Jean Cash Preddy, 88 of Louisburg passed away on Sunday, June 23 2024 at her residence.
Jean was born in Franklin County to the late Lela W. Cash and E. Burton Cash and grew up in the Flat Rock community area of Youngsville. Jean worked hard from the time she was a young girl helping her family farm. She learned her work ethic early and always did her best in anything she attempted. Jean retired from Aerotron of Raleigh where she worked for over 30 years. She was a kind hearted person who made many friends in her lifetime. She enjoyed cooking and doing things for others.
Jean was the widow of the late Herbert Landis Preddy to whom she was his faithful wife and partner of 67 years. She is survived by their only daughter Melody Hedgepeth, son in law Craig Hedgepeth and grandchildren Colin Hedgepeth and Sarah Hedgepeth, sister in law Doris Wheeler , niece Janice Arnold ( Tony) , nephew Edward Wheeler ( Laurel) and nephew Mark Preddy.
She was proceeded in death by her brother Bobby G Cash, infant brother Edward B Cash, half brothers Jimmie “Pete” Cash , Graham Cash, Ervin Cash, Ollie Cash and half sisters Grace Cash Maye, Sadie Cash and Estelle Cash , brothers in law Thomas Preddy , Harold Wheeler, Hartwell Briggs and sister in laws, Mary Ellen Preddy, Shirley Briggs and niece Angela Hayes .
A memorial service will be held Saturday morning June 29 at 11 o’clock at Flat Rock Baptist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Flat Rock Baptist Church, 1529 Flat Rock Baptist Church Road, Louisburg, NC 27549
Visitation with the family following the memorial service to be at the home of Melody and Craig Hedgepeth.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Wake Forest NC
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Jeffrey ‘Juice’ Joostema
Youngsville
Jeffrey “Juice” Joostema, 68, passed away on June 22, 2024, in Boone, NC in the loving arms of his sweetheart, Jackie Massey. He was greeted in Heaven by his loving parents, Don and Helen Joostema, and his son, Cole Burwell. Jeffrey was on vacation in one of his favorite places and died peacefully doing what he loves most, spending time with family, enjoying the outdoors and living life to it’s fullest. He spent his last days with Jackie, exploring the mountains and rivers of Boone, visiting with his granddaughter, Emily, watching the full moon rise on the golf course.
A UNC Chapel Hill graduate, wrestler, and football player, he carried his Tarheel spirit with him everywhere he went. Jeff was a sports enthusiast and outdoors man; he loved cheering on UNC and spending time in nature. More than anything he loved to cook for his family and share memories around the table. Throughout the years, he owned many small businesses, all with great success and a family atmosphere. He was a mentor, father figure, and leader to many young men. At home, Jeff loved doing projects both inside and outside, with a new garden and pool, he loved to be with his dog, Boone and favorite goat, Afroman.
Jeffrey was an amazing father to his daughter, Christi Thompson and sons Dante Joostema and Vincent Joostema and daughter in law, Sara Bickers. He was a loving papa to his grandchildren Emily Freeman and Ethan Wood. Jeffrey was also survived by his Sweetheart Jackie Massey, and her family, Megan Massey, Maranda Goldman, Hailey Goldman. To know Jeff is to be his family, with his vibrant and inviting spirit, he never met a stranger. With a lasting impression, Jeff’s friends and family will never forget his smile and laugh, and how he brought unbridled charm into every room. Never having a dull moment with Jeff, we will remember most his animated and wild storytelling, lively personality, and passion for life.
An informal and light memorial service will be held at Bright Funeral home in downtown Wake Forest on Thursday, June 27th 2024 from 6pm – 8 pm. Later this year, the family will be hosting a Celebration of Life, “huge party, no crying allowed” to honor his memory in true Jeff fashion.
“Leave your worries behind and find peace under my shade,” – The Giving Tree
A Service of Bright Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
www.brightfoununerals.com (919-556-5811)
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Wesley Warren Horton
Rolesville
Wesley Warren Horton, age 72, born on October 8,1951, and passed away on June 20, 2024.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Wesley Vernon Horton and Gaynelle Dement Ray.
Warren is survived by his wife, Peggy Goodwin-Horton and son, Christopher Warren Horton of Rolesville, NC, as well by his step-sister, Evon Foster Arnold and step-brother, Mike Foster both from Louisburg, NC.
Warren loved watching any sports including major league baseball teams, NBA basketball, but most importantly UNC Tarheel basketball and football. He was born and bred with Carolina Blue blood flowing through his veins. He also liked NASCAR racing and always pulled for Chase Elliott and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Racing teams, AKA JR Racing Nation.
He graduated from Bunn High School and continued his education at N.C. State University for a short time. Later in life he attended Wake Tech Community College and received his associate degree in Pharmaceutical Technology.
Warren worked for Square D Company in Knightdale for over 20 years. He then worked at Novo Nordisk for about 5 years before taking his final job at GlaxoSmithKline in Zebulon as a Chemical Analyst.
The family would like to thank everyone that offered prayers of comfort, peace & love during the past weeks and months. Chris and I could never have gotten through all the battles and setbacks without Almighty God holding us and guiding us with His mercy and grace.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Oak Level Christian Church Building Fund, P.O Box 216, Youngsville, N.C. 27596; Phone: 919-554-4451.
A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel of Bright Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 11 a.m.
Friends are welcomed to visit with the family following the service in the Magnolia room of Bright Funeral Home.
A Service of Bright Funeral Home and Cremation Center
919-556-5811 www.brightfunerals.com
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James Park Sponsler
James Park Sponsler, 64, born on October 21, 1959, formally of Brewster, OH, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 20, 2024 after his battle with cancer.
Jim was employed by Duke Energy of the Carolinas and previously employed by the Village of Brewster Electric Department.
He was a member of St. Catherines of Siena Catholic Church, he was a proud United States Army veteran and a member of the American Legion Post 160 in Brewster, OH. He was a member of the American Battlefield Trust and Gettysburg Foundation.
Jim enjoyed coming home daily to feed the squirrels, making trips to Ohio to tend to his farm, and spending time with his grandsons who brought him lots of joy.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Dale Sponsler, Shirley Jane (Cantleberry) Sponsler; and daughter, Amy Marie Sponsler.
He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Brenda (Sewell) Sponsler; children, Adam (Brittany) Reicosky of Brewster, OH, Carin (Dwayne) Hoover of Carlisle, PA; grandchildren, Aiden Hoover, Beau, Luke, and Finn Reicosky; sisters, Cheryl (Carol) Harris of Glen Allen, VA, Joyce (Ron) Wood of Massillon, OH, Patti (Rick) Hershey of Litz, PA; mother-in-law, Joan Sewell of Brewster, OH; brothers-in-law, Johnny (Peanut) Sewell of Brewster, OH, Tim (Tess) Sewell of Canton, OH, Sam (Jayne) Sewell of Cape Coral, FL, and Robert (Brenda) Sewell of Beach City, OH; several nieces, nephews , and great nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at Duke University Hospital-Raleigh for their kind and compassionate care.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers please donate to your local animal shelters as Jim was a lover of all animals.
Family will receive friends on Friday, July 12, 2024 from 6-8:00 pm at Spidell Funeral Home in Brewster Ohio.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at Holy Family Parish, St. Therese Campus in Brewster, OH. Burial will follow in Welty Cemetery.
Following the burial the family will be gathering at The Inn at Amish Door in the Orchard View Room for a time of food and fellowship.
Please visit www.brightfunrerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Sponsler family.
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Judy Lynn Janke
Wake Forest
Judy Lynn Janke, 64, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Judy was a longtime resident of Santa Barbara, CA and most recently Wake Forest, NC.
She most recently worked for the state office of Habitat for Humanity of North Carolina.
Judy had a gentle, kind, and loving spirit. She was passionate about teaching Sunday School to young children, passionate about being a loving wife, and mother of three and one grandchild.
She is survived by her loving husband, Rolf Janke; sons, Ryan and Evan Janke (with his wife and Judy’s daughter-in-law and their son, Judy’s grandson, Bradley); and daughter, Anna-Grace Janke.
Memorial contributions can be made to Habitat for Humanity of North Carolina. Checks can be made out to the same and sent to: Habitat for Humanity of North Carolina, 1053 East Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604 or online at bit.ly/InMemoriumJudy.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday July 27, 2024 at Crossroads Fellowship, 13029 Keith Store Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
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Belinda Jo Kuphal McCusker
Youngsville
Belinda Jo Kuphal McCusker was a beacon of warmth, joy, and love in the lives of all who knew her. Her spirit was bright, her laughter infectious, and her kindness boundless. While we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the countless hearts she touched along the way. Belinda was preceded in death by her dear Godfather Edward Kerr, Godmother Marcella Thibault, beloved brother Roy Ladd Kuphal Jr., cherished nephew Ryan Francis Kuphal, and her loving father and mother in law, James and Joan McCusker. Their love and memories forever lived on in her heart.
Belinda is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Dennis McCusker (Youngsville, NC), her daughter Laura Damaso along with her husband Eric Damaso, and their soon to be son Jonathan Damaso. Her daughter Leah McCusker and her partner Brandon Bell to whose children, Colton and Maddie, Belinda was a doting Nanny. Belinda’s family was her pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
Belinda is also survived by her loving parents Roy and Jacqueline Kuphal (Franklin, MA), her beloved sister Pamela Kuphal (Franklin, MA), her sister-in-law Paula Kuphal (Dartmouth, MA) and her partner Kenneth Van Colen, her brother-in-law Douglas McCusker and his wife Sue Belton McCusker (Weymouth, MA), her sister-in-law Debrah McCusker Colella and her husband Vincent Colella, her sister-in-law Denise McCusker (Plymouth, MA), and her Godchildren, Alison Dias, Anne Lotti, and Lillie Kuphal.
She is also survived by her 15 nieces and nephews whom she loved greatly, and her forever shadow, her dog Joy who gave her endless amounts of love and comfort and was an embodiment of her name in Belinda’s life. She is survived as well by lifelong friends who became true family.
A woman of many talents and passions, Belinda found solace and adventure in the pages of her books, and shared her love for reading with others. Her green thumb transformed her garden into a haven for birds and butterflies, a true reflection of her nurturing soul. She found peace in nature and camping trips to Kerr Lake, where she enjoyed the beauty around her and often said when sitting by the lake she could imagine she was in any of the most beautiful places in the world.
As a true woman of faith she was a lifelong member of the Federated Church of Norfolk, Norfolk MA, and member of the Wake Forest United Methodist Church, Wake Forest NC, Belinda’s compassionate heart led her to serve others through her community and church’s outreach ministry, including Family Promise, Toys for Tots, and through outreach touching the lives of many in her community.
Her generosity knew no bounds, and her legacy of kindness will continue to inspire all who knew her. Belinda had a genuine desire to make the world more joyful and a better place for all those around her. Belinda’s educational achievements were a testament to her lifelong pursuit of learning. A graduate of King Philip High School, she went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business/Marketing from Bryant College, her teaching certification from Lesley University, and her Master’s degree in Childhood Education from Framingham State University. Her dedication to her craft was further exemplified by her National Board Certification and Reading Specialist certification.
Throughout her professional career, Belinda made a profound impact on the lives of many. From her days as an Executive Sales professional at Anacomp Inc. to her roles as a devoted teacher at H Olive Day Elementary School in Norfolk, MA, and Sanford Creek Elementary School in Rolesville, NC, Belinda’s influence was felt far and wide. She was a fierce advocate for her students, instilling in them a love for learning and reading, while fostering an environment of kindness, community, and inclusivity in her classroom.
Belinda believed in the unique potential of each child and worked diligently to unlock their talents and celebrate their successes. Her dedication to peer modeling and cultural inclusivity created a classroom where every student felt seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. To her family, relatives, friends, and church family, we express our deepest gratitude for their unwavering love and support throughout the years. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Duke University Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion during her time of need.
In honor of Belinda’s memory and her lifelong dedication to education, her family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers please consider bringing a new backpack filled with books and school supplies to her service which will be donated to elementary school students in need. This act of kindness will serve as a fitting tribute to Belinda’s legacy of compassion, generosity, and commitment to fostering a love of learning in the hearts of young minds.
While we grieve the loss of Belinda McCusker, we also celebrate the light she brought into our lives and the love she shared with all. Belinda frequently shared that her favorite word was “Joy” and she truly was an embodiment of the word to anyone who knew her.
May her memory be a blessing, and may her spirit continue to shine brightly in our hearts forevermore as we honor her legacy in spreading “Joy” though our lives. Services and Coalitions will be held both in North Carolina and Massachusetts for all who loved and knew her. June 29, 2024 at 10:00AM Wake Forest United Methodist Church 905 S Main St, Wake Forest, NC 27587 and on July 6, 2024 at 10:00 AM Federated Church of Norfolk 1 Union St, Norfolk, MA 02056.
Arrangements in the care of Bright Funeral Home.
www.brightfunerals.com 919-556-5811
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Zachary Ryan Demko
Wake Forest
Zachary Ryan Demko, 18, of Wake Forest, NC, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
Zachary was born on March 23, 2006 in Ocala, FL. He loved playing basketball, video games, working on his truck, playing games (Phase 10 and Chess), bonfires, and making dares and telling jokes.
He was a loving son, brother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Jessica Demko; brother, Anthony DiLauro; and grandparents, Debbie and Edmund Richardson.
He is survived by his mother, Sherri DiLauro; dad, Richard DiLauro; siblings, Joshua Demko, Eric Demko, Elizabeth Demko, Tristan Demko, Annabelle Demko, and Stephen DiLauro; grandparents, Georgia Stein, Gary and Sharon Dudley, and Martha DiLauro; his Rhode Island brothers, Dillon, Blake, Colby, and Ethian; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family will receive friends on Friday, June 28, 2024 from 6-8 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 DiLauro (Demko) family.
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Mark Jason Harris
Zebulon
Mark Jason Harris Sr., resident of Zebulon, NC, born on January 22, 1972, in Atlanta, GA, passed away on June 18, 2024.
Mark is survived by his loving family: his devoted wife of 23 years, Rhonda Harris; his cherished daughter, Emily Harris; his beloved son, Mark Harris Jr. (Jason); his caring mother, Jan Miller; and his supportive father, Jay Harris.
Mark was a man of many passions and a heart full of generosity. He loved fishing and riding his motorcycle, but above all, he loved making everyone around him smile and laugh. His passion for cooking was evident in the delicious meals he prepared, always ready to share with those he cared about. Mark’s kindness knew no bounds—he would give anyone the shirt off his back and was always willing to help those in need. His home was a sanctuary for anyone in need of shelter and food.
Mark’s legacy of compassion and joy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He touched many lives with his selfless acts and unwavering generosity.
A memorial service to honor Mark’s life will be held at Bright’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 26th at 2:00pm.
Mark will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit of giving, his infectious laughter, and the love we have for him in our hearts will never be forgotten.
In the care of Bright Funeral Home.
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Edward Joseph Schmid
Raleigh
Edward Joseph Schmid, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away surrounded by family and friends on June 17, 2024, at the age of 92. Born on April 6, 1932, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Edward lived a full and honorable life dedicated to his family, his faith, his country, and his community.
Edward graduated from LaSalle College High School and soon after served his country with distinction in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. His service exemplified his deep sense of duty and patriotism, values he carried throughout his life.
After his military service, Edward embarked on a long and successful career in general asphalt and road construction. His work contributed to the infrastructure that supports and connects communities, a fitting legacy for a man known for his reliability and strength.
Edward was predeceased by his beloved and devoted wife of 65 years, Diane Joan Schmid. Together, they built a loving family and shared a life filled with joy and mutual respect. Edward is survived by his seven children: Michael, Linda, Patti, Cheryl, Kathleen, Thomas, and James. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and more than 20 great-grandchildren, all of whom were deeply cherished by him.
His family and friends will remember Edward for his unwavering love, his steadfast character, and his gentle spirit. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the family he adored.
Edward had a special passion for Walt Disney World and spent over 30 years enjoying the magic of Fort Wilderness Campground with family, who included Mickey and Minnie Mouse
A funeral service with full military honors will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery in Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made in memory of Edward Joseph Schmid to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization close to his heart.
Edward Joseph Schmid will be dearly missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
There will be a Memorial Mass held at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church on Monday, June 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
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