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Laban E. Hough
SILER CITY - Laban Evander Hough, 90, of 611 E. Raleigh St., died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at her home.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church, where he was a member, with the Rev. Joe Casteel and the Rev. Travis Owen officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
He was a native of Chatham County, a member of the Men's Bible Class at his church, retired owner/operator of Sanitary Barber Shop and a member of Chatham Hospital Auxiliary and N.C. Cattleman's Association.
Surviving are wife, Joy Holt Hough of Siler City; daughters, Annette H. Sheppard of Lakeland, Fla., Jane H. Coward of Pensacola, Fla.; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren.
The family will be at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, Siler City, 7-9 p.m. Friday, other times at the home.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 212, Siler City, N.C. 27344.
Benjamin D. Morris
NEW LONDON - Benjamin Doss Morris, 55, of 44642 N.C. 740, died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at his home.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Hartsell Funeral Home, Albemarle, with the Rev. Martin Davis officiating. Burial will be in McLauren Cemetery, Morven, with military rites by the Stanly County DAV Chapter 12.
He was a native of Anson County, a U.S. Army veteran of Vietnam and of the Baptist faith.
Surviving are mother, Elsie Louise McLaurin Morris of New London; stepson, Jeff Murphy of Parkensburg; brothers, George Morris of Albemarle, Sam Morris of Morven; sisters, Linda Laton and Annette Lowe, both of Albemarle, Dianne Yow of Troy; 10 stepgrandchildren; one great-grandchild.
The family will be at the funeral home 1-2 p.m. Friday, other times at the home.
Walter G. Whitaker
MOUNT AIRY - Walter Gilbert "Gib" Whitaker, age 77, of 916 McKinney Road, Mt. Airy, husband of Mrs. Bette "Betsy" Davis Whitaker, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at Northern Hospital of Surry County, Mt. Airy.
Mr. Whitaker was born on Dec. 22, 1926, in Moore County, son of the late Sam Wesley and Helen Demont Whitaker. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran serving in the U.S. and Germany and a member of Grace Moravian Church.
Surviving are his wife of 55 Years, Bette "Betsy" Davis Whitaker of the home; one daughter and son-in-law, Angela Whitaker Wanger and husband Jim of Jefferson, Md.; four grandchildren, Matthew, Anna Katherine, Andrew and Joseph Wanger, all of Jefferson, Md.; three brothers, Bill Whitaker of Climax, Harry Whitaker of Randleman and Vernon Whitaker of Climax; three sisters, Ruby Kivett of Asheboro and Ruth Smith and Doris Craven, both of Sophia.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Whitaker was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul Whitaker and James Whitaker.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 27, at 11 a.m. at Grace Moravian Church, with services conducted by the Rev. Tim Byerly, with burial to follow in Gods Acre.
The family will receive friends Friday night 6-8 p.m. at the Moody Funeral Home in Mt. Airy. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Moravian Church, 1401 N. Main St., Mt. Airy, N.C. 27030 or to the donor's choice.
Teresa L. Derr
DECATUR, Ill. - Teresa Elizabeth "Betty" Leonard Derr, 87, of Hilton Head Island, S.C., formerly of Decatur, died Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003, in Hilton Head Island.
Funeral mass was 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, in St. Patrick Catholic Church. Visitation was 4-6 p.m. Sunday in Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home, with a 3:45 p.m. vigil prayer service. Entombment was in the Star of Hope Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Carolina House of Hilton Head Employee Education Fund, 35 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926.
Mrs. Derr was born Oct. 1, 1916, in Harristown, the daughter of Charles and Zita Jackson Leonard. She was a beautician and a homemaker. She was a member of the PEO Chapter of IF, Lambda Tau Delta, Home Extension, Stephen Decatur Chapter of DAR, American Legion Auxiliary and St. Patrick Catholic Church. She married Robert Derr on Feb. 29, 1944. He preceded her in death Sept. 21, 1977.
Surviving are her son, Robert M. Derr Jr. and wife, Jackie of Asheboro; daughters, Ann Grindstaff and husband Kurt of Hilton Head Island, Charlene Melihercik and husband Paul of Union, Ky.; sister, Charlene Leonard of Decatur; grandchildren, Bryan, Sarah and Elizabeth Derr and Nathan and Charles Melihercik.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, Charles J. "Jack" Leonard and sister, Mary Agnes Stengel.
Johnnie F. Hughes
DENTON - Johnnie Free Hughes, 67, died Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, at Mountain Vista Health Park, Denton.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
He was a native of Randolph County and formerly employed in lumber and furniture.
Surviving are brother, Colon Hughes of Denton; sister, Lalar Grubb of Thomasville.
Briggs Funeral Home, Denton, is in charge of arrangements.
James L. Hunt
DENTON - James Lester "Jamie" Hunt, 60, of Seeley Drive, died Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2003, at his home.
Funeral service will be 3 p.m. Saturday at Briggs Funeral Home, Denton, with the Rev. Darren Everhart and Frank Bibus officiating. Burial will be in Clarksbury United Meth-odist Church Cemetery.
He was a native of Randolph County and a retired agent and manager of Western-Southern Life Insurance Co. He had attended Clarksbury United Methodist Church and was a former member of the Reunion Gospel Singers Group.
Surviving are wife, Betty Kindley Hunt of the home; sons, Kenny A. Hunt and Marcus C. Hunt, both of Denton; brothers, David Hunt of Randleman, Eddie V. Hunt of Sophia; sister, Golda Griffin of Asheboro; five grandchildren.
The family will be at the funeral home 1-3 p.m. Saturday.
Leola L. Martin
MT. GILEAD - Leola Thompson Lefler Martin, 91, died Thursday, Dec. 25, 2003, at Stanly Memorial Hospital, Albemarle.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Sharon Cemetery, with the Rev. Jim Harris and Dr. William Carmines officiating.
She was a native of Montgomery County, the widow of Eugene R. Lefler and Issac S. Martin, a retired employee of United Mills and a member of Zion United Methodist Church.
Surviving are daughters, Alice Lefler Wilder and Shirley Lefler Haithcock, both of Mt. Gilead; brothers, Ralph Thompson of Charlotte, Bill Thompson of Asheboro, Homer Thompson of California; sisters, Betty Johnson of Mt. Gilead, Catherine Ussery of Pine Bluff; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren.
Edwards Funeral Home, Mt. Gilead, is in charge of arrangements.
Ruby M. Hobbs
BISCOE - Ruby Helois Monroe Hobbs, 90, of 401 Lambert Road, died Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2003, at Autumn Care of Biscoe.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Pine Grove Baptist Church, Eagle Springs, with the Rev. Billy Reynolds and the Rev. Mike E. Holyfield officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
She was a native of Moore County, the widow of J.D. Hobbs, a member of Robbins Chapter 283 Order of the Eastern Star and a retired self-employed seamstress.
Surviving are daughter, Glenda Lee of Eagle Springs; sister, Mary Edith Martin of Southern Pines; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.
The family will be at Phillips Funeral Home, Star, 7-9 p.m. Friday.
Lillian M. Hornung
ROBBINS - Lillian Maness Hornung, 85, of 200 E. Elm St., died Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2003, in Manor Care of Pinehurst.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Smyrna United Methodist Church, where she was a member, with the Rev. Jimmy Weaver officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
She was a native of Moore County, a member of the Sunday School at her church and a homemaker.
Surviving are husband, William "Bill" Hornung; son, David Williams of Robbins; brother, Jim Maness of Robbins; sister, Nellie M. Marley of Eagle Springs; one granddaughter; two great-grandsons.
The family will be at the home 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and also 6-8 p.m. Friday at Kennedy Funeral Home, Robbins.
Verna C. Priest
CARTHAGE - Verna Cowing Priest, 91, of Priest Hill Road, died Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2003, at First-Health Moore Regional Hospital, Pinehurst.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Chris Bobo officiating. Burial will be in Cross Hill Cemetery.
She was a native of Bear Grass in Martin County, the widow of R.B. "Bob" Priest, a former Girl Scout leader and a member of Priest Hill Presbyterian Church.
Surviving are daughter, Deelie Whitesell of Car-thage; sons, Robert C. Priest of Ellsworth, Wis., Johnny B. Priest of Pinehurst; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.
The family will be at Fry & Prickett Funeral Home, Carthage, 6-8 p.m. Friday, other times at the home of Mrs. Kenneth Whitesell, 543 Jody Road, Carthage.
Memorials may be made to Cross Hill Cemetery Fund, c/o Town of Carthage or to Carthage Fire Department, c/o Town of Carthage, Carthage, N.C. 28327.
Allie C. Frye
CONCORD - Allie Cleo Frye, 88, of 430 Brookwood Ave., died Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, at Universal Healthcare, Concord.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Carolina Memorial Park, Concord.
She was a native of Alexander County, a former resident of Asheboro and a retired textile worker.
Surviving are daughter, Joyce Goodman of Winston-Salem; sister, Nell Henderson of Kannapolis; two grandchildren.
Ridge Funeral Home, Asheboro, is in charge of arrangements.
Kathryn N. Lewis
ASHEBORO - Kathryn Navy Lewis, 84, of 10921 Idlewild Road, Matthews, died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.
Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27 at Pugh Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Kenneth Harding officiating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park.
Mrs. Lewis was a native of Greenville, S.C., and retired from Laughlin Hosiery in Randleman. She was a member of Sharon Seventh Day Adventist Church in Charlotte and a former member of Asheboro Seventh Day Adventist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, John A. Lewis.
Surviving are son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Karen Lewis of Matthews; brothers, James E. Navy and Harold Navy, both of Asheboro; granddaughter, Ashley Lewis; grandson, Nicholas Lewis.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26 at the Pugh Funeral Home, Asheboro.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Seventh Day Adventist Building Fund, 920 N. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28211.
She was an unselfish and loving mother and grandmother who was loved greatly and will be missed greatly.
Alda S. Wheless
ASHEBORO - Alda Gray Sain Wheless, 87, of 1306 Old Cox Road, Asheboro, died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at Randolph Hospital.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Pugh Funeral Home, Asheboro, with the Rev. Barry L. Queen and the Rev. Danny Jarrell officiating. Burial will be in Randolph Memorial Park.
She was a member of Central United Methodist Church and the widow of William Russell Wheless Sr.
Surviving are son, Bobbie Wheless of Asheboro; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren.
The family will be at the funeral home 4-6 p.m. Sunday, other times at the home of the son, 3041 Spoons Chapel Road, Asheboro.
Willie E. Robinson
SILER CITY - Willie Edward Robinson, 73, of 213 Justice Drive, died Thursday, Dec. 25, 2003, at SunBridge Care Facilities, Siler City.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Oakwood Cemetery, with the Rev. Randy Queen officiating.
He was a native of Bladen County, the widow of Daisy Ruth Robinson, a member of Pentecostal Victory Temple and a retired employee of MasterCraft Manufacturing Company, Siler City.
Surviving are sons, Willie Lee Robinson, Joseph E. Robinson and Roy Robinson, all of Siler City; sisters, Jewel Bullard and Lila Neal, both of Siler City, Marie Patrick of Snow Camp, Ellen Bennett of Asheboro, Paula Soley of Haw River; brothers, Sam Robinson of Coleridge, Dillard Robinson of Siler City, Jimmy Robinson of Watha; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren.
The family will be at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, Siler City, 6-8 p.m. Saturday, other times at the home of Jewel Bullard, 434 W. Ninth St., Siler City.
Jessie C. Davis
GOLDSTON - Jessie Collier Davis, 85, of 74 Julius Davis Road, died Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2003, at Duke University Medical Center, Durham.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Goldston Baptist Church, where she was a member, with the Rev. Gerald Bridges and the Rev. David Hicks officiating. Burial will be in Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery, Gulf.
She was a native of Warren County, a member of the Ladies Bible class at her church and a retired employee of A.J. Schnierson and Sons.
Surviving are daughters, Patricia D. Roberson of Pittsboro, Elaine D. Lytton of Goldston; brother, William S. Collier of Wise; sister, Nancy Langlois of Warrenton; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren.
The family will be at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, Siler City, 7-9 p.m. Saturday, other times at the home.
Kara L. Moody
BONLEE - Kara L. Moody, 95, died Thursday, Dec. 25, 2003.
Funeral service will be 3 p.m. Saturday at Mt. Vernon Springs Presbyterian Church, Siler City, where she was a member, with Dr. Cecil Callis officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
She was a native of Chatham County, a homemaker and in the Women's Organization at her church.
Surviving are brother, Henry Moody of Bonlee; sister, Maryland M. Lemon of Siler City; nephew, Mark Moody of the home.
The family will be at the church immediately following the service on Saturday, other times at the home of the sister, 1317 S. Fields Ave., Siler City.
Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, Siler City, is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Mt. Vernon Springs Presbyterian Church Building Fund, c/o Lib Foust, 940 Foust Road, Siler City, N.C. 27344.
Mary I. Cole
STAR - Mary Ila Cole, 94, formerly of Star, died Thursday, Dec. 25, 2003, at FirstHealth Montgomery Memorial Hospital, Troy.
Funeral service will be 4 p.m. Sunday at Star United Methodist Church, where she was a member, with the Rev. David C. Hutchins officiating. Burial will be in Leach Cemetery.
She was a native of Montgomery County, the widow of Aaron A. Cole, a retired finishing department employee and a homemaker.
Surviving are son, Jack H. Cole of Summerfield; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren.
The family will be at Phillips Funeral Home, Star, 7-8:30 p.m. Saturday.
Memorials may be made to Star United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 375, Star, N.C.
Roy E. Shields Jr.
STAR - Roy Elwood "Buck" Shields Jr., 56, of 112 Pond Dam Road, died Thursday, Dec. 25, 2003, at his home.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Big Oak Church of God, with the Rev. Earl Ward and the Rev. Billy Ray Chriscoe officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
He was a native of Montgomery County and a former employee of Luck's Inc. He attended Big Oak Church of God.
Surviving are wife, Ellen Singleton Shields of the home; sons, Eddie Shields of Star, Brian Shields of Snow Camp; sisters, Gloria Anne Lovett and Shelby Causey, both of Siler City; two grandchildren.
The family will be at Phillips Funeral Home, Star, 7-9 p.m. Saturday.
Charles A. Averitt Sr.
RAEFORD - Charles Alton Averitt Sr., 76, of 714 E. Prospect Ave., died Thursday, Dec. 25, 2003, at Open Arms Retirement Home.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church, where he was a member, with the Rev. Thomas Lee officiating. Burial will be in Raeford Cemetery.
He was a native of Robeson County, the widower of Wynell Smith Averitt, a World War II U.S. Army veteran and the retired owner/operator of Averitt Grocery, Raeford.
Surviving are daughters, Charlene A. Smith of Asheboro, Cindy A. Bement of Pearland, Texas; son, Charles A. Averitt Jr. of Raeford; brother, David Averitt of Lumber Ridge; sister, Hazel McIntyre of Fayetteville; four grandchildren.
The family will be at Crumpler Funeral Home, Raeford, 6-8 p.m. Saturday, other times at the home.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 333 N. Main St., Raeford, N.C. 28376; American Heart Association, 136 A. Bow St., Fayetteville, N.C. 28301; or Hospice Foundation of Hoke County, 336 S. Main St., Raeford, N.C. 28376.
Esther G. Johnson
ASHEBORO - Esther Gosnell Johnson, age 96, of Asheboro, died Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, at SunBridge Care & Rehabilitation of Asheboro.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, Dec. 28, at 2 p.m. at the Pugh Funeral Home Chapel, Asheboro, with the Rev. Fran Moran officiating. Burial will follow in Randolph Memorial Park.
Mrs. Johnson was a native of Greenville County, S.C., and a retired employee of Burlington Mills. She was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church and preceded in death by her husband, O.R. Johnson, and four stepchildren.
Surviving are nieces, Pauline Ivester of Archdale, Edna Bunting of Asheboro and Naomi Perry of Piedmont, S.C.; several stepgrandchildren; several great-nieces and great-nephews; several great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1-2 p.m. at the Pugh Funeral Home, Asheboro.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 4994, Asheboro, N.C. 27204.