Obituaries
Yo Soon Lee
Wake Forest
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the departure of Mrs. Yo Soon Lee in the early hours of Thursday, January 18, 2024. She graced this world with her presence on January 26, 1929, and her journey spanned 95 years of life.
Our mother, Mrs. Yo Soon Lee, was born as the third child among three sons and one daughter to her father, Tak-Soo Sung, a Chinese writing and calligraphy scholar, and mother, Ju-San Park, in the Songsan village of Haeri, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do province. She was born on January 26, 1929.
She married In-Kyu Lee, and together, they had seven sons and one daughter. The couple was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. In-Kyu Lee, who passed away in 1981, earned his degree from Kyungseong University. He went on to secure a congressional position representing Jeollabuk-do province and became the postmaster at the Haeri Post Office in Gochang. Notably, he played a crucial role in the establishment of Haeri High School in Gochang and served as the school board chair for both Haeri Middle School and High School in the same region.
She served as a deacon at the Duraleigh Korean Presbyterian Church. In 1973, she was honored with a filial piety award presented by the governor of Jeollabuk-do province. Her journey to America first led her to Virginia, USA, in 1982, and later, she moved to North Carolina, USA, in 1988.
In loving memory, the survivors include Hyeon-Kwan Lee, the eldest son, married to Gyeong-Hee Kim, and their daughter, Myung-Ju Lee. The second son, Hyeon-Kon Lee, is married to Gail Sue Lee and has two daughters, Myeong-Hee Lee and Sung-Hee Lee, and a son, Jung-Chul Lee. The third son, Kang-Seok Lee, is married to Nan-Jeong Lee and has two daughters, Kang-Eun Lee and Chae-Eun Lee. Jeong-Soon Lee, the fourth daughter, is married to Chang-Cheon Kim, and they have two daughters, Eun-Hye Kim and Ji-Hye Kim. Jun-Hyeok Lee, the fifth son, is married to Hee-Ok Shin, and they have a son, Do-Yeon Lee, and a daughter, Ha-Yeon Lee. Byeong-Seok Lee, the sixth son, is married to Im-Soon Kim, and they have a daughter, Woong-Hee Lee, and a son, Si-Yeon Lee. Sang-Ho Lee, the seventh son, is married to Hyeon-Kyong Chang, and they have a son, Whee-Yeon Lee. Jung-Ho Lee, the eighth son, is married to Elizabeth Lee and has a daughter, Ji-Yeon Lee, and two sons, Yong-Yeon Lee and Mu-Yeon Lee.
The great-grandchildren include Seung-Pyo An & Seung-Ah An, Sang-Hoon Lee & Sang-Woo Lee, Sadie Pham & Teddy Pham, and Jin-soo Lee.
The family invites friends to join them in commemorating the life of their loved one during a celebration of life service on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from Noon to 2 pm at Wake Forest Baptist Church, 107 E S Ave, Wake Forest, NC 27587.
Burial will immediately follow on Saturday, January 27, 2024
Pine Forest Memorial Garden
Stadium Dr.
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Arrangements in the care of Bright Funeral Home.
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Geraldine Lamm Norton
Franklinton
Geraldine Lamm Norton,82, of Franklinton passed away on January 18, 2024 at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 26, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Lighthouse Baptist Church, 800 N Main St, Rolesville, NC 27571, with a visitation from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm prior to the service, entombment will follow in Pine Forest Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.
FA Service of Bright Funeral Home and Cremation Center
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Rodney William King
Franklinton
Rodney William King, 56, of Franklinton, North Carolina passed away on January 18, 2024. While his passing was unexpected, the family is thankful he did not suffer.
Rodney was raised in Virginia, then his family moved to Raleigh when he was 14. He met his wife Shannon in high school, and they married in 1997. They purchased a home in Franklinton, North Carolina. He started repairing automobiles in his parents’ garage at the young age of 16, and always enjoyed his sports cars. He proceeded to open his own automotive repair shop in Wake Forest, North Carolina in 2004.
Rodney and Shannon have one beautiful and very accomplished daughter, Hannah, who inherited his passion for automobiles, and became his shop Office Manager not long after graduating high school. She has decided to continue his legacy of serving the local community and keep the shop open for business. He also was an animal lover, particularly dogs, and loved his fur babies. Rodney and his wife have rescued/ adopted many of these sweet souls throughout their lifetimes.
Rodney was able to pursue his oldest life dream due to a close friend of his that was first his customer, but then embraced a partnership in racing in the SCCA. They both obtained their racing licenses and proceeded to partner in racing BMWs. He achieved the distinction of winning 1st place in the SARRC Championship race just last season thanks to his partner’s and family’s encouragement, and a combination Rodney’s lifelong driving skills and 7 years of racing experience. He also enjoyed boating and fishing.
Rodney is survived by his spouse, Shannon, his daughter Hannah, his mother Gertraude, his brother Steve and wife Stephanie with nephews Lucas and Alex, and his sister Kim with nephew Andy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the SPCA of Franklin County, NC in his name.
A visitation for everyone will be held at Bright Funeral Home, 405 S. Main St., Wake Forest, NC on Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm.
A graveside service for family will be held at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501
Glenwood Ave, Raleigh NC on Friday, January 26, 2024.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the King family.
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Mary Lizzie Barham
Wake Forest
June 22, 1943 – January 18, 2024
Mary “Judy” Lizzie Murray Barham died Thursday at Transitions Lifecare (Hospice) in Raleigh. Born in Nash County she was the daughter of the Late Elbert Lee Murray and Lizzie Winstead Murray.
She was pre-deceased by her husband, Franklin Barham; Brothers, Ray Murray, Ronnie Murray; Sister, Rachel Murray Morris and Stepdaughter, Frankie Rogers.
She is survived by her children Gene McGhee, Donna McGhee Maynard & Robert McGhee. Her Sisters Vernell Frazier, Brenda 0’Dell, Joann Murray, Portia Poole, & a brother Charles Murray (Jackie). One Grand Daughter & 3 Great Grandchildren. Two Step-Grand Children & four Step-Great Grandchildren
A graveside service was held at New Life Church Cemetery, Monday January 22, 2024 at 2:00, located at North Main at Pulley Town Rd., Rolesville, NC.
Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be directed to Transitions Lifecare of Raleigh, 250 Hospice Circle., Raleigh, NC. 27697
Arrangements in the care of Bright Funeral Home.
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Shonda Gray Williams
Wake Forest
Shonda Gray Williams, born Shonda Roberts on July 4, 1972, in Galax, Virginia, passed away on January 17, 2024, at the age of 51 in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
She was a strong, dependable, and brave woman who fought and survived many challenges throughout her life. Shonda was known for her sweet and kind nature, as well as her generous and creative spirit. She was a loving and proud mother to her two sons, Chadwick Allen Williams and Brandon Taylor Newcom.
Shonda is survived by her grandmother, Lois Gray Vaught; mother, Pamela Vaught Roberts; aunts, Robin Vaught Layman and husband Gregg Layman, Shelby Jean Montgomery, Sherry Lynn Roberts; uncle, Ronnie Guy Vaught and wife Doris Vaught.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Hazel Catron Roberts; father, Ray Allen Roberts; and husband, Benjamin August Newcom.
Shonda attended Wake Forest High school for her education. After completing her studies, she dedicated her career and life to serving as an Adult Correctional Officer at Polk Correctional Institution from 1995 to 2010 where she later medically retired after an honorable service of 15 years.
In her free time, Shonda enjoyed various hobbies including arts and crafts, cross-stitching, gardening, cooking, going to the beach, and listening to her favorite music. These activities brought her joy and allowed her to express her creativity.
The family received friends on Monday, January 22, 2024 from 12-1 PM at Bright Funeral Home, 405 S. Main St. Wake Forest, NC 27587.
A memorial service for Shonda Gray Williams was held at 1:00 PM on Monday, January 22, 2024 in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Gary McNair officiating. Burial followed at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens, 770 Stadium Dr. Wake Forest, NC 27587.
The family invites those unable to attend to view the service via livestream by clicking the link. “Shonda William Livestream Service“
Shonda Gray Williams will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.
“The sun, the moon, the wind, the stars, will forever be around, reminding you of the love you shared, and the peace she’s finally found.” May her soul fly high with the angels and watch over us all.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Williams family.
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Clarence Theodore Schneller
Wake Forest
Clarence Theodore Schneller, age 59, of Wake Forest passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur J. and Mary C. Schneller and a brother, Kenneth H. Schneller.
Clarence was a graduate of Wake Forest-Rolesville High School and was a Supervisor at Pratt Industries for 38 years from where he recently retired. He loved going to the beach and the mountains and enjoyed watching movies, cooking and spending time with family. He also cherished his trucks.
He is survived by two brothers, Harold W. Schneller and Arthur J. Schneller, Jr. and wife Courtney, a sister, Rosalie Lewis and husband, Albert; nieces and nephews, Trey Schneller, Austin Schneller, Jena Schneller, Brooklyn Hutcheson, Cameron Schneller, Josh Schneller, Haley Schneller and Zachery Schneller, Jennifer Rushto, A.D. Lewis and Ben Lewis. He also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
The Family will receive guests on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Bright Funeral Home~ 405 S. Main St. Wake Forest, NC 27587
A Funeral Service will be conducted in the Main Chapel of Bright Funeral Home on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM.
Mr. Schneller will be laid to rest at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens immediately following the Funeral Service. 770 Stadium Dr, Wake Forest, NC 27587.
In the care of Bright Funeral Home.
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Larry Edward Guy
Youngsville
Larry Edward Guy, 53, of Youngsville passed away at his home unexpectedly on January 15, 2024. Larry was born July 15, 1970 in Cumberland County, NC to Eva Mae Guy and the late James “Eddie” Edward Guy.
He spent and enjoyed working many years in the HVAC industry in the Raleigh area.
Larry is survived by his wife of 30 years, Vicky Guy, his mother, Eva Guy, brother, Richard Guy (Joanne), nephew, Blake Guy and niece, Hope Guy and a special sister and brother-in-law, Jeannie and Timmy Price.
Larry will be greatly missed by his wife and some special friends, along with his best friends, Muffin, Murphy and Fred the Cat.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
RBright Funeral Home is serving the Guy family.
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Carl G. Schultz
Raleigh
Carl G. Schultz was born on Feb 15, 1953 at Wimpole Park US military hospital in Cambridgeshire, England, as his father Burley G. Schultz was a career USAF NCO. In 1955, the family was restationed stateside, and relocated to MA, OK, TX, FL, and finally SC, his mother Katherine’s home state.
Carl was a University of South Carolina graduate with a BA in History. He later attended Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. In the 1970s, he was a guest circuit preacher throughout the Carolinas. In the early-mid 2000s, he taught the Scott Class in Sunday School at Bay Leaf Baptist Church.
Over the course of his career, Carl worked in finance at Dean Witter, founded Performance Technologies in 1987 (sold to Charles Schwab in 1990), and went into the automotive print supplies industry. He founded Buyer’s Value Printing in 2006 and enjoyed many years of friendship and service to his customers, even after his retirement. It was his dream of building a family-owned and operated company that truly valued people, and he was very proud of that.
While he had an interesting life, what was most important to Carl was his family. His wife, Anne (who preceded him by ten years), son Drew, daughters Blaire (John Jernigan) and Whitney (James Reynolds), and Whitney’s children Liam, Carlie-Anne, and Sophia. Carl is also survived by his sister (Diane Schultz). His family was his pride and joy!
The Family received guests on Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Bay Leaf Baptist Church ~ 12200 Bayleaf Church Rd Raleigh, NC 27614
A Funeral Service was conducted immediately following at 11:00 AM.
Mr. Schultz was laid to rest on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Montlawn Memorial Park ~ 2911 S. Wilmington St. Raleigh, NC 27614.
In the care of Bright Funeral Home.
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Frances ‘Frannie’ Keith
Raleigh
Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and a resident of North Carolina for over 40 years, Frances “Frannie” Keith passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 12, 2024 surrounded by her loving sons and their families.
Frannie was the essence of entrepreneur, starting out in Real Estate and then spending over 25 years as a Molly Maid franchise owner in Raleigh and Wake Forest, North Carolina. A driving factor behind Frannie’s entrepreneurial spirit was the flexibility it afforded her to be with her family and friends.
Frannie did everything with passion. She earned her Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do in her 50’s where she broke boards and cinder blocks with her bare hands. She also enjoyed simple things, such as walks in her neighborhood and reading, especially at the beach.
Frannie’s zest for life manifested itself most greatly in her devotion and love for her five sons, as well as her beloved pets. She was a constant encouragement and champion for her sons in all seasons of life and took immense pride in each of them. Her tender heart and limitless kindness extended not just to her family, but her friends and her beloved employees.
She is preceded in death by her father, Carroll Montgomery Keith, her mother, Georgianna Cavanaugh Keith and her brother, Carroll Montgomery “Mike” Keith Jr.
Frannie is survived by her son, Keith Wall, his wife Kelsey and grandson Hudson Wall of Jupiter, Florida; her son Ryan Wall, his wife Sara Grace Wall and grandchildren Kingston, Vivienne and Wyatt Wall of Raleigh, North Carolina; her son and caregiver until her death, Dan-Michael Sorie of Raleigh, North Carolina; and her sons Lenny and Dylan Bailey of West Palm Beach, Florida and Raleigh, North Carolina and their father Michael S. Bailey who remained a loyal friend and companion throughout her journey.
She is also survived by her brother, Daniel Keith and his wife Jessica of Hilton Head, South Carolina; her nieces Maggie Keith and Grace Keith; and her nephews Jeremy Keith and Matt Maguire; and her beloved dog Gracie.
A memorial service for Frannie will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Bright Funeral Home 405 S. Main St. Wake Forest, NC 27587. Friends are invited to visit with the family immediately following the service until 1:00 PM.
In remembrance of Frannie’s life, the family requests those who wish to express Rsympathy to consider making a donation to the Ms. Molly Foundation in her name. Donations can be mailed to 480 N. Canton Center #87705, Canton, MI 48187.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Keith family.
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Tessa Colleen Jabaut
Raleigh
Tessa Colleen Jabaut, 18, of Raleigh, NC, died after a nearly two-year battle with brain cancer on January 12th, 2024.
Tessa was born on February 10th, 2005 in Glens Falls, NY to Colleen and Timothy Jabaut.
Tessa was known for her fierceness on the pitch as a goalkeeper. A fierce competitor with a heart of gold. Tessa spent her life rooting for others, her friends, her family, a stranger on the street… silently praying, always listening. Through this she has built an army of people, people she loved, people she fought for, and people she inspired. Although leaving too soon, she has left a butterfly effect of greatness for everyone that had the pleasure to know her. A legacy that will go on forever.
She would want you to dance, to smile, to be kind, and to walk with strength, just as she did. She is and will forever be a giver of light, hope, and charity.
During her junior year while playing at a high level and drawing the interest of several college coaches, Tessa’s life took a drastic turn. She was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer that required immediate surgery. After surgery to remove a 4cm mass most people would sit at home and wallow in self pity, but that was not Tessa. Ever the team leader, just one-week post-op Tessa was on the sidelines inspiring her teammates. Tessa continued her treatments, radiation and chemo, and even returned to school just weeks after surgery.
Always an inspiration, she leveraged her faith in God and decided that she would own her story. She never let cancer define her and lived by her motto of “don’t take life for granted, tomorrow is never guaranteed.”
Tessa was a recent Graduate of Wakefield High School, graduating just this past June, a member of the Class of 2023. While at Wakefield she was a four-year varsity letterman of both the Women’s Soccer team where she was the starting goalkeeper, and the Athletic Training staff.
She had been accepted to East Carolina University where she planned to study biology, and intended to continue on to become a Physician’s Assistant. She really wanted to use that career to afford her the opportunity to pursue her passion as an Athletic Trainer.
Tessa excelled at everything she did and loved to travel, go to the beach, spend time on the boat with her mom and dad, as well as just being a teenager and spending time with her friends. While receiving her treatments at Duke Cancer Center, she even became the favorite of everyone she came in contact with. She just pulled people into her orbit with her grace, strength and kindness.
While her favorite color was Yellow (ironically the color representing Childhood Cancer), her heart always leaned towards orange for her beloved Tennessee Volunteers. She would root for anything Tennessee, but especially Tennessee Football. You might say she was born a Volunteer.
Tessa will always be remembered for her bright smile that lit up the room, inquisitive mind, and witty sense of humor. She was caring and compassionate. Even when life kept knocking her down, she rose up to the challenge and turned it into a strength. She did not let her diagnosis define her.
Tessa was honored to have a conference award named after her, “The Tessa Jabaut Courage Award”. Her hopes were for this legacy to inspire others facing life challenges. One thing she would say to everyone is, “Never quit just because you are faced with a challenge. Work ten times harder to get past it.”
Each time you remember her, remember her smile. Remember how someone so young lit up the room and made everyone just a little bit more patient, a little bit kinder, and a little bit happier just for knowing her.
Tessa was preceded in death by her Uncle James Lanning, Grandfather David Lanning and Grandfather Michael Jabaut. She is survived by her parents Colleen and Timothy, brother Hayden, grandmother Beverly Lanning, grandmother Lynn Jabaut, as well as numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
Friends and family are cordially invited to a visitation with the Jabaut family, on Friday, the 19th of January from 6-9 PM at Bright Funeral Home, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, the 20th of January at 10 AM in the Chapel of Bright Funeral Home with the Pastor John Gordon, Officiating.
To honor Tessa we ask that all friends and family wear something yellow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, DUMC 3624 Durham, NC 27710 or at this site: https://tischbraintumorcenter.duke.edu/donate.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
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Brian Thomas Sullivan
Raleigh
Brian Thomas Sullivan, 51, of Raleigh, NC, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024, in the comfort of his own home surrounded by the loved ones who cared for him after a 15-month long battle with cancer. He was born on December 27, 1972, in Springfield, MA to Susan and the late Thomas Sullivan.
Brian spent his childhood in Port Washington, NY, and after graduating from St. Mary’s High School, he attended Fairfield University where he met his numerous close friends who checked in on him constantly throughout the illness he battled so courageously. After college, Brian spent a few years in the banking and finance industry living in New York City and Stamford, CT, before leaving to pursue his dream of becoming an airline pilot, working at Republic Airways, and most recently, JetBlue. He met the love of his life, Stephanie (Slough), a flight attendant at American Airlines, through a mutual acquaintance, and they were married in 2008 in St. Thomas USVI. Brian and Stephanie welcomed two boys, Liam (13) and Ryan (10), whom he loved with all his heart. He would talk endlessly about them, sharing pictures and enjoyed going on trips as a family, attending the boy’s hockey games and other sporting events, and eating at the best sushi restaurants in any city they visited.
Brian’s legacy is imprinted not only in the hearts of his family but also in the countless friendships he forged and the lives he touched. His contagious laugh will be remembered by all that knew him. As we mourn his departure, let us also celebrate the vibrant spirit that he brought into our lives, a spirit that will continue to resonate in the cherished memories we hold dear.
Brian was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Sullivan.
He is survived by his loving wife, Stephanie; children, Liam and Ryan; mother, Susan of Wake Forest, NC; brother, Mark Sullivan (Amber) of Rolesville, NC; two nephews, Owen and Brayden; niece, Olivia; mother-in-law, Linda Slough of Raleigh, NC; and brother-in-law, Russell Slough (Emily) of Divide, CO.
The family held a visitation on Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 2-4 PM at Bright Funeral Home, 405 S. Main St. Wake Forest, NC 27587. All were welcome to celebrate his life.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the St. Jude Children’s hospital, and the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Sullivan family.
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Victor G. ‘Vic’ Hofer III
Maxton
Victor G. “Vic” Hofer III, aged 47, of Maxton, passed away on Tuesday evening, January 16, 2024, at the Hock Family Pavilion in Durham, NC. He was born in Cook County, Illinois, on July 31, 1976, to the late Victor George Hofer, Jr. and Patricia Kirsch Hofer.
Vic was a vibrant soul who brought boundless energy to his family and those around him. His childhood was filled with outdoor adventures with his parents, fostering a deep appreciation for nature. As he matured, he shared countless memorable moments with family and friends, imparting the values of humility and patience in all aspects of life.
A true cat enthusiast, Vic affectionately referred to himself as “Catdaddy.” His love for cats was unparalleled, and his furry companions brought him immense joy. Vic had a unique ability to communicate with his feline friends in a way that captivated anyone fortunate enough to witness the special bond they shared.
A memorial service to celebrate Vic’s life will be held at 12 o’clock, Friday, January 19, 2024, at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home.
Vic is survived by his sisters, Laura Hofer of Arlington, VA, Julie Kephart & husband Jerry of Raleigh, Dawn Caulder & husband Charley of Hendersonville, TN; nephew & nieces, Tyler, Audrey and Megan Kephart; extended family and a host of friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Safe Haven for Cats: https://www.safehavenforcats.org/donate/
Arrangements are entrusted to Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, located at 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-7400)
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