Obituaries

Derek Earl Spain

Derek Earl Spain

Feb 13, 2026

Derek Earl Spain, 54 of Merritt, passed away at his home Friday, February 13, 2026.

Derek was a hardworking and dedicated man who spent many years as a planner with Nutrien, where he was respected for his knowledge, reliability, and steady work ethic. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Derek served his country honorably, spending the majority of his...

Christopher Florian Ajinga

Christopher Florian Ajinga

Feb 7, 2026

Christopher Florian Ajinga, 65, of Merritt, NC, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at CarolinaEast Medical Center.

Lieutenant Colonel Ajinga was born in Munich, Germany on 12 September 1960. He enlisted in the Navy in September 1977. While in the Navy, Lieutenant Colonel Ajinga was assigned as an aviation electronics technician and later attended the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection...

Patricia "Pat" Kathleen MacEachern Lewis

Patricia "Pat" Kathleen MacEachern Lewis

Feb 5, 2026

Patricia “Pat” Kathleen MacEachern Lewis, 89, of Arapahoe, NC, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at CarolinaEast Medical Center.

Pat was born to the late Neil and Ann MacEachern and lived a life marked by devotion to family and a deep love for the water. She dedicated many years to working with children, serving as a teacher’s aide and bus...

Jasper "Jimmy" William Spain, Jr.

Jasper "Jimmy" William Spain, Jr.

Feb 4, 2026

Jasper William Spain Jr., known and loved by all as Jimmy, age 82, of Stonewall, North Carolina, passed away on February 4, 2026, at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville. Jimmy’s life was one marked by service, love, generosity, and a deep devotion to his family and community.

A lifelong resident of Pamlico County, Jimmy was a faithful member of Stonewall...

Westin Lane Hiatt

Westin Lane Hiatt

Feb 3, 2026

Westin Lane Hiatt, a precious and beloved 10-year-old boy, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026. Though his time on earth was far too short, the impact he made on others was more than most make in a lifetime. His legacy is one that is far beyond his years. His old soul was full of...

Christine Angel Sides

Christine Angel Sides

Feb 2, 2026

Christine Angel Sides, 78, of Wilmington, formerly of Arapahoe, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, February 2, 2026.

Born to the late Lee Oliver Angel and Maxine Willis Angel, Christine lived a life marked by love, service, and devotion to family and community. She spent 30 years shaping young minds as a teacher at Pamlico Junior High School, now...

Nancy Ipock Wetherington

Nancy Ipock Wetherington

Jan 30, 2026

Nancy Ipock Wetherington, 87, of Cove City, NC passed away Friday, January 30, 2026, at Brook Stone Living Center. Prior to her recent sickness she resided the last two years at Navion of New Bern. Although she missed her home on Highway 55, she enjoyed the fellowship she found at the Navion. It doesn’t surprise us that her suite at...

Lynda Bowers Sadler

Lynda Bowers Sadler

Jan 29, 2026

Lynda Bowers Sadler, 71, of River Bend died on January 29, 2026, at her home with her family nearby. She was a retired Assistant Clerk of Court for Craven County.

To know Lynda was to go places with Lynda. Besides regular vacations with her husband of 52 years, Bill, and her son Rob, she and Bill traveled across the country by...

Shelby Jean Ireland Keech

Shelby Jean Ireland Keech

Jan 28, 2026

                                                                                               **Service information updated*****

Shelby Jean Ireland Keech, 89, of Lowland, passed away Wednesday, January...

Charles Ernie Salter

Charles Ernie Salter

Jan 27, 2026

Charles Ernie Salter met his Heavenly Father on January 27, 2026, at his home, surrounded by family at the age of 85.

He was preceded in death by his father, Earney Hampton Salter; mother, Birdie Lee Salter; and great-grandson, Brooks R. Salter.

He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 66 years, Mary Mills Salter; his oldest son, Charles Wayne...

Penny Elizabeth Dollar Farmer

Penny Elizabeth Dollar Farmer

Jan 24, 2026

                                                         **Service date and time has changed due to inclement weather forecast***

The Reverend Penny Elizabeth Dollar Farmer, age 72, was called home to be with the Lord early in the morning on Saturday,...

Helen "Marie" Maready Holton

Helen "Marie" Maready Holton

Jan 24, 2026

Helen “Marie” Maready Holton, 75, of Reelsboro, NC passed away January 24, 2026, at her home surrounded by family and friends. She was born on April 27, 1950, in Duplin County to the late Norwood Maready and Hettie Mae Brock Maready.

Marie was a proud beautician who loved all of her clients, many who she called family and others she called...

Richard Gary Burchfiel

Richard Gary Burchfiel

Jan 20, 2026

Richard Gary Burchfiel passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the age of 77, surrounded by his loving children.

Richard was a devoted husband to his late wife, Mary Suzanne “Suzanne” Burchfiel, who passed away on March 8, 2022. Richard and Suzanne shared 58 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and partnership. One of their greatest joys...

Joseph Alfred Pigeon

Joseph Alfred Pigeon

Jan 20, 2026

Joseph A. Pigeon, 79, from Merritt, NC, formerly of Key West, Florida passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at home surrounded by his sisters.

Born in Bay Shore, NY on October 18, 1946, to Nellie and Alphonse Pigeon. He is brother of James, Elizabeth, Thomas, and Mary; beloved uncle of many nieces and nephews; good friend to Joan Weaver; and dear...

Symantha "Sam" Nobles Lowery

Symantha "Sam" Nobles Lowery

Jan 19, 2026

***service date has been updated***

Symantha Ann Nobles Lowery, 51, of Grantsboro, left her earthly body on January 19, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick Earl Nobles and Terry Elizabeth Cuthrell Nobles; her baby brother, Fred Jason Nobles “Teddy Bear”; her younger cousin, Sampson Bruce Cuthrell; and her beloved husband, William Loahford Lowery.

Symantha leaves behind her older brother,...

Robert "Bobby" Wade McGhee, Sr.

Robert "Bobby" Wade McGhee, Sr.

Jan 16, 2026

Robert Wade McGhee, Sr., affectionately known as Bobby, age 95, of New Bern, NC passed away on January 16, 2026, at Crystal Coast Hospice House in Newport.

Bobby was a man of deep faith whose life was firmly rooted in his love for the Lord and his church. A devoted member of Spring Hope Free Will Baptist Church, his church family...

Thomas "Tommy" Whitford Gaskins, Jr.

Thomas "Tommy" Whitford Gaskins, Jr.

Jan 15, 2026

Thomas Whitford Gaskins, Jr., 81, of Reelsboro, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at home surrounded by his family.

Tommy was a devoted Christian whose life was a testimony of faith, service, and love for others. He faithfully attended Reelsboro Pentecostal Holiness Church beginning in 1969 and served in many roles throughout the years. He was known as a...

Robert Bryan Miller

Robert Bryan Miller

Jan 14, 2026

Robert Bryan Miller, 92, of Bayboro, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, at The Gardens of Pamlico in Grantsboro.

A lifelong resident of Bayboro, he was deeply devoted to his community and faithfully served it throughout his life. He proudly served as a past mayor of Bayboro.

He was also a member of the Bayboro Masonic Lodge No. 331 for more...

Herbert Emil Fritze

Herbert Emil Fritze

Jan 9, 2026

Herbert “Herb” Emil Fritze, 88, of Reelsboro, NC, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, at CarolinaEast Medical Center.

Born with a strong work ethic and a servant’s heart, Herb lived a life marked by dedication to his family, his faith, and his community. As long as his health allowed, he was an active and devoted member of St. Peter the...

Carolyn Rowe Rice

Carolyn Rowe Rice

Jan 8, 2026

Carolyn Rowe Rice, 79, of Alliance, NC, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026. She was a loving sister, mother, and devoted Granny to so many! Her generous spirit brought joy and happiness to many.

Carolyn was a warrior, brave and resilient. She stands in our hearts as a reminder of strength, perseverance and compassion.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her...