He was the oldest of 11 children, born in Warren County to the late Isaac Levi and Dora Elaine Warren Hedgepeth.

John served his country in the US Army and was a World War II Veteran.  Before beginning active duty in the US Army, John served in the Civil Conservation Corp.  While there, he worked on the construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ruby Rouse Hedgepeth; his sisters, Beulah Dickens, Lois Hux; and his brothers, Rupert, Lathan, Roger, and Ray Hedgepeth.  

He is survived by his sisters, Dorothy H. Matthews of Halifax, Lillian H. Ball of Mechanicsville, VA, and Peggy H. Bishop and her husband, Ed of Bahama, NC; his brother, Mike Hedgepeth and his wife, Starlette of Halifax; many cousins, nieces and nephews.  

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2014 at 2:30 pm at Community Center Baptist Church in Halifax with Dr. W. Jim Whitehead officiating.

Interment will follow at the Hedgepeth Family Cemetery with Military Honors.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 19, 2014 at 1:30 until service time at Community Center Baptist Church and at other times at the family home at 1228 Mill Creek Road, Halifax, NC.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Community Center Baptist Church, 2360 Ridgecrest Road, Halifax, NC, 27839.

The flag at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services will fly at half staff in honor of Mr. Hedgepeth’s service to his country.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com

Mike was a graduate of Campbell College and was the Owner/Agent of L.C. Draper Agency, Inc. in Weldon, NC where he worked alongside of his late father, “Ham” Hargrove for many years; he served as a Commissioner for the Town of Weldon; was a long time member of the Independent Insurance Agencies of North Carolina; was voted “Young Agent of the Year” early in his career and he was also a Mason.

 He was an avid hunter and loved his “Tarheels”.  He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his father, Herman Ruell “Ham” Hargrove.

Mike is survived by his wife of 23 years, Debbie Bailey Hargrove; 2 sons, Jordan Hargrove and Spenser Hargrove of Roanoke Rapids; his mother, Zelma Mace Hargrove of Weldon; his brother, Herman “Lee” Hargrove of Raleigh, NC; and his aunt, Kay P. Hargrove of Rocky Mount, NC.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 11:00 am at Calvary Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Randy Martin and Dr. Layne Wallace.

Interment will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery in Weldon, NC.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 24, 2014 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com

She was a resident at Hampton Manor in Gaston, NC.

Connie was born August 4, 1950 to Beatrice Lowe Thomason Floyd and William James Floyd of Roanoke Rapids, NC.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Sylvia T. Peffer of Norfolk, VA, her nephew Kenneth Peffer of Columbia, NC and her husband, James Martin Gaither of Roanoke Rapids, NC.

She leaves behind her loving son, Simeon Emory “Tim” Barnes III and daughter-in-law, Joyce Whitfield Barnes, twin grandchildren Matthew Emory and Elizabeth Ann Barnes, all of Louisburg, NC.  Other surviving close relatives include a niece, Sandra K. Walker of Columbia, NC, niece, Kathy Butler Springston and husband, Rex of Richmond, VA, cousins, Steve, Mary, and Stevie George all of Chesapeake City, MD, niece, Nellie Jo and husband, Calvin Burley of Norfolk, VA, nephews, Preston Peffer of Moyock, NC, and Darrell Peffer of Springfield, VA.

Among other kin cherishing her memory are special cousins, Judy Dickens of Roanoke Rapids, Cecilia Kinnin Weeks of Roanoke Rapids, and longtime friend, Thelma Bradley Walker of Littleton, NC, as well as many other special friends, loved ones, and former co-workers.  

Connie graduated from Brunswick High School in Lawrenceville, VA, in 1968. She began her career at Roanoke Rapids Hospital in 1968 and worked at Halifax Regional Medical Center from 1973 until 2011 where she retired as the Outpatient Accounts Supervisor. 

She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and sang in several choirs over the years. She was a past president of the Pilot Club of Roanoke Valley.       

Connie’s home and heart was always open to friends and family. She was known for her story telling, jokes, and her ability to make others laugh and feel better.  

She survived breast cancer in 2010 and bravely fought liver disease since the spring of 2013. She wanted to be remembered as “a warrior for Christ, in whom I found my strength” and was grateful for her many caregivers and visitors during her illness.  

Visitation will be at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services, 731 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC on Wednesday October 29, 2014 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.  Join us for a celebration of Connie’s life on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at 2:00 pm at Calvary Baptist Church, 1405 Bolling Road, with Rev. Randy Martin officiating.  Burial will be at Antioch Christian Church, 151 Ebony Road, Elams, NC.

If you wish to send condolences, please send them to Tim Barnes at 201 Lumpkin Blvd Louisburg, NC 27549. 

James was a 1953 ½  graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth, VA, then attended Apprentice School, Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock in Norfolk, VA.  

He was retired from SUPSHIP Newport News. James was a Past Master of Nansemond Masonic Lodge #77 and a Fifty Year Veteran; Past Master Councilor, Order of DeMolay; an Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America; 32 Degree Scottish Mason and a Royal Arch Mason.  James also served in the Army National Guard.

He was preceded in death by his father, James August Cates, Sr.

James is survived by his wife of 50 years, Imogene Wilkins Cates; his son, Douglas Cates and Fiancée, Lisa Hapee of Redondo Beach, CA; his daughter, Cindy Valodine and her husband, Jeff of Milwaukee, WI; his mother, Edna Cates Lusk of Portsmouth, VA; his sister, Sharyn Hughes and her husband, Larry of Suffolk, VA; his brother, Ronnie Cates and his wife, Joyce of Suffolk, VA; one granddaughter, Rachel Rageth and her husband, Justin of Jefferson, WI; and one grandson, Jeffrey Valodine of Milwaukee, WI.

Memorial Services will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2014 at 3:00 PM at Pleasant Hill Christian Church in Gasburg, VA with Rev. Greg Hand officiating.  The family will receive friends after the service in the Fellowship Hall. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Tammy, Lori, Ann, and Joyce for their special care and concern during the last several weeks.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Pleasant Hill Christian Church Building Fund at 175 County Road 665, Gasburg, VA, 23857 or to Halifax Home Health and Hospice at 220 Smith Church Road, Building C, Roanoke Rapids, NC, 27870.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com

He was predeceased by his parents, and brothers Edwin Haynes Gregory, and Robert “Bobby” Blackburn Gregory.

He is survived by his children Anne Heartt Gregory, Quentin Gregory,III, and Edwin Heartt Gregory and wife Caroline; his grandchildren Samuel Gregory Bruton, Eleanor Burns Bruton, Savannah Marie Gregory, and Edwin Heartt Gregory,Jr; his brothers John Tillery Gregory and wife June, Thomas Wynns Gregory and wife Tina, and  Miles Cunningham Gregory and wife Ruthie.

Quentin graduated from Fishburne Military School where he was a top marksman on the rifle team.  He attended the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity.  He served in the US Army as a flight instructor.  In 1955 he married Anne Dewey Heartt of Raleigh and settled in Weldon, NC.  

Quentin ran the Colonial Frozen Foods locker plant before pursuing a lifelong career in farming. He was an innovative farmer known for implementing progressive agricultural methods.  In later years, his interest turned to forestry. Recently he completed an ambitious tree-planting project in his beloved Halifax County. He was an outdoorsman, a steward of the land, and an avid Carolina fan.

He was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00, November 21, 2014 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Halifax, NC with Rev. Ben Duffy officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his honor to Roanoke River Partners (roanokeriverpartners.org) or to the St. Mark’s Cemetery fund. 

Arrangements are being handled by Askew Funeral Services.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com

Edna was born on August 7, 1919 to John Lewis Thompson and Sally Elizabeth Farmer Thompson.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Halley Clay; her son, Joseph Clay and her daughter, Louise Clay Henry.

Edna was a long time member of Antioch Baptist Church and served her church in many capacities during her time there.

She is survived by her daughters, Dorothy Joyner of Nashville, Nancy Davis and her husband, Donald of Roanoke Rapids; her sons, Donald Clay of Enfield, Thomas Clay and his wife, Rita of Roanoke Rapids, and Sidney Clay of Enfield; her brother, Ronald Allen Thompson and his wife, Bruce of Tarboro; her daughter in law, Alice Clay of Mount Holly; her grandchildren, Pam Adams and her husband, O.A. of New Bern, Eddie Brown and his wife, Susan of Conetoe, Bonnie Greene and her husband, Dennis of Nashville, Brandt Clay and his wife, Lori of Enfield, Carol Dildy of Rocky Mount, Donna Dixon and her husband, Jimmy of Enfield, Michael Brown and his wife, Deana of Rocky Mount, H.P. Williams of New Bern, Keith Williams of New Bern, Michelle Lanier and her husband, Steve of Mount Holly, Rodney Clay and his wife, Kendra of Durham, Glen Jenkins and his wife, Vicki of Williamston, George Clay and his wife, Brittney of Enfield, Marcus Davis and his wife, Brandy of Roanoke Rapids, Donald Wayne Davis and his wife, Bonnie of Tarboro;14 great grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Antioch Baptist Church, 4070 Heathsville Road, Enfield, NC with Rev. Susan Joyce officiating. 

Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Enfield, NC.

The family will receive friends on Friday, November 21, 2014 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids and other times at the home of her daughter, Nancy Davis at 144 Westside Drive, Roanoke Rapids.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com

Thomas, a native of Roanoke Rapids was the son of the late Samuel and Winnie Roberts Joyner. He was also preceded in death by his wife Gwendolyn Butts Joyner and one great-grand son Allen Merritt. He was a veteran serving his Country in the United States Army and he was the owner of Tom Joyner Paint Contracting. Tom was a member of First Christian Church. He was a great husband, father, great grandfather and friend. 

He is survived by his daughters, Gloria Jean Merritt and her husband David of Wake Forest, Wanda J. Moore and her fiancé, Doug Bennett of Roanoke Rapids; his son Thomas Wayne Joyner, Sr. and his wife, Kay of Lake Gaston; seven grand children, Jeff Merritt and his wife, Tammy, Scott Merritt and his wife, Jill, Aaron Merritt and his wife, Nanette, Ashley Joyner, Kevin Joyner and his wife, Ashley, Tommy W. Joyner, Jr. and his wife, Mary Beth and Russell Moore, Jr. and his wife, Brandee and six great grand children; his brother George Lynn Joyner of St. Paul, Minnesota and his faithful canine companion Prissy.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids with Minister Mark Wesner officiating. Interment will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, December 3, 2014 from 7:00-8:30 PM at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services and other times at the home.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com

Betty was the daughter of the late Assad Joseph Elias and Betty Merritt Elias.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Buck Tilley, Jr., her daughter Rose Diane Tilley, and her grandson, Blake Dawes.

She was a member of Roanoke Rapids Lions Club and Victory Baptist Church where she was a member of the choir.  

She is survived by her daughters, Delores T. Balsley and her husband, Sonny of Lyndhurst, VA, Teresa T. Warren and her husband, Randall of Roanoke Rapids, Janet T. Overton and her husband, Chuck of Roanoke Rapids; her sons, David Tilley and his wife, Sandy of North Wilkesboro, NC, and Sam Tilley of Roanoke Rapids; Grandchildren, Josh Tilley, Matthew Tilley, Jacob Overton, Danielle Overton, Ashley Balsley Rathburn and her husband, Ryan, and Jessica Warren; 4 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Mary Mountford and her husband, Frankie of Weldon, and Doris Liles of Roanoke Rapids; 3 brothers, Arthur Elias and his wife, Charlene of Weldon, Grady Elias and his wife, Yvonne of Weldon, and Jody Elias of Virginia.  

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 11:30 AM in the chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Randy Martin officiating. Interment will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 20, 2014 from 10:00 AM until service time at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents of Magnolia Gardens for their loving care and companionship to Betty.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asked for donations to be made to National Parkinson’s Foundation, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018 or The Alzheimer’s Association of Eastern NC, 3739 National Drive, Suite 110, The Cumberland Building, Raleigh, NC 27612.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com

She received the greatest Christmas gift of all, the promise of eternal life with Jesus Christ.

Leslie is survived by her mother and step dad, Patricia and Butch Coons; her Ray “Ray Ray” Rook: her father, Dave Fishel: her sister and brother in law, Amber and Justin Sanderford and their children, Jace, Ava, Kage, and soon to be born baby Alex whom lovingly called her Aunt “Leggie”; her boyfriend, whom she dearly loved, Ethan Crowder; her grandmother, Thelma Fishel; several aunts, uncles, cousins, sweet friends, and her Sonic family whose lives she greatly impacted.

Leslie pursued her passion following the footsteps of her mother by becoming a hair stylist and professional colorist.  She will be remembered as a daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and car hop, with a colorful, bubbly personality and smiling face.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at 11:00 at Calvary Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Randy Martin officiating.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 26, 2014 from 6:30 to 8:30 at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Life Launch Pad, PO Box 16689, Wilmington, NC, 27408.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com

He was born July 17, 1933 in Tarboro, the son of the late Charlie Thomas and Edna Cooke Gurganus.  He was also preceded in death by his brothers Thomas and Joseph Gurganus; and sisters-in-law Sandra and Anita Johnson.

David graduated from West Edgecombe High School and volunteered to serve his Country in the United States Army as a Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division near the end of the Korean War.  David also served as Corporal in the Army Department of Human Resources and Payroll at Fort Bragg. He was introduced to Mamie Jean Johnson by Marion King Getty both of Rocky Mount after she had graduated from high school. They were married on January 8, 1956 while David was on leave from the Army. After their wedding at Bible Missionary Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, the newlyweds honeymooned in St. Augustine, Florida after dropping David's Army buddies back off at Fort Bragg. 

David joined the City of Rocky Mount Police Department after an honorable discharge for his military service. As a police officer, David was one of the last breed of law enforcement officers to carry out duties on foot patrols and spoke often and fondly about "walking his beat" in the city business section.

In 1959, David entered the insurance industry as an adjuster for James C. Greene Insurance in Rocky Mount and later relocated to Roanoke Rapids with Nationwide Insurance as their personal injury and property claims specialist for the Roanoke Valley. During this time, David received numerous awards and training for his insurance work. Using his insurance training, David became partner of Econo Cleaning Service before opening Gurganus Cleaning as president, a position he held for more than ten years specializing in environmental damage restoration for residential and commercial businesses throughout the Roanoke Valley. 

It was during this time in which David accepted an appointment as a North Carolina Magistrate serving the Halifax County Judicial System after completing training in the Institute of Government at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. David served terms under many Chief District Court Judges, and during his nearly 30 year career of serving as a Magistrate of the Halifax District Court he handled criminal and civil matters under North Carolina law. In the tradition of The Office of the Magistrate, David also served as a Justice of the Peace and enjoyed performing the marriage ceremonies of many citizens including the ceremony of son Michael to his wife Jessica.  

Upon his retirement in 2010, David enjoyed time with his beloved wife and together they traveled throughout the United States. A lifelong avid fisherman and boater, David enjoyed spending time with family and friends at Atlantic Beach and on Lake Gaston, a passion he passed onto his children. Known for his gardening and cooking, for many years David hosted an annual Fourth of July pig picking and cooked for many organizations and events with his friends.  David also enjoyed the family dogs and was most happy making others laugh; he was a great story teller and loved to revel in fun times with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jean Johnson Gurganus of Roanoke Rapids; his brother Edwin Gurganus and wife Janet; sister-in-law Kay Gurganus; brothers-in-law Bennie Ray Johnson and wife Martha of Rocky Mount; Donnie Johnson of Sharpsburg; Ronnie Johnson and wife, Ellen of Rocky Mount. His sons, David Gurganus, Jr. and wife, Sheila Mason of Morehead City; Michael Gurganus and wife, Jessica Feinberg of Richmond, Virginia; and Brian Gurganus and wife, Mary Zimmerer of Cary, along with grandchildren, Maxwell, Benjamin, Christine, Amelia, Patrick, Daniel, Margie Ann and many nieces and nephews.

David was a current member of Rosemary Baptist Church and formerly served as Deacon of Calvary Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids. Visitation with the family will be held at noon with a funeral Service following at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at Rosemary Baptist Church with Dr. Layne Wallace officiating.  A graveside service will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park at 3 p.m. with nephew and Pastor Richard Gurganus of the Church on the Rise officiating. Gifts in memory of David may be made to the Rosemary Baptist Church, 900 Jackson St., Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

Online condolences may be made at www.askewfs.com

A native of Halifax County she was the daughter of the late William Edward and Bertha Hilton Cushing. She is also preceded in death by her husband Thomas Hugh Clay.

Hazel is survived by her daughters, Faye C. Gonzalez and her husband, Raul C. of Portsmouth, Va. and Iris C. Moseley and her husband, Howard S. of Roanoke Rapids; three sons, Steven H. Clay of Marietta , Ga.; Thomas Owen Clay and his wife, Pam of Orlando, Florida and Jimmy Clay and his wife, Mary Jane of Roanoke Rapids; her sister Betty Cushing Deberry of Roanoke Rapids; three grand children Jennifer Thompson, Jeffrey H. Arwood and James Eric Clay; two great grand children Matthew Arwood and Jackson Gautier.

Graveside Service will be held Tuesday December 30, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Randy Martin officiating.

Arrangements are being handled by Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids.

He was the son of the late Hubert Miles Edwards, Sr. and Virginia Dare Hardison Edwards.  He was also preceded in death by his wife Alyce Constance “Connie” Edwards.

He is survived by his sons, Douglas Erwin Edwards of Pittsboro and Sean Owen Edwards of Roanoke Rapids; his granddaughter, Ashley Edwards Deaton and her husband, Wes of Roanoke Rapids; his grandson, Corbin Miles Edwards of Pittsboro; his great grandson, Brayden Miles Deaton; his brother, James Erwin Edwards of Charlotte; his sisters, Winifred Ingram and her husband, Donald of Rock Hill, SC, Mary Ellen Shook and her husband, Jimmie of Garner; and his very special friend, Wilma White of Roanoke Rapids. 

Graveside services will be held on Friday, January 2, 2015 at 2:00 pm at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Randy Martin officiating. Family will receive friends on Friday, January 2, 2015 from 12:45 to 1:45 pm at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to American Cancer Society at PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com

She was the daughter of the late Reba Seuis Green.  She was also preceded in death by her son, Millard Julian Smith.

She is survived by her daughters, Brenda S. Thompson and her husband, Jesse of Littleton, Terri Smith and Angie Poythress, both of Roanoke Rapids; her sons, Bryan Spacek and his wife, Sandy of Chapel Hill and Mark Smith of Roanoke Rapids; her very special niece, Jill Miles of Littleton; her brother, Fred Leon West of Appomattox, VA; 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Liz enjoyed her family, especially her grandchildren, working in her yard and loved her flowers and birdhouses.

Family will receive friends on Monday, January 5, 2015 at 11:00 AM at First Pentecostal Holiness Church in Roanoke Rapids followed by a Memorial Service at 12:15 PM with Rev. Margaret Horrell officiating.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com

She was the daughter of the late Alma Harris Elks and was also preceded in death by her brother, James O. Elks and her niece, Dee Elks Clifton.

She is survived by her nephew, Jeff Elks and his wife, Tracy of Weldon; her nieces, Lorri Phillips of New Bern, Tina Carr and her husband, David of Halifax; her great niece, Michaela Phillips of Locust Grove, VA; and several other special nieces, nephews, and special friends.

Dot was a member of Wilroy Baptist Church in Suffolk, VA.  She went to work for Lipton Tea Company in 1955 where she worked until her retirement after 28 years.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 1:00 PM at Crestview Cemetery with Rev. Randy Martin officiating.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com

He was born on August 24, 1928 to the late Isaac Leonard “Lynn” and Senora “Nora” Henderson Evans.  James served his country in the United States Army.  He was an avid fisherman, loved to play pool and ride his bike.

He is survived by his wife, Emma Sewell Evans; his sons, James “Jimmy” E. Evans, Jr. and his wife, Sue of Littleton, Barry S. Evans and his wife, Kelly of Roanoke Rapids; his grandchildren, Kristy Griffin, Michael Evans, Scott Barefoot, Valerie Turnage, Elizabeth Evans, Matthew Evans; his great grandchildren, Bland Turnage, Carson Griffin, Graci Barefoot, and Will Barefoot.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at 2:00 PM at the chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services with Dr. Layne Wallace officiating. 

Interment will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com

Mike, a native of Roanoke Rapids, was the son of the late Frank John Newsome and Geraldine Butler Rowbottom and his step father, William A. Rowbottom.

Mike was retired from the City of Roanoke Rapids and was an avid NC Tarheel fan.  Most of all, he was a beloved coach in the area, coaching men and women’s teams, but his love was the many youth teams that he coached throughout his life.  

Mike had coached at Roanoke Christian School, Chaloner Middle School, Halifax Academy, Roanoke Rapids High School, KIPP Pride High School, and many summer league travel teams.

He is survived by his wife, Jeane Myrick Newsome; his sisters, Peggy Graumlich and her husband, James of Peoria, IL, Patricia Grooms and her husband, Fred of Roanoke Rapids; his brother, Linwood Newsome and his wife, Nancy of Whittier, NC; his niece, Sara G. Page; nephews, Garrick, Matthew, and Samuel Newsome, Andrew and George Graumlich, and William Wheeler; his uncle, Melvin Butler of Roanoke Rapids; his cousins, Michael “Mike” Butler of Roanoke Rapids, Patricia Wildman and her husband, Wayne of Huntsville, AL.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2015 at 2:30 PM at Rosemary United Methodist Church with Rev. Bob Redmond officiating.  The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Rosemary United Methodist Church, 900 Jackson Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC, 27870 or The American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com

Joe a native of New York, New York was the son of the late Wilford Gerald and Anna Marie Parise Russell. He was also preceded in death by his wife Lois Virginia Harris Russell on July 12, 2014, his sister Agnes Sterns and his brother Jerry Russell.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He retired from the Army in 1975. He was a lifetime member of AMVETS post 320 and the American Legion post 38. He was also retired as a self employed paint contractor. He loved bowling and hunting.   

Joe is survived by his daughter Debra R. Sanders and her, husband Ricky; three sons, Joseph “Jay” Russell, Jr. and his wife, Glenda; Michael Wayne Russell and his wife, Hazel and Timothy Eugene Russell, all of Roanoke Rapids; thirteen grandchildren and thirty great grand children; his sisters-in-law Mary Louise Harris of Gaston; Darlene Wolgemuth of Roanoke Rapids; brothers-in-law Bill Harris and his wife, Kathy and Danny Harris and his wife, Rose both of Roanoke Rapids; several nieces and nephews and two special friends, Mike Sheppard and “Bunny” Shotwell.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday February 11, 2015 at 2 P.M. in the chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation services in Roanoke Rapids with Minister Dave Chapman officiating.

Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery with Full Military honors.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7-8:30 at the funeral home and other times at the home.

Mrs. Lee was born May 9, 1921 in Warren County, NC, the daughter of the late Benjamin Crowell and Ethelyn Crawley Hamlet. 

She was a lifelong member of Harris Chapel Baptist Church where she sang in the choir. She was a home maker, and was well known for her jellies, jams, and pickles, especially her watermelon rind pickles and chow chow relish. Willie Gus was a member of The Quilting Class in Hollister and made beautiful quilts for her children and grandchildren.  She was a beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and loved her family very much. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Lee, daughter, Ann Lee Williams and four sisters, Miriam Mabry, Ruth Bryant, Annie Hayes and Frances Staton.

Survivors include sons, Glen Lee and his wife, Katherine of Roanoke Rapids, Lemuel Lee and his wife, Annette of Nashville, NC; her son-in-law Lacy Williams and his wife, Myrtle of Roxboro, NC; her sister, Jean Parker and her husband, Eddie of Norfolk, VA;  seven grandchildren, Sharon Royster of Suffolk, VA, Ben Lee and his wife, Candace of Woodstock, GA, Scott Lee and his wife, Lisa of Nashville, Shannon Kerley and her husband, Tim of Apex, Brian Lee of Charlotte, Troy Williams and his wife, Kathy, Tim Williams and his wife, Lynn both of Roxboro, fourteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 13, 2015 at Harris Chapel Baptist Church in Hollister, with the Rev. Roy Porter and the Rev. Phil Qualls officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery. Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids is handling the arrangements, where the family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 PM on Thursday, February 12, 2015.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to Harris Chapel Baptist 

Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Carlton Qualls, 1472 Williams Road, Hollister, NC 27844.

She was the daughter of the late Jesse Robert and Lillian Mooney Rhue.  She was also preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, Wesley B. Draper and her brother, J.R. Rhue.

Pat and her husband were long time members of Weldon United Methodist Church.  She retired from Roanoke Rapids High School where she taught Business Administration for many years.  Pat was also known for her beautiful flower arrangements, gardening, and was very proud of her yard.  

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Bonelli and her husband, Paul of Roanoke, VA; her sister, Helen Lee Williams and her husband, Roland of Fayetteville, NC; her grandson, Wesley Paul Bonelli of Roanoke, VA; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 20, 2015 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Sue Owens officiating. Interment will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery in Weldon.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 20, 2015 from 1:00 PM until service time at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services.

Donations may be made in memory of Pat to The Alzheimer’s Association of Eastern NC, 3739 National Drive, Suite 110, The Cumberland Bldg., Raleigh, NC 27612.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com

She was the daughter of the late Lloyd and Susie Draper. She was also preceded in death by her husband W.T. “Bill Story and her brother Gilbert Draper.

Jo worked for the city of Roanoke Rapids for over 30 years and was the senior citizens director. Her dedication to the seniors of Roanoke Rapids and around the entire State earned her the respect of everyone. The Jo Story Senior Citizens building was dedicated to her for all of the many accomplishments that she achieved for senior citizens in the area.

She is survived by her daughter Terry Webb and her husband Larry of Nags Head; her sons Tommy Story and his wife, Beth of Lake Gaston, Tim Story and his wife, Barbara of Roanoke Rapids and Todd Story of Nags Head. Grandchildren, Tracy Story and his wife, Liz, Stephanie Pericak, Renee Vester and her husband David, Hunter Story, Arianna Story; great grand children , Justin Warren, Tyler Warren, Maggie Vester and  Elizabeth Grace Pericak.  Several nieces, nephews, and many wonderful friends.

Memorial services will be held Sunday February 22, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation services in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Randy Martin officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial donation’s may be made to the Jo Story senior citizens.