Belinda Gail Brake
Belinda Gail Brake died unexpectedly on June 13, 2004, at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh.
Belinda was born in Denver, Colo., to Napoleon and Gloria Green Knight. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 17, in the chapel of Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 S.E. Maynard Road, Cary.
Belinda is survived by her husband, Patrick A. Brake of Cary; children, Angela N. Warren and Adrian B. Warren, both of the home; mother, Gloria Knight of Denver, Colo.; brother, Dr. Napoleon Knight and wife, Pamela, of Champaigne, Ill.; and sister, Tammye C. Jones of Aurora, Colo.
Belinda was preceded in death by her father, Napoleon Knight, and brother, Darrell D. Knight, in 1998.
The family received friends on Wednesday, June 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent to the family at MeM.com.
H. Lester Creech
H. Lester Creech died Sunday morning, June 27, 2004, at Glenaire Retirement Community in Cary. He was born Feb. 4, 1921 in Pine Level. Lester graduated from Pine Level High School and Kings Business College. He married Dorothy Thathcher July 31, 1942. Lester began his career with Carolina Trailways in October 1942 and retired in October 1985, having served as chairman of the board and chief executive officer.
He was a faithful member of Ephesus Baptist Church and enjoyed his Sunday school class, the Fellowship Class, where he served as outreach leader.
Lester was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Preston and Victoria Peedin Creech, and his brother, Harold P. Creech.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Dorothy T. Creech; his children, Vicki Wilkinson and her husband, Danny, Terry Campbell and her husband, Ray, and John Creech and his wife, Jane.
Lester was so very proud of his grandchildren who are left to cherish and honor his life: Kevin Campbell and his wife, Deborah; Todd Campbell; Shawn Wilkinson and his wife, Julie; Heather Boyer and her husband, Daniel; and Ryan Creech. He also found great joy in his great-grandchildren, Clayton Wilkinson, Rebecca Campbell and George Boyer.
Lester also leaves to honor his memory wonderful brothers and sisters: Lucille Holland, Donald and Marie Creech, Shelba and George Keene and Shurrell and Janie Creech.
The family extends love and heartfelt thanks to Cora Watson, Lucille Reid and Alice Stewart, who lovingly cared for Lester during the past 14 months. They also thank the staff at Glenaire Skilled Nursing Facility for their compassionate care.
A celebration of Lester's life was held Wednesday, June 30, at 11 a.m. at Ephesus Baptist Church in Raleigh. Burial followed at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Smithfield.
The family received friends Tuesday evening at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary.
Condolences may be made through MeM.com.
Mary Ann Fegan
Mary Ann Fegan, 85, of 301 Kildaire Woods Drive in Cary, died June 25, 2004 due to a brief illness. She was a native of Chicago and a retired secretary. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great- and great-great-grandmother and a special friend to all who knew her.
A memorial service was held Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 1 p.m. at the Apex Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Walter Ross officiated. The family received friends from noon until the service began.
Survivors are two daughters, Beth Simpson and husband Stan of Apex and Judy Woods and husband Jerry of Burr Ridge, Ill.; a stepson, Albert Fegan Jr. and wife Mike of West Palm Beach, Fla.; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be given to the Macular Degeneration Fund, P.O. Box 531313, Henderson, NV 89053, Attention: Reserve to Restoration of Vision.
Edward Rue Dixon
Edward Rue Dixon, 49, of Brownsville, Tenn., died Friday, June 25, 2004 at his home.
Dixon worked in auto-parts sales for NAPA and was a cotton grader for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The service was Tuesday afternoon at Brownsville Funeral Home, followed by burial at Oakwood Cemetery.
Dixon belonged to Ed Worsham Masonic Lodge No. 505 and Order of the Eastern Star No. 356.
Survivors include sisters Jo Anne Dixon Smith of Wildersville, Tenn., Donna Mary Dixon Mitcham of Auburn, Ala., and Martha Dixon Akins of Castalian Springs, Tenn.; brothers Cecil Thomas Dixon of Cary and James Dale Dixon of Castalian Springs, Tenn.; and his fiancee, Susan Kay Dean of Brownsville, Tenn.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ed Worsham Masonic Lodge No. 505 or Order of the Eastern Star No. 356.
Elisabeth 'Beth' Shafer
Elisabeth Ellen Evans Shafer, 38, of Cary, died Saturday, June 26, 2004 at her home. She lived each day to the fullest while battling melanoma.
Beth was the loving wife of Barry Shafer and mother of Rebecca and Ben. Beth and Barry celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary June 21.
Born to Virgil and Donna Schleif Evans of Saugerties, N.Y., Beth was a 1983 graduate of Saugerties High School. She graduated from SUNY Oneonta in 1987 with a degree in elementary education.
Beth moved to Cary after her marriage and taught first grade at Apex Elementary School for six years. She earned a master's degree, summa cum laude, from Meredith College.
After her children were born, Beth devolted herself to her family and community. A longtime member of First Reformed Church of Cary, she taught Sunday school, played piano, ran the missions committee and led children's worship. She coordinated the Cary area CROP walk, visited shut-ins with Meals on Wheels and was a leader of Rebecca's Brownie troop. She volunteered at Adams Elementary School with the PTA and in the classroom.
Her deep faith in God kept her in bright spirits through the end of her life.
Beth was preceded in death by her mother.
In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by her father, Virgil Evans of Cary; a sister, Laurie Evans and her husband, Brian Digre, of Chapel Hill; two brothers, Steve Evans and his wife, Mary, of Acton, Mass., and James Evans and his wife, Merry, of Syracuse, N.Y.; three nieces and seven nephews; and many aunts and uncles, including her special Aunt Shirline Evans of Willow Grove, Pa. She also leaves her parents-in-law, Stanley and Leona Shafer of Fair Lawn, N.J.; and brother-in-law, Steven Shafer of Fair Lawn, N.J.
The family received visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary.
Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 1, at First Reformed Church of Cary, with burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh.
The family requests no flowers. Memorials may be made to CWS/CROP, First Reformed Church of Cary or for the children. For details, visit shaferfamily.com.
Dorothy Deal McDuffie Rockefeller
Dorothy Deal McDuffie Rockefeller, 82, of Cary died Saturday, July 3, 2004 in Raleigh.
Mrs. Rockefeller was born in Augusta, Ga., Nov. 30, 1921, and was the daughter of James Richard and Jewell Deal McDuffie. She was the widow of Paul Manley Rockefeller, to whom she was married for 58 years.
Mrs. Rockefeller was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the Woman's College of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a bachelor's degree in sociology, and she earned her master of science in education from the State University of New York at Cortland. Mrs. Rockefeller was an elementary school teacher from 1960 to 1975.
She was a member of Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh from 1972 until her death, and of the Frances Asbury Sunday School Class. She served on the Child Development Center Board of Directors and volunteered with Urban Ministries. She was an active member of United Methodist Women and the Wednesday Morning Bible Study. She was a longtime volunteer for Meals on Wheels of Wake County.
Survivors include: daughters, Judith Rockefeller of Virginia Beach, Va., Katherine Rockefeller Struve and husband Daniel Struve of Columbus, Ohio, and Ruth Rockefeller Auman and husband Leon Auman of Richmond, Va.; her son, David Rockefeller and wife Lisa of Raleigh; and grandchildren, Anne Struve and Laura Struve of Columbus Ohio, and Michael Auman, Steven Auman and Christopher Auman of Richmond, Va.
A memorial service will be held at Edenton Street United Methodist Church on Thursday, July 8, at 11 a.m. The family will receive visitors at the home.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Rockefeller's memory to the following: Meals on Wheels of Wake County Inc., 707 W. Jones St., Raleigh, NC 27603; Hospice of Wake County Inc., 1300 St. Mary's St., Raleigh, NC 27606; or Frances Asbury Sunday School Class of Edenton Street United Methodist Church, 228 W. Edenton St., Raleigh, NC 27603.
Robert E. 'Bob' Vincent
Robert E. "Bob" Vincent, 81, of Charlotte, died Sunday, July 4, 2004 at Carolinas Medical Center after a brief but brave battle with cancer. He was born Dec. 17, 1922 in Rochester, N.Y., to the late Eugene J. and Constance G. Vincent.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 7, in the chapel of Lowe Funeral Home in Matthews with the Rev. John Moore and the Rev. Jacob Golden officiating. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Charlotte.
Bob graduated from Central High School in 1942 and attended UNC-Chapel Hill. He retired from James G. Hardy and Co. and for the last 13 years had worked at Charles T. Myers Golf Course, where he was affectionately known as "Ranger Bob." He was a member of Cokesbury United Methodist Church.
He was a wonderful husband, father, brother and friend who never met a stranger. Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret Hennessee Vincent; daughters, Ann Godfrey and husband, Glenn of Cary, Janice Penland and husband, Ken of Matthews and Connie Sistare and husband, Ed of Mint Hill; granddaughter, Polly Speas and husband, Eddie of Wake Forest; grandson, Will Godfrey of Wake Forest; granddaughter, Jana Penland of Charlotte; and brothers, Edwin Vincent and wife, Jean of Southern Pines and Richard H. Vincent and wife, May of Murrells Inlet, S.C. He also is survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice at Charlotte, 1420 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28204, or to Cokesbury United Methodist Church, 6701 Idlewild Road, Charlotte, NC 28212.
Melba Pendergraft Wicker
Melba P. Wicker, 80, of Apex died Monday, July 5, 2004, at Rex Healthcare in Raleigh. Melba was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who devoted her whole life to her family.
A service celebrating her life and homegoing will be held on Friday, July 9, at 11 a.m. in the Faith Baptist Church in Apex. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Fuquay-Varina.
Melba was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Lee Wicker, in 1988. She is survived by three sons, Carl Lee Wicker of the home, Jerry W. Wicker and wife Barbara, and Timothy D. Wicker and wife Pat, all of Garner; a daughter, Elizabeth W. Seagroves and husband Thurman of Apex; four grandchildren, Angela Lewis, Patrick Moore, Jason Wicker and David Seagroves; and four great-grandchildren, Jennifer Harrell, Travis Harrell, Michael Wicker and Andrew Wicker.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, at the Apex Funeral Home, 511 W. Williams St. (N.C. 55) and other times at the home of Angela Lewis, 8241 Old McCullers Road, Raleigh.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Faith Baptist Church, P.O. Box 223, Apex, NC 27502; or to the charity of one's choice.
Oscar Caley Goodwin
Oscar Caley Goodwin, 76, of Apex died Tuesday, July 6, 2004 at Rex Hospital due to an extended illness. A native of Chatham County, Mr. Goodwin served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a retired commercial refrigeration technician. A funeral service conducted by the Rev. Dennis Long and Dr. Millard Crumpler will be held at 11 a.m. today, July 8, at Olive Chapel Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Mr. Goodwin is survived by his wife, Frances Terry Goodwin; son, Brent Goodwin and wife, Katina of Cary; daughters, Rhonda Goodwin of Apex and Tina Starr and husband, Stewart of Apex; grandson, Jason Goodwin and wife, Kelsey of Cary; and a great-grandson, Jacob Goodwin. His brother, Russell Goodwin and wife, Fannie Mae of Durham; sister, Idelle Conoley of Wendell; and four step-grandchildren also survive him.
The family received friends Wednesday evening, July 7, at Apex Funeral Home, and other times at the home.
Flowers are welcome and memorial contributions may be given to a mission of one's choice.
Edward Vincent Creamer Sr.
Edward Vincent Creamer Sr., 83, died Thursday, July 8, 2004, at Hillcrest Convalescent Center.
He was born June 23, 1921 in Uniontown, Pa., the eldest child of the late Edward Eugene and Ida Carolyn "Edith" Roos Creamer. His wife of 57 years, Ann Rita O'Leary Creamer, predeceased him.
Edward is survived by their seven children: Catherine (and Wayne) Starnes of Cary, Mary (and Judson) Edeburn of Cary, Teresa (and Richard) Yarbrough of Fremont, Edward Jr. (and Barbara) Creamer of Arlington, Texas, Gerald (and Rebecca) Creamer of Roanoke, Va., Philip (and Elizabeth) Creamer of Temple, Texas, and John Creamer Sr. of Milton, W. Va. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, Karen Rosales, Stephanie and Andrew Starnes, Richard and Kristin Yarbrough, Jennifer Cooper, and Katherine, Sarah, Ryan, Aimee, Patrick, Meghan, John, Melanie and Bradley Creamer; and six great-grandchildren, Alec, Thurston, Jessie, Kyleigh, Kaleb and Jaxon; a brother, Donald Creamer; sisters, Carolyn Duke and Harriet "Jeanne" Tabarini; and a special niece, Mary Ann Kinney.
A graduate of St. Joseph's High School in Huntington, W. Va., Edward served in World War II, attended Marshall University and worked as an engineer for International Nickel Company and Ashland Oil.
Following his move to North Carolina in 1999, Edward pursued in earnest his lifelong interest in art. His paintings appeared in shows at Duke University, Gambro Health Care, Jerry's Artarama and the N.C. State Fair.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Hillcrest for their fine care during Edward's brief stay and the doctors and staffs of the Duke Medical Center and Gambro Dialysis Center for helping him live the last five years fully and creatively.
Edward's family is grateful for his example of how to live life with optimism, humor and love, and how to face the end of life with dignity and courage.
The family received friends Tuesday, July 13, at Apex Funeral Home, prior to a funeral service held at 11:30 a.m. Burial was in Huntington, W. Va., arranged by Reger Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be given to the American Diabetes Association, 2 Hanover Square, Suite 1500, Raleigh, NC 27601-1764, or www.diabetes.org.
Johnnie Sue Highsmith
Johnnie Sue Highsmith, 94, died Wednesday, July 1, 2004, at the Masonic and Eastern Star Home in Greensboro. She was born Nov. 24, 1909 to the late Tressie and John Nowell of Oteen, N.C. She was the widow of the late Walter Ray Highsmith Sr., to whom she was married 36 years.
She was a member of Westover United Methodist Church and a member of the Women's Society of Christian Service.
Mrs. Highsmith is survived by her children, Sue Stephens of Chula Vista, Calif., Mattie Franklin of Raleigh, Barbara Hudson and her husband Flynn of Cary, and Walter Ray Highsmith Jr. and his wife Bonnie of Cary; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by one brother, Theodore B. Nowell of Greensboro. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister.
Funeral services were held Friday, July 9, at 10:30 a.m. at the Masonic and Eastern Star Home in Greensboro. A graveside service was held at 3 p.m. at Montlawn Memorial Park in Raleigh.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summitt Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405; to Westover United Methodist Church, 300 Powell Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606; or to the Masonic and Eastern Star Home, 800 S. Holden Road, Greensboro, NC 27407.
The family would like to thank the medical staff at the Masonic and Eastern Star Home and Hospice of Greensboro for the loving care that was given to their mother.
Dr. Charles Ellington Porterfield
Dr. Charles E. Porterfield, 82, died Friday, July 9, 2004. Dr. Porterfield graduated from Birmingham-Southern College in 1944 with a bachelor of arts degree in speech and a minor in chemistry. He earned his master's degree at the University of Iowa in rhetoric and public address, and his doctorate at Louisiana State University in 1965. He was inducted into the U.S. Navy in 1942, attained the rank of lieutenant and served during World War II.
Dr. Porterfield dedicated his life to education, holding positions at six major Southern universities including Appalachian State University, Birmingham-Southern College, Central Missouri State College and the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. He was a talented performer and acted and sang in productions everywhere he lived. After retirement he taught as professor emeritus at Appalachian State. He and his wife Becky moved to Cary in 1994, and he taught at N.C. State University, St. Augustine's College and Meredith College.
Dr. Porterfield was a devoted church member. He served on many committees, taught Sunday school and sang in the choir at Boone United Methodist Church and at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh. Most recently he found great joy in leading the children of Pullen in singing before Sunday school. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother and grandfather, and he will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Becky of Cary; three daughters, Ellin Porterfield and husband, Bob Winstead of Raleigh, Mary Lee Porterfield of Cary and Anne Porterfield of Raleigh; one brother, Clifford Porterfield of Clarksdale, Miss.; and two granddaughters, Emily and Hannah Porterfield Winstead.
A memorial service was held Wednesday afternoon, July 14, at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church. The family received friends at the church on Tuesday evening, July 13.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pullen Memorial Baptist Church; the Charles Porterfield Scholarship Fund, Appalachian State University in Boone; or the charity of one's choice. Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary handled arrangements.
Robert G. Gwyn
Robert G. Gwyn, 64, of Apex died suddenly Tuesday, July 13. He was a native of Mt. Airy in Surry County, served in the U.S. Air Force and was an associate professor at N.C. State University. He was a member of the Apex Baptist Church and the Apex Fire Department.
A funeral service was held Saturday, July 17, in the Moody Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at the Skyline Memory Gardens in Mt. Airy. The family received friends prior to the service. The Rev. Phil Qualls officiated the service.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Inez Gwyn of the home, and a son, Myron G. Gwyn of Charlotte; a brother, Jerry Gwyn and wife, Helen of Mooresville, and a sister, Libby Lawrence and husband, Craig of Bedford, Va.; and special nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Apex Baptist Church, 110 S. Salem St., Apex, NC 27502.
Craig George Blanchette
Craig George Blanchette, 42, of Apex went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Wednesday, July 14, 2004. Craig was devoted to his family and his church. He was employed as a financial analyst at IBM.
A funeral service was held Monday, July 19, at Apex Funeral Home Chapel. A private Inurnment was planned at a later date in Apex Cemetery.
Craig is survived by his wife, Myra Blanchette; his sons, Shaun and Wayne Blanchette; mother, Rita Blanchette of Naples, Fla.; father, Eudo Blanchette of Bristol, Conn.; and his sisters, Gwen Kolegue and her husband, Larry of Naples, Fla., Rhonda Loveitt and her husband, Tom of Gorham, Maine, and Laurie Richardson and her husband, Jim of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by his father and mother-in-law, Li Zhentang and Cheng Guilan, and his brother and sister-in-law, Li Mingyi and Li Yanyu, all of Tianjin, China. Craig leaves behind several aunts and uncles and many nieces and nephews.
His memory will be deeply cherished by all.
The family received friends Sunday, July 18, at Apex Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Trust Fund for Shaun and Wayne Blanchette, c/o The Village Church at Holly Springs, P.O. Box 1267, Holly Springs, NC 27540.
David Lee McCorrison
David Lee McCorrison, 59, of Cary died Sunday, July 18, 2004 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Mr. McCorrison was employed by Clark Pavement Marking Co. of Apex. A memorial service was held Wednesday afternoon, July 21, at Faith Baptist Church and conducted by the Rev. Carey Horrell.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Jones McCorrison; son, Sean McCorrison and his wife, Michelle of Sanford; daughter, Lisa McCorrison Harvey of Cary; grandchildren, Lucas Harvey, and Kyle and Kayla McCorrison; mother, Geneva McCorrison of Unity, Maine; brothers, Stanley McCorrison Jr. and his wife, Flora of Thorndike, Maine, and Melvin McCorrison of Green, Maine; and nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 11 S. Boylan Ave., Raleigh, NC 27603 or www.cancer.org.
Carrie Black Hacker
Carrie Black Hacker, 89, of Cary died July 16, 2004 at WakeMed Cary Hospital. Carrie was born July 22, 1914 in Cleveland, Ohio, to Edith and Roy Black.
She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and artist. She also worked for many years as a certified nursing assistant caring for elderly people. Carrie was rich in the love of her children and grandchildren and in her outstanding imagination and talent as an artist. She loved animals and nature and she expressed this love through her art. Carrie's artistic talent ranged from charcoal sketches to sculpture to oil and watercolor paintings, and her artworks are prized possessions of those lucky enough to have one.
Carrie will be especially missed by her lifelong companion and best friend, her daughter Linda. Carrie helped Linda raise her four children as they all moved together many times across the country for Linda’s job. Carrie will also be missed by her devoted friend and caregiver, Hannah Ngugi.
Carrie is survived by her sister, Mary Ann Forbes of Pittsburgh, and brother, Louis Black of Baycliff, Texas; a daughter, Mrs. Penny Poland of Punxsutawney, Pa.; a daughter, Linda Kooistra of Cary; a son and daughter-in-law, William and Kathy Hacker of Cleveland, Ohio; a granddaughter, Kathryn Kooistra of New York City; a grandson, Scott Kooistra of Cincinnati; a granddaughter, Rebecca Kooistra of the home; a grandson, Steven Kooistra of the home; a granddaughter, Christine Hostetter of New York City; a grandson, Christopher Archibald of Pittsburgh; a grandson, Stephen Archibald of Pittsburgh; and a great-granddaughter, Emma Hostetter.
A graveside service was to be held at Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio.
Brown-Wynne Funeral Home of Cary is handling arrangements.
