Obituaries

Apr 18, 2024

Kathy Spruill Schmidt, 69, of Oriental passed away surrounded by her family on Thursday, April 18th, 2024.

Kathy dedicated much of her life to her children. Prior to being blessed with the three loves of her life, she worked in Nuclear Medicine with Craven Regional Medical Center, where she made a lasting impact with her many colleagues...

Apr 18, 2024

Lynda Mae Swindell Bray, 84, of New Bern passed away peacefully, Thursday, April 18, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Massie Swindell; brother, Vernon Swindell (Lily); and sister, Alma Ferrell (Jake).

Those left to cherish her memory are her four children, Tina Summa (Billy) of New Bern, Tim Bray of...

Apr 16, 2024

Robert Vaughn Mendell (Bob), 83, of Oriental, NC, passed away peacefully at home on April 16, 2024.

Bob was born January 6, 1941, in Morgan County, TN. His parents were Nova Lee Walls Mendell and William Henry Mendell. After graduating from Tuscola High School in 1959, Bob served in the United States Air Force for three years...

Apr 15, 2024

William “Billy” Ernest Paul, 84, of Alliance passed away Monday, April 15, 2024, at CarolinaEast Medical Center.

Mr. Billy is a U.S. Navy veteran, retired from the U.S. Civil Service-Cherry Point, and worked building numerous houses and other construction jobs after his retirement. He loved being outdoors and having a large garden every year. Even as his...

Apr 15, 2024

Frank James Kirby Richards, Sr., 84, of Washington, NC passed away Monday, April 15, 2024, at home.

He was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division in the U.S. Army. He retired from PCS Phosphate, then worked as a commercial fisherman.  A devout Christian, he attended Edward Christian Church.

He was preceded in death by...

Apr 10, 2024

Johnathan Mayhugh Ireland, age 27, of Pamlico County, was called home by the Lord on April 10, 2024.

Johnathan, commonly known as "Jon" by family and friends, was born on May 29th, 1996, to William David Ireland and Ginger Ireland.

Jon was a free spirit, striving to make people laugh with his quick humor. He...

Apr 4, 2024

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Christopher Lee Paul, 53, of New Bern died April 5, 2024, at CarolinaEast Medical Center.

Chris was born in Pordenone, Italy to Lawrence and Letha Paul, while Lawrence was stationed in Aviano.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his son, Matthew; daughter,...

Mar 31, 2024

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Rita Voliva Lupton, 83, of Hobucken passed away Sunday, March 31, 2024, at ECU Health-Greenville.

She retired from Pamlico County Senior Services after 30+ years of service.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Wera Voliva; her husband, William Derwood Lupton; and siblings, Garbo, Musa, and Tucker...

Mar 31, 2024

Nancy Kathryn Collins Hudnell, 65, of Aurora passed away Sunday, March 31, 2024, at home.

Nancy was born in Evansville, IN, June 21, 1958, to Elmer Jr. & Alice Collins. She graduated from Pamlico County High School in 1976 and resided in Aurora for over 43 years. She worked with Food Lion as the produce manager for...

Mar 28, 2024

Don Martin Sanders, 73, of Florence, N.C., passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Carolina East Medical Center, surrounded by his loved ones. He fought a courageous battle with cancer, but God called him home.

Don was born and raised in Pamlico County. He loved living in Eastern North Carolina and raised his family here. He...

Mar 22, 2024

William Franklin Manning, 77, of Reelsboro passed away Friday, March 22, 2024, at CarolinaEast Medical Center.

A devout Christian, he was a member of Goose Creek Pentecostal Holiness Church. He retired as an electrician with IBEW and worked in the family business, Manning Plumbing, throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents,...

Mar 22, 2024

Marvin “Buddy” King Murray, 84, of Merritt passed away Friday, March 22, 2024, at home.

A devoted Christian, Marvin is a member and chairman of the deacons of Trent Original Free Will Baptist Church. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force and member of the Pamlico County Honor Guard and D.A.V. in addition to...

Mar 21, 2024

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James Melvin “Butch” Hardison Jr. 75, passed to meet his Lord on March 21, 2024 after a long illness.

Written by Butch after his diagnosis.

He hopes he finds the Lord in a good mood…

Butch has gone to be with his daughter, Tonya Denise; his mother, Betty...

Mar 20, 2024

Bayard Church Fenner, 88, of Merritt passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at CarolinaEast Medical Center.

Bayard, known as Skip to many, never met a stranger. He honorably service in the U.S. Air Force. His love of sailing brought him to Pamlico County and Bay River after retiring from Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York.

...

Mar 20, 2024

Jon Kelly Johnson, 54, of Merritt, NC passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at home.

Affectionally known as both Jon and Kelly, he attended West Carteret and graduated from Garner Senior High School. After graduating, he began his career in housing construction. A skillful craftsman with wood, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t build and was a perfectionist...

Mar 20, 2024

John Marshall Wickham, 76, from New Bern, NC passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2024, surrounded by his family and dear friends.

John loved Jesus, his family, his church, fishing, and anything Clemson. He was born in Bluefield, WV, raised in Charlotte and graduated from Clemson University in 1969. He worked with Kmart Corporation for thirty years and...

Mar 20, 2024

Douglas “Doug” Wayne Gaither, 78, of Oriental passed away peacefully in the arms of his wife, Jill, on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

Hardworking, Doug was self-employed and a man of many talents. Most recently he embarked on a career as a computer repairman as well as refrigeration repair. He will also be remembered for his time working...

Mar 16, 2024

Maudie Stembridge Slade, 90 of Grantsboro, NC passed away peacefully on Saturday March 16th 2024 at CarolinaEast Medical Center with her family at her bedside.

Having moved to Pamlico County as a little girl, she often told stories of her childhood with her brothers and sisters.

She was a lifelong member of Rock of Zion...

Mar 13, 2024

Shannon Todd Willis Sr., known as Shannon to his friends and loved ones, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2024, at Greenville Hospital, surrounded by his cherished family. Born in New Bern, North Carolina, on June 7, 1965, Shannon's life was a testament to resilience and a steadfast spirit.

At the age of nine, Shannon faced a...

Mar 13, 2024

Arthur Wayne Ellis

Sunrise ~   Sunset      09/07/1949 ~ 03/13/2024 Beloved Father and Granddad Arthur Wayne Ellis, a devout servant of God, was called home on March 13, 2024, at the age of 74. Born into this world on September 7, 1949, in Wilmington, Delaware, he walked a path of faith and compassion, leaving...