Steve Mortensen
Wake Forest
Steve Mortensen, age 73, of Wake Forest, NC passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at his home surrounded by loved ones.
Steve was born on March 7, 1951 to Martin and Estella (Nordmeyer) Mortensen. He grew up in Rising City, NE as the youngest of three boys and graduated from Rising City High School in 1969. After graduation he spent the summer working for the National Forestry Service in Idaho before moving to Lincoln, NE. He began working at HyGain Electronics where he held various manufacturing positions until moving to Wake Forest, NC in 1994. Once in North Carolina, he worked for Boston Gear briefly and retired from Accurate Machine in 2019.
Steve has been actively involved with Hope Lutheran Church since moving to North Carolina. He was also an avid outdoorsman, rarely turning down the opportunity to use his fishing pole and tackle box. For many years after leaving Nebraska he continued returning for an annual fishing trip with friends. Once in North Carolina, he discovered surf fishing which became a new hobby. When not fishing, Steve could usually be found in his garage honing his woodworking skills creating countless toys, games and other gifts over the years.
While at HyGain, Steve met Janice (Konken) whom he married on March 23, 1972. To this union, three children were born.
Steve is survived by his wife, children: Leslie (Jeremy) Hinkle of Lincoln, NE, Aaron (Jennifer) Mortensen of Middlefield, CT and Teri (Christiano) Torres of Garner, NC. Grandchildren Erica and Megan Hinkle, Reagan Mortensen, Cameron Mortensen, Olivia and Bronsen Torres. He was a proud brother to Larry (Mary) Mortensen and Ted (Laurie Blackwell) Mortensen. Preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, 3525 Rogers Road, Wake Forest, NC, on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 11a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be donated to Hope Lutheran Church.
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Lillian Rogers Cole
Raleigh
Lillian Rogers Cole went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 16, 2024.
She will be fondly remembered for her love of the beach, enjoying good seafood, and her adventurous trips to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, where she loved playing the slot machines with her friends.
Lillian worked for many years at Westinghouse and, alongside her former husband Leo Cole, successfully owned and operated several gas stations.
She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Gertie Rogers; her father; William Rogers, her sisters, Betty Rogers and Gertrude Rogers; her brother Bruce Rogers; her son, Jeff Lynn; and her former husband, Leo Cole.
Lillian leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories for her family. She is survived by her grandchildren: Eric Lynn (Nicole Lynn), Scott Lynn, Brooke Young (Adam Young), and Amber Lynn Williams (Eric Williams); her great-grandchildren: Mallory Young, Michael Young, Madison Lynn, and Monroe Williams; as well as her former daughter-in-law, Ginger Lynn.
A viewing will be held at Bright Funeral Home on Sunday, December 22, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, at 405 S. Main St. Wake Forest, NC 27587.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Transitions Hospice Care in Lillian’s honor at www.transitionslifecare.org/donate.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Cole family.
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Rachel Strother Chappell
Raleigh
Rachel Strother Chappell, 90, of Raleigh, NC, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
A complete obituary will be made available soon.
A funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Bay Leaf Baptist Church with Pastor Don Gilbert officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1-2 PM in the fellowship hall. Burial will follow the service in the Bay Leaf Baptist Cemetery, 12200 Bayleaf Church Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Chappell family.
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Marilyn Slate
Wake Forest
Marilyn Slate passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024. She was born and lived in Danbury, Connecticut.
Marilyn married Charles (Chuck) Slate in 1950. Over the course of her life, she lived in Poughkeepsie and Kingston, New York; Mendham, New Jersey; Manassas, Catlett and Culpeper, Virginia; and Raleigh and Wake Forest, North Carolina. She and her husband were moved frequently by IBM where Chuck worked. Chuck passed away in September of 2012.
Marilyn and Chuck had four children. Their oldest, Steven died of Lymphoma in 2006 at age 54. One daughter, Rhonda, lives in Raleigh. Twin boys, Leslie and Gary. Les lives in Jacksonville, F.L. Gary lives with his wife Cindy in Youngsville, N.C.
Marilyn and Chuck took in George Bailey (now deceased) in 1976 – the first of what would become many foster children. Chuck and Marilyn hosted over 59 foster children. They had twelve grandchildren, including George’s three children. There are also several great grandchildren.
Marilyn was an extremely active volunteer in charity organizations including the Red Cross, the Cancer Society and many others. She became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1978, graduating from Prince William School of Practical Nursing in Manassas, Virginia. She worked in Prince William hospital, surgical, medical and orthopedic floors. Baptist Retirement Community nurse, Private Duty nurse, Wake Med in post op bypass unit, Boxwood, 28 day Drug Rehab Center in Culpeper, Virginia, Carolina House in Wake Forest, and Hillside Nursing Center for 10 years until her retirement in 2010.
Marilyn’s hobbies included Bridge, Mah Jong, Mexican Train, Dominoes, Water exercises, reading, embroidery, knitting and crocheting.
Her Faith and her family were among her top priorities in her life and her friends have described her as an inspirational Christian. Even in her last days, she had a strong determination to be independent and when she no longer could, she let go but continued to laugh until she left us to be with the Lord.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation at www.nationalbreastcancer.org.
A memorial service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at North Raleigh Church of Christ, 8701 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615. The family will visit with friends after the service in the fellowship hall.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Slate family.
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Rose Smith Finch
Wake Forest
Rose Smith Finch passed away quietly at her home on Friday, the 13th of December 2024.
She was born in Vance County on July 3, 1931, and had resided in Wake Forest since 1966. She was married to the late John Elijah Finch for sixty-three years and gave birth to one son. Rose lived a long and active life and enjoyed the company of her many friends and relatives. She will be remembered for her enduring and supportive presence.
Rose was preceded in death by her husband and her four siblings. She was also preceded in death by five of her late husband’s siblings and many of her friends.
She was survived by her son, John B. Finch (Susan), her grandson, John Forrest Finch, her three step-grandsons, David (Elisha), Daniel and Andrew (Meagan) Kaufmann. In addition, she was survived by her four step great-grandchildren, Laura, Isaac, Samuel and Sophie Kaufmann.
A funeral service will be held at 1 PM on Friday, December 20, 2024 in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens, 770 Stadium Dr. Wake Forest, NC. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12-1 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.
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Curtis Lee O’Neal II
Youngsville
Curtis Lee O’Neal II, 17, of Youngsville, NC, passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
Curtis was born on April 1, 2007 in Vance County, NC. He was a senior at Franklinton High School, was in an early graduation program, and was taking honor classes. He worked at Sheetz and helped with his church food pantry. He loved 80’s music, working on computers, gaming, taking pictures of the stars, sunrises, and sunsets, and hanging out with his family, friends, and girlfriend.
He loved going to car shows, working on cars, and Formula 1; he dreamed of being a formula 1 driver one day.
He was preceded in death by his father, Curtis Lee O’Neal; grandmother, Esther Battista; and grandfathers, Bill Wilkinson, and William O’Neal.
He is survived by his mother, Susie O’Neal; brothers, Eddie Conway, Tommy Conway, Chris O’Neal; grandmother, Beth Wilkinson; cousins, Brian Kearney, Jennifer Kearney, Brandon Goodson, Liam Lawlor; aunts, Deanna Davis, Debbie Kearney, Melissa O’Neal, Jane Lawlor; uncles, David Lawlor, Jimmie, Ricky, and Ronnie Kearney; niece, Autumn O’Neal; nephew, Cager O’Neal; and girlfriend, Vera Via.
In lieu of flowers contributions and donations can be made to Bright Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses by calling (919) 556-5811.
A funeral service will be held at 1 PM on Monday, December 23, 2024 at Oak Level Christian Church, 2279 Cedar Creek Rd, Youngsville, NC 27596 with Pastor Robert Faile officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12-1 PM in the fellowship hall. Burial will follow the service at Youngsville Town Cemetery.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the O’Neal family.
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Ray Wilson
Wake Forest
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ray Wilson, 70, of Wake Forest, North Carolina, who departed this life on December 11, 2024. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.
Ray was born on October 17, 1954, in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, to Barbara and Raymond Wilson, Sr. He was a beloved family man, devoted spouse, cherished parent, and expert grill master. He loved being outdoors, bass fishing, target shooting, camping, and entertaining family while tending to his smoker. Ray loved hosting his family and being ‘Pap Pap’ to his nine grandchildren. He had a long and prosperous 45+ year career with Culligan Water as a successful salesman and esteemed owner of several East Coast locations.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; daughter, Danika (Nick) Binkley; son, Dayton (Anna) Wilson; stepchildren, Katie (Luke) Hewett, Megan (Seth) Seagle, Ryan (Lilie) Handerhan, and Brianna (Andrew) Davila; brothers, Clyde (Melissa) Wilson and Tom (Marla) Wilson; and his nine grandchildren: Olivia, Cora, Lyla, Wilson, Ava, Madelyn, Violet, Walter, and Huck.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara and Raymond Wilson, Sr.; his son, Ryan Wilson; and his brother, Bill Wilson.
A celebration of life gathering is being planned for a later date.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to everyone for their love and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Wilson family.
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