James Williams
Wake Forest
Arrangements in the care of Bright Funeral Home. Obituary to follow.
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Robin Jeanne McKeithan
Wake Forest
Robin Jeanne McKeithan, 65, of Wake Forest, NC, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024.
She was the owner and operator of Breeder’s Choice grooming shop in Wake Forest for over 30 years. She loved working with all the animals as she would care for them as if they were hers. Her attention to detail was seen by many owners. If she saw a possible issue with the animals, she would take pictures and notify the owner immediately resulting in some cases of saving the animals life.
She had a deep feelings for all animals big or small. Always caring for their health and wellbeing. She was a long time member of the Wake County AKC group, serving in many capacities. She truly loved showing Shelties and traveled all over the US showing them in many events and has many awards to show for that.
In recent years, she found an affection for Standard Poodles. Her favorite of all was “Reese”. (White Standard) She would spend countless hours brushing him out on any given Saturday. While she was the owner and operator of Breeder’s Choice Grooming shop for 30 years in the Wake Forest area. On Monday mornings when the shop opened, she wanted Reese to look his best as a testament to her ability to groom her customers animals with the same attention to detail. She leaves behind “Camelot” (Black Standard) which would never let her out of his site. Room to room he would follow her every step of the way. She was always helping the local animal rescue groups with food, blankets, and financial support. She has rescued several felines as well, making sure that they were taken care of from heated houses to food, water, and medical needs.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence Gilbert McKeithan and Juanita Virginia Barnes McKeithan.
She is survived by her loving husband and companion, Wayne Jackson; sister, Pamela Harris (Mike); stepson, Christopher Jackson; nieces, Candace, Alexis Harris; and longtime school mate and forever friend, Carol Fannon.
Special thank you’ s or appreciation to special school mate and longtime friend Carol Fannon as she was always there with words of wisdom and support throughout the many years
Transitions of Wake County for her care in her final days providing her with the care she needed. (Great staff of professionals)
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to local SPCA, or any animal rescue groups, and Transitions of Wake County.
A graveside service will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens, 770 Stadium Dr. Wake Forest, NC 27587 with Pastor Al Thomas officiating.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the McKeithan family.
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Victoria Katherine DeAnne Weems
Wake Forest
Victoria Katherine DeAnne Weems, “Tori”, born December 28, 2003 went to be with Jesus on June 13, 2024 at the Transitions LifeCare Hospice Home in Raleigh, NC. She was surrounded by her immediate family. Tori had been battling Type 1 diabetes and suffered massive strokes as a result of Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Tori was a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), graduating at the top of her class in 2022. She channeled her innate compassion, care and empathy into her work assisting oncology patients at Duke Raleigh Hospital and planned to one day attend nursing school. Tori was a member of Open, the highest class of competitive Irish dance. She volunteered with multiple community organizations, including as a Teaching Assistant with Inis Cairde School of Irish Dance, a socials coordinator with the Bay Leaf Recreation Club, a construction assistant in the renovations at the Bay Leaf Community Historical Foundation, and a photographer and event volunteer for the North Carolina Aggregates Association. Tori received the Nash Gerald Spirit of Ireland award and was a finalist multiple years in the international Irish Dance Magazine’s dress design contest. She qualified for the Presidential Gold Volunteer Service Award prior to her death for her service to her community. Tori was homeschooled for many years and was a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, recognizing her academic achievement and community service. She was a member of Bay Leaf Baptist Church, where she attended since her birth, and was also involved in the youth ministry at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, PCA.
Tori was full of light and laughter. She was friendly, compassionate, competitive, encouraging, funny, and had boundless energy. Tori loved her P-Hive family mountain house, riding her beach trike down the coast, swimming, mermaids, Disney World, playing pranks, and extremely tight hugs. She loved crazy pool diving, and all things that made her adrenaline rush, including racing (apparently street racing), muscle cars, and a boy who drove one. For Tori, Christmas and her December 28th birthday were not distinct days but a long season of joy. She found great delight in being sneaky, wrapping things in multiple boxes and funny shapes or hiding one last gift in an unexpected spot. She loved watching the recipients squirm then smile once they figured it out. Tori’s enthusiasm for life was infectious. A true Irish dancer, her feet were dancing literally all the time (her body didn’t stop much, either)! Tori never knew a stranger. She noticed those who seemed lonely and was the first to welcome newcomers into her circle. Despite the often-heavy burden of her disease, Tori spread joy to all around her with her kindness, larger-than-life laughter and huge smile!
Tori loved and served her Savior during her brief life on earth. She knew His promises for her ultimate healing and wholeness. In Jeremiah 31, the Lord promises “They will come and shout for joy. The young women will dance and be glad. I will turn mourning into gladness. I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.” Tori’s family claimed His promises over her during her last days on earth. The end of Tori’s earthly life brings mourning to all who love her but not to Tori. She is whole. This is her time to dance.
Tori is survived by her mom, Mary Prince Weems of Raleigh, her dad, Shawn Weems of Raleigh, her Memaw, Diane Weems of Smithfield, her Great-Grandmother, Freda Myers of Raleigh, Great-Great-Aunt, “Auntie Vee” Ingram of Fountaintown and her loving boyfriend Thomas Strickland of Franklinton. She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, John and Kay Prince of Raleigh, Brenda Naylor Prince of Raleigh, and her paternal grandfather, Houston Weems of Smithfield. She was close to her Godmother, Holli Rogers (Larry) of Wake Forest, her best friend Ashley Manshack, her maternal Aunts and Uncles, Jack Prince (Jami) of Winston-Salem, Terra Sosa (Juan) of Raleigh, and Ashley Warwick (Heather) of Raleigh, and her paternal Uncle Mark Weems (Donna) of Wake Forest. Tori was loved by many great-Aunts and Uncles, cousins, and friends, including many close friends she adopted as “bonus” family.
Tori’s family has been overwhelmed by the love and support poured out by hundreds of friends and visitors over the last few weeks. They are grateful for the loving words, shared memories, acts of service, encouragement, and continued prayers.
Tori’s Celebration of Life of will be held at Bay Leaf Baptist Church at 12200 Bay Leaf Church Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614 on Monday, June 24th at 11 AM. A short graveside service will follow. Afterward, friends and family are invited to a dessert social that will be held in the fellowship hall. The bulletin will include a card for guests to share thoughts, love, and memories. The family wants these events to celebrate Tori’s life and be light, colorful, and fun, in keeping with her personality.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Tori’s memorial fund (https://gofund.me/365f841b) to help pay for the family’s immense medical expenses. Any overflow will be donated to ICPA for a “Spirit of Tori” perpetual scholarship in her memory.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Weems family.
Isaura Dolores Escalona de Roja
Youngsville
Isaura Dolores Escalona de Rojas, born on June 22, 1937, in El Tocuyo, Lara State, Venezuela, departed this world on June 13, 2024, in the city of Youngsville, North Carolina, USA.
Isaura was the beloved daughter of Miguel Tovar and Claudina Escalona. She grew up in the beautiful city of El Tocuyo and dedicated 30 years of her life as a secretary at UE Eduardo Blanco, where she left an indelible mark.
On December 20, 1958, she married Teofilo Rojas, with whom she formed a loving home together with their seven children: Isaura, Soraya, Miguel, Behomar, Lorena, Virginia, and Alex.
Known and cherished by her community, Isaura distinguished herself through her service to others, hospitality, and wisdom. Her faith in Jesus was evident in every action, especially in her fervent prayers for the sick and her family.
Isaura emigrated to the United States on March 14, 2019, making the state of North Carolina her new home. There, she and her husband Teofilo lived with unconditional love for 64 beautiful years of marriage. Isaura was not only an exemplary mother and wife but also a loving grandmother.
She leaves a vast legacy through her grandchildren: Sofía, Soraisa, Isaireg, Jorgeana, Juan Miguel, Daniel, Marianake a, Luis Manuel, Jesús David, Sandra, Diana, David, Loreana, Genesis, Soraya, and Selene; and a third generation of great-grandchildren: Jeremías, Victoria, Aaram, Jose Santiago, Aaron, Alex David, Jose David, Eli David, Aaron David, Magnolia, Alana, Julieta, Sofia, Santi, Aurora, Gia, and Alessa.
She was characterized by being a loving, faithful woman who always made her family and those around her feel cherished. Today, we celebrate her life, remembering Isaura as a true compass of love, faith, and dedication. Her spirit and essence live on in our hearts.
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William ‘Bill’ Henry Kanouse
Wake Forest
William “Bill” Kanouse, 97, of Wake Forest, NC passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2024. Bill was born on December 8, 1926 in Mendham, NJ to the late Ida and Samuel Kanouse.
He was a proud veteran of the Navy and loved golfing.
Bill was a loving husband, father, son, and grandfather; he ran the race with all his might, and he will be dearly missed by his family.
Complete arrangements will be made available soon.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Kanouse family.
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Douglas ‘Doug’ C. Guider
Wake Forest
Douglas Clayton Guider, age 77, was born on August 27, 1946 and passed peacefully on June 12, 2024. He was born in Kenton, Ohio and grew up on a small dairy farm with his two sisters in Logan County, Ohio, outside West Mansfield, Ohio.
Doug was a 1969, Ohio Northern University graduate in Pharmacy. He worked in retail pharmacy for 15 years in Ohio then moved to New Bern in 1984 buying The Medicine Shoppe on Neuse Blvd. He ran the store for 25 years where he embraced his customers as family.
Doug spent the last eight years before retirement as a Walgreens pharmacist and moved to Wake Forest, North Carolina in 2017.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Meredith and Geraldine Guider, and his sister Connie Hughes. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Charlene Pierce Guider, daughter, Brandi Purvis (Will) of Rockledge, Florida; stepdaughter, Hillary Pierce of Marfa, Texas; grandchildren, Ben and Megan Purvis, sister, Carol Berry (Lester) Fort Wayne, Indiana; several nieces and nephews.
He enjoyed golfing and God’s creation, all sports, especially Duke Basketball. He loved his cat, Miss Kitty, was a shameless Cleveland Browns fan, a devoted Cincinnati Reds fan and was active in the church wherever he lived.
Doug volunteered with the Craven County health department and was supportive of community hurricane relief efforts.
In lieu of flowers any memorial contributions may be made to your local church; Parkinson’s Foundation or the charity of your choice. Doug was known for his mystique and quirky sense of humor and will be deeply cherished and missed by all who knew him.
A Memorial Service will be held on June 22, 2024 at Trinity United Methodist Church in New Bern, NC. at 2:00 PM. A visitation will immediately follow.
Arrangements in the care of Bright Funeral Home.
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Lowell ‘Tommy’ Thomas Hart
Louisburg
Lowell Thomas (Tommy) Hart, 80, passed away on Tuesday June 11, 2024 at his home in Louisburg. He was born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, the son of Thomas Hines Hart and Lowell (Powell) Hart. He had a long career in telecommunications and was a farmer throughout his life.
A graveside service will be held Saturday June 22, 2024 at 2 o’clock at Flat Rock Baptist Church 1529 Flat Rock Church Rd, Louisburg, NC 27549. An informal gathering will be held in the Fellowship Hall following the service.
He is survived by son Patrick Hart and daughter-in-law Lhing; brother Phil Hart and sister-in-law Marie; nephews Phil Hart Jr., John Hart, RD Stainback, Jimmy Stainback, and Jay Stainback; niece Tammy (Stainback) Jackson; and numerous grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased (by exactly two months) by his wife of 63 years, Patricia Ann (Stainback) Hart.
Tommy graduated from Youngsville High School, where he met Patricia. In his many years in the Army, he served as an electronics instructor and achieved the rank of second lieutenant after graduating from Officer Candidate School (OCS). Following his military service, he started a long career at Western Electric, which eventually became AT&T. He was a talented carpenter who built several family homes and a sizable barn; his latest achievement was the “Freedom” 1,500 gallon water pump house. He and Patricia traveled all over the world, including two transatlantic crossings on the Queen Elizabeth II passenger ship, multi-annual trips to Cancun, and annual visits to Disney. His last wish was to see the blue waters of Cancun one more time. He was a farmer all his life, growing apples, grapes, blueberries, tobacco, sweet potatoes, and raising too many cats to count (including his sweet Dixiecat).
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Hart family.
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Lois Jeanette (Williams) Mitchell
Youngsville
Lois Jeanette Williams Mitchell, 85, of Youngsville, NC, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
Lois was born on December 10,1938 in Rolesville, NC to the late Lennie and Elwood Williams. She worked at Burlington Mills in her early years before deciding to stay home to help on the farm and support her family. She was a longtime former member of Beulah Christian Baptist Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She loved music and her family, especially her 5 sisters who she did everything with and were her best friends.
She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be deeply missed by her entire family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Danny Mitchell.
She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Clem Mitchell Jr.; son, Jeremy (Dede) Mitchell; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Mitchell; sisters, Lillie Belle Jones, Betty Raybon, Eleanor (Sammie) Pridgen, Edna Ruth (Larry) Allison, Janet (Randy) Hicks; grandchildren, Amber Mitchell, Jordan Mitchell, Parker (Adam) Bridgforth, Winston (Kelsie) Mitchell, Nick (Kelly) Williams, Kyle (Allie) Crump; 6 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in honor of Danny Mitchell to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org.
A graveside service will be held at 10 AM on Friday, June 14, 2024 at Mitchell Family Cemetery on Mitchell Store Rd. in Youngsville, NC with Pastor Ron Brisson officiating.
The family is requesting that all in attendance please wear casual and comfortable clothing that is appropriate for the weather.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Mitchell family.
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Larry Alan Timberlake
Youngsville
Larry Alan Timberlake, affectionately known as Chief, departed from this world on June 9, 2024. Chief’s life was defined by his unwavering love for his family and his enduring passion for classic cars.
Chief was born on December 13, 1946, in Franklin County, where he developed a deep-rooted connection to his community. He rarely strayed far from home, except for cherished family vacations, to indulge in his enthusiasm for classic automobiles at car shows, or the latest Moose Club dance. Throughout his career with the State of North Carolina, Chief remained a committed and diligent employee.
Upon retiring from the State, Chief embraced his newfound freedom to immerse himself fully in his two greatest loves: his son, Bryon Alan Timberlake, and his meticulously restored 1950 Chevy pickup. Chief took immense pride in Bryon’s accomplishments and cherished moments spent with him, alongside Bryon’s wife Tiffany, grandsons Hudson and Hayes, and granddaughter Hadley.
Chief’s legacy lives on through his family, including his sister Gail Gilleland, brother David Timberlake, sister-in-law Marsha, nephew Josh Timberlake, nephew Jon Gilleland, his favorite niece Shannon “Shannon-Bug” Tew, and a steadfast friend Mary Jo Wilder. His memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him.
In Larry Alan Timberlake’s passing, we bid farewell to a devoted family man, a passionate car enthusiast, and a cherished member of the community. Though he may be gone, his spirit will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Harris Chapel Baptist Building and Grounds at 2960 Tarboro Rd, Youngsville, NC 27596.
A Funeral Service will be held 2:00pm Thursday, June 13, 2024 at Harris Chapel Baptist Church, 2960 Tarboro Rd, Youngsville, NC 27596 with Pastor Bill Haley officiating.
Friends are welcome to visit with the Timberlake family from 1:00 to 2:00 pm prior to the service in the church fellowship hall.
A Service of Bright Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
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Carl William Holmes
Zebulon
Carl William Holmes, 57, passed away on Saturday, June 8th, 2024 at his home in Zebulon, following recent heart troubles.
He was born December 26th, 1966 in Raleigh, NC. An avid hunter and fisher, he found enjoyment with the outdoors. Love has 4 letters, so does deer and hunt. He could often times be found tinkering or working on things in his work-shop. Whether it was skinning a deer or fixing a part of a vehicle, there was not much he couldn’t do or learn with his hands. He took pride in knowing how to be self-sufficient.
A graduate of East Wake High School, he went on to work with heavy equipment. Carl and former spouse of 13 years, Sharon, had 2 children together who they adored. To him they were always “babygirl” and his “lilbigman”/ “little man.” Most recently, he was employed again as a heavy equipment operator with Blythe Construction company, continuing his decades of service in the construction industry.
He was preceded in death by his daddy, Charles William Holmes; his mama, Lois Corum Holmes King; and niece, Angela Harris.
He is survived by his daughter, Tabitha Cowger (Evan) currently in Fairbanks, Alaska; son, Christopher Holmes of Louisburg, NC /Fairbanks, Alaska; sister, Leah Jeffreys (Shayne) of South Carolina; niece and nephew, Jenny Newman and Clint Manring, both of Clayton, NC.
“He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.” Psalm 18:33. Please take a moment to read Psalm 18.
A memorial service will be planned and held in the near future. Burial will take place at Montlawn Memorial Park.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Holmes family.
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