care Center of Charleston in the last two years of her life.  She was deeply loved and will be missed by many. 

Family and close friends will visit from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at 11 o’clock, at the Central Baptist Church Cemetery, Poole Road, Wendell, NC and will be conducted by Carol Dean.

Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1051 Durham Rd., Wake Forest, NC (919-556-7400)

www.cswfuneralhome.com

###

Harrison Davis Codo

Youngsville

Harrison Davis Codo, a resilient soul who defied the odds, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, November 12, 2023, at his home in Youngsville. Born on December 21, 1996, in Vance County, North Carolina, Harrison brought immeasurable joy and inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

From an early age, Harrison faced challenges, with doctors predicting a short life. However, through the unwavering love and dedicated care of his parents, Mike and Sheila Codo, Harrison defied expectations, gracing this world with 26 remarkable years. His spirit, full of life and infectious joy, will forever be remembered in the countless stories and cherished memories he created with his family.

Harrison’s passions were as diverse as his spirit was vibrant. A fervent sports enthusiast, he proudly cheered on the NC State Wolfpack and the Carolina Hurricanes, with an unmatched passion for the latter. One of his fondest moments was meeting the Hurricanes, a testament to his genuine love for the team. As an avid Carolina Panthers supporter, he especially admired Luke Kuechly.

Beyond sports, Harrison found solace and delight in music, attending numerous concerts that resonated with his soul. A devoted Star Wars fan, he embraced his love for the galaxy far, far away by dressing in character during movie outings.

Harrison is survived by his loving parents, Mike and Sheila Codo; his devoted German shepherd, Carrie; paternal grandparents, Anthony and Verna Codo of Bunn, NC; aunts, Ann Tew (Lynn) of Dunn, NC; Colette Codo of Jupiter, FL; Marcy Burek (Scott) of Canton, Michigan; Michele Rondina (Rick) of Staten Island, NY; and Paula McNeil (Jim) of Ocean Isle, NC; 12 nieces and nephews, and extended family.

Harrison was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Wilbur Davis “Buck” Shearin and Louise Shearin.

While our hearts are heavy with sorrow, Harrison’s indomitable spirit and the joy he brought into our lives will forever be a beacon of strength and inspiration.

Friends may visit with the family from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens, 770 Stadium Dr. Wake Forest.

In honor of Harrison and the countless individuals affected by cerebral palsy, we encourage you to consider making a donation to one of the following organizations; Victory Junction(victoryjunction.org), Epilepsy Foundation(epilepsy.com), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (st.jude.org) or to the Kidney Foundation (kidney.org).

Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1051 Durham Rd., Wake Forest, NC(919-556-7400)

www.cswfuneralhome.com

Share this story...

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Table of Contents