Betty Jo Fletcher Griffis
Youngsville
Betty Jo Fletcher Griffis, 80, of Youngsville passed away Monday, August 9, 2021. She was born September 5, 1940 to the late William “Billy” Franklin and Ruby Ione Culpepper Fletcher. Betty graduated from Leesburg High School in Leesburg, GA. She worked as an inspector at Coats & Clarks, Inc., in Albany, GA, where she met her husband Elton.
Betty was an avid reader of mystery thriller books, enjoyed gardening and researching genealogy, and loved nature and being outdoors, watching birds and the squirrels play. She was one of seven children, and sincerely loved her family. When she got together with her brothers and sisters, you couldn’t get a word in the conversations with all of the laughter.
Betty had a keen sense of humor, a sweet disposition, and was always very appreciative. She was always a loving and supportive mother to her children. Betty loved her husband’s coffee, and would always say, “Got Coffee?” every morning when she would wake up. Most importantly, she had a strong faith in God.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Jeanette Beck, Sally Battiste, and Jackie Fletcher, and her brothers, Roy and Bobby Fletcher.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 58 years, Elton Griffis of the residence; her daughter, Sherri Griffis of Youngsville; her son, Wendel Griffis and wife, Dianne, of Raleigh; and her, sister Faye Roland of Leesburg, GA.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at a later date and announced by the family.
Howard ‘Dick’ Richardson
Howard “Dick” Richardson, 93, devoted husband, father, grandfather, award-winning scout leader, avid reader, master puzzler, and accomplished world traveler, passed away peacefully at his home on August 9, 2021.
Born in Schenectady, NY as the youngest son of Alice and William Richardson, Dick’s childhood included walking to school uphill both ways in the snow, and learning from the school of hard knocks. He shared stories of his many childhood jobs, including setting pins at a bowling alley and collecting glass bottles for the penny deposit return. This childhood developed a man of character that later molded his own family.
Dick spent some of his young life as a communications soldier in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Dick did not speak much of this time, but often commented that “there were no atheists in a foxhole.” We knew his faith in God was his refuge.
Dick’s family began in 1949 when he met the love of his life, Ellen Ruth Richardson (Boyark), the prettiest cashier at the Kresge Five and Dime where he worked. They have remained together for over 72 years, setting a beautiful example of love for their four children: Timothy and Annie Richardson (New Mexico), Susan and Bleu McNitt (Oklahoma), David Richardson and Judy Norman (Missouri) and Cyndy and Brad Bruce (North Carolina). Dick enjoyed a large extended family with 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Dick was always focused on his family and community. He led numerous Boy Scout troops, helping and encouraging children to develop faith, resiliency and leadership. He encouraged his own children in achieving Eagle Boy Scout and First Class Girl Scout awards. He instilled in those around him a strong sense of duty to serve others, appreciate God’s creation, and celebrate life.
Having resided in New York, Arizona and North Carolina, Dick touched many lives. All of whom loved Dick dearly and will never forget his tenacity, wit, charm, grace and undying love and concern for them. Howard Richard Richardson will be sorely missed.
A celebration of life service for Dick was held at Hope Lutheran Church in Wake Forest on August 14, 2021.. In lieu of flowers, we kindly suggest memorial donations be made in Dick’s name to Hope Lutheran Church, 3525 Rogers Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587.
Thomas Howard Mahoney
Thomas Howard Mahoney, born in (Riverside) Cincinnati, Ohio, age 69, entered into eternal peace on August 9th, 2021.
He is survived by his three children; Jill Johnson (Rob), Thomas Mahoney (Sarah) and Colleen Dwenger (Joey); nine grandchildren, Ella, Owen, Lucy, Libby, Kelsey, Shelby, Henry, Aubrey, and Eva; his siblings, Margie Vornberg (Larry), Dennis, Mary Hayes (Steve), Jerry (Nettie), Jimmy (Darla), Lorraine Reynolds (Jerry) and Joyce (Don); many nieces and nephews; and his former wife, Karen (Presnell) Proctor. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lorraine Richter Mahoney, father, John Mahoney, and brother, John Mahoney (Charlene).
Thomas spent 28 years as a traffic engineer for the City of Cincinnati. After his retirement in 2008, he moved to North Carolina.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life gathering on September 4, 2021 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Fernbank Lodge located at 50 Thornton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45233. Memorial gifts can be made to Hospice of Wake County, Transitions Life Care. http://transitionslifecare.org/donate
Robert Eugene ‘Robbie’ Moore
Smithfield
Robert Eugene “Robbie” Moore, 54 of Smithfield, passed away Wednesday, August 10, 2021. He was born in Randolph County to the late Bobby Eugene and Mittie Hagwood Moore.
Robbie enjoyed driving his truck, being with his dog, flea and farmer’s markets, and being with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Those left to cherish his memory include two daughters, Kimberly Moore Peters of Franklinton and Jennifer Moore of Suffolk, VA; a son, Robbie Moore of Franklinton; his sister, Patricia McDonald of Youngsville; and seven grandchildren, Carissa, Electra, Nicholas, Allysun, Georgia, Alecia, and Preston.
A celebration of Robbie’s life will be held at a later date, and announced by the family.
Lucille H. Finch
Wake Forest
Lucille H. Finch, 92, of Wake Forest passed away on Thursday August 12, 2021, at her residence. She was born in Franklin County, the daughter of the late Hubert Naoma Hicks and Edna Earl Frazier Hicks. She was preceded in death by a brother, Lee Oma Hicks; a grandson, baby boy Finch; and a great-grandson, Bryce McCann.
A funeral service was held at Sunday afternoon August 15, 2021 in theC hapel of Bright Funeral Home. A private burial was held at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens.
Mrs. Finch is survived by her husband, Bunnie C. Finch; daughter, Geraldine Harris and husband, Stanley; a son, Teddy Finch and his wife, Donnette; brothers, Tony, Nahomer and Arthur Hicks; sisters, Frances Branco and Ophelia Daniels; grandchildren, Cara Finch and husband Chris, Kelly McCann and husband Tim, Chris Harris and wife Elisabeth; and great-grandchildren, Madison, Jayden, Carter, Brynn, Rowan, Jax, Isaac, Ellis Lucille and Teddy.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Wake Forest, NC.
Sandra Lee Korbel
Rolesville
Sandra Lee Korbel, 62, of Rolesville passed away peacefully at home on August 12, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. After a courageous fight with breast cancer, she is now at peace.
Sandra was born in Rochester, New York on August 25, 1958 to Nancy Lewis and the late Thomas Costanza. She graduated from Fairport High School, class of 1976. After high school, she married her high school sweetheart, Thomas John Korbel, on July 2, 1977.
Sandy loved spending time with her family, traveling, shopping, baking with her granddaughters, FaceTiming with her youngest granddaughters and family in New York, and attending her grandson’s sports activities. She enjoyed gardening and took pride in her front yard flower bed that she created at every home she lived at.
Sandra is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Thomas John Korbel; daughter, Jessica Lynn Cotterman (Shaun); son, Michael Thomas Korbel (Meaghan); and beloved grandchildren, Haley, Mackenzie, Connor, Aubree, and Adalee. She is also survived by her brother, Michael Costanza (Susan); sisters, Deborah Mylacraine (David) and Brenda Costanza; sisters-in-law, Pam Kostecke, Mary Burgett (Jim), Jill Korbel; and numerous loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, August 17 in the Chapel of Bright Funeral Home. A service followed at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Sandy to the Rex Healthcare Foundation.
Lou Ann Underwood
Raleigh
Lou Ann Underwood, of Raleigh passed away on August 14, 2021. She was born in Louisburg on March 10, 1960 to the late Jack Perrin Underwood and Fern Carter Underwood.
Lou was a proud su many ECU fans. She loved reading and passed on that special gift to her beloved nieces.
Lou Ann leaves behind a sister, Connie U. Brower (Kevin); a brother, Michael Underwoo; her nieces, Felicity Sudar (Sasha) and Megan Garcia (Michael); a great-niece, Reina; and a great-nephew, Felix. Additionally, Lou has an extensive loving family, many lifelong friends and a host of wonderful neighbors that mourn her loss.
A private service for family is planned. Memorial contributions may be made to Harris Chapel Baptist Church, 2960 Tarboro Rd, Youngsville, NC, 27596.
GIVING | harrischapel.org
Joan (Grace Mudge) Beauparlant
Raleigh
Joan (Grace Mudge) Beauparlant (age 86) passed away peacefully on August 3, 2021, surrounded by her family – what mattered most in her life. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, everyone who knew her witnessed her living that value — taking care of those she loved.
Joan was born to a fisherman and his wife in 1934 in Springfield, Massachusetts. An avid horseback rider and swimmer, she spent her teenage years in New Haven, Connecticut, enjoying Morris Cove off Townsend Avenue. After completing secretarial school, she utilized her innate organizational skills to quickly rise to the position of executive assistant to managers at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. That is where she met the love of her life, Joseph Oscar Beauparlant (age 95).
Joan loved to share with friends that after she was engaged, she sat on his lap in the office and kissed him. She laughed that she wanted to one day be able to tell her children and grandchildren this scandalous story. After building a summer home together on Lake Ninevah, VT, in the early 60’s, they enjoyed lake life and visiting the eastern part of the US. It served as an anchor for their family when they moved to Europe. Because Joe and Joan both loved to travel, they took a calculated risk and accepted a two-year ex-pat assignment in France, and later moved to Germany.
After traveling extensively with fivr children all over Europe and parts of Africa and Asia, they returned to the US and lived in Dover, NH; Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL; and Asheville and Raleigh, NC.
As a homemaker, skilled seamstress, and committed volunteer, Joan shared her laughter and love with anyone who needed it. As a devout Roman Catholic, her faith was evident in the way she lived her life. Her dining room table, especially at the holidays, would be filled with those apart from their family. It was a joy for her to make them a part of hers. She also joined the Rhein-Main Air Force Base Catholic Women’s Club, in Germany, where she was president for many years. Those contributions earned her private tours of the Vatican and several audiences with Pope Paul VI. During their “retirement “years, she volunteered almost full-time for our Lady of Lourdes Church in Melbourne, Florida. Again, she used her organizational superpowers to amplify the impact of the community’s large cadre of volunteers within the community. Joan is survived by her husband Joseph O. Beauparlant (95), of 63 years, from Raleigh; five children, Patricia LaLiberte Nineveh, IN, Jacqueline Kleinschmidt (Kenneth) Peru, NY; James Beauparlant (Monica) Henderson, NV; Deborah Susan Beauparlant Titusville, FL; and Danielle Moser (Mo) Raleigh; 10 loving grandchildren, Brian Kleinschmidt, Adele Green, Alycia Massingham, Angela Marinelli, David and Nicholas Beauparlant, Gabrielle Leach, Daniela Magers, and Madison and Morgan Moser; and 10 loving great-grandchildren, Callen and Orion Kleinschmidt, Liam and Owen Massingham, Cameron and Miles Marinelli, Bailey, Jared, and Elissa Leach, and Katherine Beauparlant. Joan is also survived by her brothers, George and David Mudge; a sister, Debra Mudge; and many nieces and nephews. Because she defined family broadly, she maintained and left many friends throughout the US and Europe.
A private service is being held in her honor on Saturday, 4 September, at 11 am ET at Bright Funeral Home, 405 S. Main St., Wake Forest, NC 27587. It will also be live-streamed.
In lieu of flowers, donations are kindly requested to the Alzheimer’s Association in her name. Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter 8180 Greensboro Drive, Suite 400 McLean, VA 22101 or online https://www.alz.org/nca/donate
Judge Marlin Woodrow Griffin Jr.
Wake Forest
Judge Marlin Woodrow Griffin, Jr., Virginia 8th Judicial District, 76, of Wake Forest, formerly of Hampton, Virginia, passed away Thursday evening, August 12, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Suffolk, Virginia to the late Marlin W. Griffin Sr. and Edith Mae Nelms Griffin.
Marlin, known to most as “Woody,” graduated from Old Dominion University in 1968, Complete OCS with the United States Marine Corps and served in Vietnam 1968-1971 achieving the rank of Captain. Received Juris Doctorate from the University of Memphis School of Law 1974, Served as Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney 1976 – 1980. Practiced law privately from 1980-2009. Served as General District Court Judge 2009-2015. Woody was a caring and compassionate man who strove to serve his country and community to the best of his ability.
A service to celebrate Judge Griffin’s Life will be held at 3 o’clock Friday, August 20, 2021, at First Presbyterian Church, 514 S. Armistead Avenue, Hampton VA 23669. Inurnment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
Judge Griffin is survived by his wife of 26 years, Karen Johnson Griffin; children, Jessica Frederick(Fred) of Wake Forest, Brian Massie(Angel) of Chesapeake, VA, Matthew Griffin(Marisa) of Hanceville, AL and Shiloh Davidson(Bill) of Wake Forest; grandchildren, Michael(Heather), Maria(Carlos), Amber, Amaya, Amara, Britton(Hailey), Evelyn, Lillian, Ethan, Vivian, Gwendlyn, Adalyn, Bryce and Benjamin; great-grandchildren, Milo, Quinn, Estrella, Yareli, Yazmin, Erabella and Yajayra; sister, Marjorie Griffin of Williamsburg, VA, Barbara O’Neil(David) of Powhatan, VA and Jenny Austin of Suffolk, VA; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Church, 514 S. Armistead Avenue, Hampton VA 23669.
A service of Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587.(919)556-7400
www.cswfuneralhome.com
Liza Moore Lewter
Raleigh
Liza Moore Lewter, age 67 died in Raleigh on Sunday, August 15, 2021 after a long illness. She was born on February 26, 1954 in Halifax, Virginia to Christine and David Moore. Mrs. Lewter had a pet grooming company in Wake Forest for many years and then retired from Fox Road Elementary School where she had been a data manager for many years.
Liza enjoyed flowers and planting in her garden at her home, listening to the birds chirping and animals running around the yard. She also loved spending time at the beach with her toes in the sand and a margarita in her hand.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Lewter of Raleigh; her sons, Chris, Jesse, and Brett of Raleigh; daughter-in-law, Jackie Lewter; grandsons, Nolan and Noah Lewter; one brother, David Moore of Richmond, Virginia
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 2 to 4 pm followed by a service in the Bright Chapel at 4 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Triangle Beagle Rescue http://tribeagles.org/contribute/ in her memory.