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July 27, 2024

Obituaries

Claire E. Jones

Mrs. Claire E. Jones, 79, passed away Sunday at her residence in Greensboro following a full and productive life.

Claire was born in Boston, Mass., August 4, 1934, a daughter of Irving and Evelyn Tanguay Hutchinson.  She had been retired for several years and stayed busy in her roles as a grandmother and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, Watson Jones, a son, Bryan Jones, and a daughter, Michelle Jones.

Claire resided in Wake Forest for several years and in recent years, she resided with her son in Greensboro. 

Surviving are a son, Watson Jones Jr.; grandchildren, John and Mallory Jones Paulson; and great-grandchildren, Jacob and Ryan Jones.

In lieu of a service, memorials may be directed to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro or the American Cancer Society.  Online condolences may be made at www.davisfuneralsandcremations.com.

 

April Brinley Bower

April Brinley Bower, 45, of Raleigh passed away Friday, March 21, 2014, at Duke Raleigh Hospital. She was born in Louisville, Kentucky, the daughter of the late Robert I. Brinley and Mary Elizabeth Risinger Brinley.

April was a loving wife, and a wonderful friend to all that knew her. Her passion was saving animals in need. It was spending time with her grandson, Nicholas, that gave her the greatest joy in this world.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Mrs. Bower is survived by her husband of 24 years, William D. “Bill” Bower; son, Austin Carter Bower of Raleigh; grandson, Nicholas Parker Mowles; sisters, Kimberly J. Farmer of Kentucky, Mary B. Mercer and husband, Kris, of Zebulon and Jennifer L. Brinley of Raleigh; brother, Thomas E. Brinley Sr. and wife, Marian, of Sanford; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ruth & Lee Bower of Raleigh; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jim and Margie Bower of Louisville, Kentucky and Bobby and Barbara Bower of Raleigh; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by sister, Roberta “Bobbie” McCarver.

April has battled Type 1 diabetes most of her life and the family ask that memorial contributions be made to JDRF Triangle/Eastern NC Chapter, 7721 Six Forks Road, Suite 136, Raleigh NC 27615 or to the National Kidney Foundation, 4701 Hedgemore Drive, Suite 810, Charlotte, NC 28209-2280.

Online condolences may be made at www.brightfunerals.com.

 

Elizabeth Anne ‘Liz’ Stegall

Elizabeth Anne Roach “Liz” Stegall, of Wake Forest died Friday, March 21, 2014, at Duke Hospice Pavilion in Durham after a courageous five-year battle with ovarian cancer.

A native of Martinsville, Virginia, Liz attended public schools in Henry County and Patrick Henry College. She was a 20-plus-year employee of the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service where she served as Administrative Services Supervisor. Liz’s gleaming personality and love of family, friends and all four-legged creatures was only exceeded by her outward and inner beauty. She will be remembered and cherished by those fortunate enough to have shared her charm and wit.

Funeral services were conducted at 11 o’clock Monday morning, March 24, 2014, in the Chapel of Bright Funeral Home with Chaplain Mark Vickers officiating. Burial was in Warrendale Cemetery in Norlina.

Liz is survived by her husband, Larry F. Stegall; daughters, Stephanie Anouilh of Pittsburgh, Penns., and Melanie Anouilh of Davenport, Fla.; son, Rodney Anouilh Jr. of New Orleans, La.; and two step-sons, Larry Stegall Jr. and his wife, Amanda, of Bradenton, Fla., and Greg Stegall and his life-partner, Lee Hodges, of Myrtle Beach, S.C. She is also survived by her mother, Mary Jane Roach of Martinsville, Va.; her sister, Patsy Dickenson and her husband, Jeff, of Martinsville, Va; and several nephews, a niece and a great-niece. It should be noted that Liz’s dog “Roy” shared a very special part of her life and is also a cherished family member. Liz was preceded in death by her father, Fred I. Roach.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gail Parkins Ovarian Cancer Awareness Walk, 7413 Six Forks Road #365, Raleigh, NC 27615 or to the Rolesville Rural Fire Department, P. O. Box 249, Rolesville, NC 27571.

Pallbearers were Kevin Lail, Jeff Dickenson, David Scearce, Bryan Perry, Robert Perry, and Mike McGhee.

Online condolences may be made at www.brightfunerals.com.

 

Wilma Renate Ditchev

Wilma Renate Ditchev, 76, of Wake Forest passed away peacefully in Raleigh on Friday, March 21, 2014. She was born on January 6, 1938, in Wuppertal, Germany. She was a vibrant and loving mother and grandmother who embodied strength and independence. It was her goal to make us laugh each day.

She is survived by her husband, Ditcho Ditchev; daughter, Teresa (Jason) Black of Wake Forest; son, Gordon (Debbie) Ditchev of Hoffman Estates, Illinois; and grandchildren, David (Carla) Ditchev, Ryan Ditchev and Ella Black.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Wilhelm and Margarete Nierhoff, and by her brother, Wilfred. 

 Memorial gifts may be made to: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America National Processing Center, Attn: Honor and Memorial Gifts (in memory of Wilma Ditchev) PO Box 1245, Albert Lea, MN 5600 or via their website: http://www.ccfa.org/get-involved/donate-to-ccfa/honors-and-memorial.html

Online condolences may be made at www.brightfunerals.com.

 

Ethel H. Winston

Ethel Hudson Winston, 84, of Wake Forest died Friday morning, March 21, 2014. She was born in Youngsville, the daughter of the late Myrtha Davis Hudson and Joe Willie Hudson.

A graduate of Campbell and Wake Forest Universities, Mrs. Winston taught for many years at Wake Forest Elementary School before retiring in 1989. Once retired, she and her husband, Willis Holding Winston, enjoyed extensive travel, visiting 48 of the 50 states. A talented seamstress and skilled cook, she was a life-long member of Oak Level Christian Church.

Funeral services were held at 3 o’clock Sunday afternoon, March 23, 2014, at Oak Level Christian Church Cemetery with Pastor Gary Williams officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Winston is survived by her husband of 56 years, Willis Holding Winston; daughter, Janice Winston Herring and husband, James, of Alexandria, Va.; son, Willis H. “Bill” Winston Jr. and fiancé, Wendy Finch, of Wake Forest; grandchildren, Molly Winston and Holding Winston; sisters, Mary Turner and husband, E.G., of Youngsville and Ava “Sally” Edwards and husband, Jason, of Bladenboro; brothers, J.W. Hudson and wife, Frances, of Wake Forest and Ben Hudson of Youngsville; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Delmas Hudson.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607-6372.

Online condolences may be made at www.brightfunerals.com.

 

W. Dorsett Finch

William Dorsett Finch, 85, of Youngsville passed away Friday morning, March 21, 2014, at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Franklin County, the son of the late George Henry Finch and Nannie Mae Pergerson Finch.

Mr. Finch was a veteran of the National Guard and was a former 2nd Lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol. He was the former owner/operator of Finch’s Garage & Used Cars and later owned/operated The Friendly Shoe Store in Franklinton for 18 years. He had two great passions other than his family and friends; those were flying his plane and fishing. He was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather and will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him.

Funeral services were held at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon, March 23, 2014, at Pope’s Chapel United Church of Christ with the Rev. Don Ward officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Mr. Finch is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margaret Perry Finch; children, William Clark Finch of Youngsville, Margaret Gail Ray of Youngsville, Judy Finch Todd and husband, Gary, of Summerfield, and Timothy Walter Finch and wife, Sheila, of Youngsville; sisters, Nan Eubanks & husband, Bob, of Raeford and Frances F. Vassar and husband, Rev. Gary Vassar, of Louisburg; brothers, John Finch and wife, Rose, of  Wake Forest, Gerald Finch and wife, Barbara, of Louisburg, and Joe Finch and wife, Lois, of Louisburg; grandchildren, Candice Ray Keefer and husband, John, of Youngsville, Jacob Ray and fiancé, Sarah Field, of Franklinton, Sara Todd of Summerfield, Alena Todd of Summerfield, and Tyler Finch of Youngsville; and great-grandson, Daemion Ray of Franklinton. He was preceded in death by his brothers, George Finch Jr. and James Finch.

Memorial contributions can be made to Pope’s Chapel United Church of Christ, 1237 Pocomoke Road, Franklinton, NC 27525 or to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607-6372.

Pallbearers were Jacob Ray, Dale Finch, Barry Finch, Joe Finch, Terry Kearney, and Robert Kearney.

Online condolences may be made at www.brightfunerals.com.

 

Bonnie Lou Harris

Bonnie Lou Harris, 64, of Wake Forest passed away, Thursday, March 20, 2014, at the William M. Dunlap Center for Caring. She was born in Johnston County, the daughter of the late Joseph Raymond Batten and Mary Etta Grice Batten.

Funeral services were held at 1 o’clock Saturday afternoon, March 22, 2014, in the Chapel of Bright Funeral Home with the Rev. Phil Brantley officiating. Burial was in Pine Forest Memorial Gardens.

Mrs. Harris is survived by her husband of 49 years, Clyde Wade Harris; children, Donna Tyler and husband, James Tyler Jr., of Franklinton, Sandra Henson and husband, Scottie, of Wake Forest and James Harris of Wake Forest; brothers, George Batten of Pittsboro, Donnie Batten of Concord and Terry Batten of Concord; and grandchildren, Bobby Ray King of Spring Hope and Kimberly Evans of Franklinton. She was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph “Bug” Batten, and by her sisters, Vickie Batten, Virginia Faircloth and Rose Hunter.

Online condolences may be made at www.brightfunerals.com.

 

Macon ‘Bill’ Barham

Macon “Bill” Barham, 88, of Youngsville passed away Thursday, March 20, 2014 at Duke Raleigh Hospital. Mr. Barham was born in Wake County, the son of the late Robert Ivan Barham and Repsie Frazier Barham.

He was a retired Seaman First Class with the United States Navy, having served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. After serving his country for 22 years he went to work for Adams Products and retired after 30 years. He was a charter member of the Amran Shriners Temple in Raleigh and was a member of Union Chapel Baptist Church for over 30 years.

Funeral services were held at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon, March 22, 2014, at Union Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Greg Lawson officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery with military honors.

Mr. Barham is survived by his wife of 61 years, Phyllis Kelley Barham; sons, Jeff Barham and wife, Janet, of Virginia Beach, Va., and Kelley Barham and wife, Stacey, of Shaw AFB, S.C.; sister, Juanita Woodall and husband, Milton, of Bracey, Va.; brothers, Lee Barham and wife, Geneva, of Canton and Leamon Barham and wife, Jean, of Youngsville; and grandchildren, Macon Barham and wife, Sarah, Morgan Barham and Mackenzie Barham. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Helen Nolan, and Frances Morton, and by his brothers, Charlie Justice, James Barham, Wesley Barham, William Barham, George Barham and Elmo Barham.

Memorial contributions may be made to Union Chapel Baptist Church, 2437 Zebulon Road, Zebulon, NC 27597.

Online condolences may be made at www.brightfunerals.com.

 

Michael Dennis ‘Pooh Bear’ Neville

June 22, 1959-March 18, 2014

Michael Dennis “Pooh Bear” Neville, 54, of Wake Forest passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, surrounded by his family.

Mike was a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend and will be missed by all. He worked for 36 years at Hi-Cone in Zebulon and has been a volunteer fireman at Rolesville Fire Department for nearly 20 years.

Funeral services were held at 11 o’clock Thursday morning, March 20, 2014, at Rolesville Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Randy Bridges and the Rev. J. Marshall Neathery officiating. Burial was in the Scarborough Family Cemetery.

Mike is survived by his parents, Dorothy and Ben Walter “BW” Neville; brother, David Neville (Lynda Lusardi); son, Brandon Neville (Mary Beth Woodlief); daughters, Jennifer Griffin (Robert) and Sarah Thomas (Blair); grandchildren, Abby, Lacey, Ben, and Hunter, who called him “Boo-Boo’’; nieces, Kari Neville and Melanie Wright (Bryan); and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, including his brother firefighters.

Memorial donations may be made to the NC Fallen Firefighters Foundation, 2501 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 250, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Pallbearers were Waylon Deans, Keith King, Benny Moody, Sean Anders, Bob Anders, Frankie Jobe, Lee Allred, and Donnie Lawrence.

Online condolences may be made at www.brightfunerals.com.

                                                              

Daniel Paul ‘Dan’ Benvie

Daniel Paul “Dan” Benvie, 59, of Wake Forest died Sunday March 16, 2014, at his residence. He was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, the son of Patricia Crellin Benvie Ford and the late George Fisk Benvie.

Funeral services were held at 4 o’clock, Thursday afternoon, March 20, 2014, in the Chapel of Bright Funeral Home with the Rev. Donnie Darr officiating.

Mr. Benvie is survived by his wife, Rhonda Young Benvie; sons, Paul Biddle Benvie and wife, Amy, and Grant George Benvie and girlfriend, Paula Miller; step-daughters, Elyse Nicole Tilley and Alyson Brooke Tilley; grandsons, Eli Vernon Benvie and Luke Franklin Benvie; his mother, Patricia Benvie Ford; siblings, Diane Brinker and husband, Harry, Dennis Benvie and wife, Deb, Dave Benvie and wife, Cindy, Debi Carter and husband, Jim, Steve Ford and wife, Karen, Bill Ford and wife, Polly, Jeff Ford and wife, Holly, Mark Ford and wife, Angie, Peggy Ford, and Rob Ford and wife, Kathleen. He was preceded in death by his step-father, Robert G. Ford.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hope Community Church Ship of Zion fund or to the general care benevolence fund, 821 Buck Jones Road Raleigh, NC 27606.

Online condolences may be made at www.brightfunerals.com.

 

 

 

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