Cotten Funeral Home

It is with great sadness to announce the tragic passing of Francis "Frank" James Cioffari and Leigh Bennett Stevens Cioffari, of Lake Lure, Friday, November 1, 2024. Frank was born on February 22, 1942 in Mamaroneck, New York to the late Patrick and Margaret Helen Cioffari. Leigh was born on August 2, 1944 in Joplin, Missouri to the late Lt. Colonel Charles Eugene Sr. and Marla May Stevens. Frank was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army following his service in Germany as an E3 armor crewman. He was a self-employed entrepreneur. He loved fishing, hunting, inventing, talking, and was a black belt Karate instructor. He was also a long time member of the American Legion. Leigh was an...

William Graham Champion Mitchell, aged 77, of New Bern, NC, passed away on October 8, 2024. Champ Mitchell was born in Wake County, NC on December 24, 1946 to the late Burley Bayard Mitchell and Dorothy Ford Champion. Champ received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1969, served on Active Duty as a Naval Surface Warfare Officer, and then returned to law school at Chapel Hill. He received his Juris Doctor in 1975. During Champ's career as a corporate litigator, he was a Partner at Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge & Rice, Winston Salem; and a Partner at Howry & Simon in Washington, D.C. His corporate career highlights include Senior Vice...

Trawick "Buzzy" Hamilton Stubbs Jr. of New Bern, passed away at the age of 82 on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. He was born on September 1, 1942 in Atlanta, Georgia. He is predeceased by his parents, Trawick H. Stubbs, Sr. and Cornelia Taylor Stubbs, his sister, Katherine Cameron (KC) Stubbs and his granddaughter, Jane Morrison Moore Harrell; Survived by too many awesome people to count. Buzzy was an Attorney and founder of Stubbs Perdue, PA. Dear Dad, There has rarely been a father who prepared his children for the highs and lows in life with infinite love and abundant generosity as you did for us. Thank you for working six days a week, taking a break for Sunday church to spend...

George Carlton Hudson, age 86, of New Bern, NC, passed away peacefully at his home on August 26, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Born on November 21, 1937, in Black Jack, NC, Carlton lived a life of dedication, humor, and kindness. His journey took him from the small town of Black Jack to becoming a beloved figure in New Bern, where he served the community as a Master Barber at Service Barber Shop. In his later years, Carlton enjoyed the company of family and friends who cherished him deeply. Carlton was a man of great pride and work ethic, known by his friends for his quick wit and infectious laughter. His commitment to his craft and his genuine care for others reflected...

Judith Lee Baker-Privette of Oriental, NC passed away from complications associated with Alzheimer's and dementia on Sunday, June 23, 2024, surrounded by loving family. Born on December 9, 1942 to the late Charles and Virga Lee Kabbes in Dayton, Ohio, her life with her late first husband (Richard "Dick" Baker) took her to Cincinnati, OH, Pittsburgh, PA and ultimately retiring in Oriental, NC. Following the passing of Dick, she later married Henry Alton "Al" Privette, her surviving husband of 15 years. Judy found joy in her family, a love for animals of all sorts, her faith, traveling, and all opportunities to enjoy the beach with her family. She loved gardening, the art of basket weaving,...

Helen George Monnier, 96, of New Bern, NC died peacefully Sunday June 23, 2024 at her daughter's home in Rehobeth Beach, Delaware. Helen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Helen was born October 28th, 1927 in Albany, Illinois to the late Charles George and Theodosia Newcomer George. Helen pursued several occupations throughout her lifetime. After high school graduation she became a school teacher in one room schoolhouse in Albany, Illinois. On August 3, 1946 she married her one and only love William "Bill" Henery Monnier. After the wedding they moved to Iowa where she worked in the Registrar's Office at Cornell College, while Bill earned a Bachelor's of Science...

Mark Justin Smith October 16, 1986 - May 30, 2024 "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal." It is with great sadness that the family of Mark "Justin" Smith announces his passing on Thursday, May 30th, at the young age of 37. He was a much-loved son, partner, father, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson, cousin, and friend to many. Justin will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Donald and Susan Smith and Cheryl Smith Lockridge,(John); his significant other, Kristi Overman; his children, Parker Smith, Austin Smith, and Aubri Overman; his siblings, Harold Dean Smith, Jr. (Billie Sue), Jeremiah Smith (Emily), Amber Tarlton (Derrick), Grace Nelson...

Eleanor Neumeister-McHugh passed away on April 2, 2024 at 1:40 PM at the age of 85. She was born on September 8, 1938 in New Rochelle, NY to her parents William and Virginia Bracken. She married Kurt Neumeister on June 7, 1958 and in 1998, retired to New Bern, North Carolina. Eleanor worked as a Library Clerk in the Sts John and Paul Catholic School in Larchmont, NY, as well as, the Larchmont Public Library. After moving to New Bern, she volunteered for the New Bern Police department and for the East Carolina Hospital for 25 years and was an active member of the YMCA and St Paul's Catholic Church as well as the Catholic Daughters organization. Eleanor was preceded in death by her late...

Laura (Ann) Annell Overholt, 85, of New Bern, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2024, at home. She was born on January 16, 1939, in Blakely, Georgia, to the late Inza Nell and Kennie Millard Arnold. Laura, affectionately known as Ann and Gamzy to her grand and great-grandchildren, married Hugh R Overholt on May 6, 1961, and they enjoyed a loving and faithful marriage for over six decades. Major General Hugh R. Overholt, former Judge Advocate General of the US Army, survives her along with their children; Sharon Overholt Maxey (Jason) of New Bern and H Scott Overholt (Ruthy) of Wrightsville Beach, N.C. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Ashton Overholt Baker...

Phillip Lee Zellers, 82, of New Bern, North Carolina went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 25, 2024. Phillip was born on September 19, 1941 in Logansport, Indiana to Murlen Earl Zellers and Esther Louise Gorseline Zellers. His fondest childhood memories are growing up on a county farm, attending country grade school Reiter and having close highschool friends. His earliest ambition was to be a baseball broadcaster and was elated to see the Cubs eventually win the World Series. He graduated from Purdue with a degree in Agricultural Economics, where he also fueled his love of basketball. After tending to the family farm, Phil became a statistician and served the US Department...

Dale E. Krasenics, 83, of New Bern, North Carolina passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024 with his family by his side. Dale was born on January 18, 1940 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. For full obituary and condolences please visit www.cottenfuneralhome.com.

Linda was born April 2, 1944, and raised in Wallace, North Carolina. She often talked of her happy childhood in Wallace, surrounded by her family and friends. After graduating from Wallace Rose-Hill High School, Linda attended Miller Motte Business College receiving a secretarial degree. In 1963, she began her long government career at the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C. Later, she transferred to the Social Security Administration, where she climbed to the rank of supervisor. After 36 years, Linda retired from the Social Security Administration of the New Bern, NC office. After retirement, Linda began her second career as a Realtor in the New Bern, NC area. She...

"The Queen" Nancy McDaniel Ward, affectionately known as "Neena" and "Nanna" by her family, died peacefully at her home in Trent Woods during the early evening hours of October 17, 2023, surrounded by her adoring family. She was 76 years young. Her Oncologist, Rick Gorman, took a dedicated interest in her treatment and helped give her the special gift of additional time with her family and friends. Nancy fought her illness with strength, dignity and true grace. She never complained and never lost her wonderful sense of humor. Nancy was born in New Bern on February 10, 1947. She was the oldest of two children born to Mary Cuthrell McDaniel and Charles Newell McDaniel. At a young age, Nancy...

WILLARD NOBLE WEST, JR., 81, of New Bern, NC, died Monday, September 4, 2023 after battling prostate cancer for five years. He was born to the late Willard Noble West, Sr. and Mary Susan Vann West, March 25, 1942, in Selma, NC. Willard graduated from Selma High School in 1960 and attended Atlantic Christian College. He could either afford a car or college, so he left college and bought a car instead. His love of cars continued throughout his life. Willard completed the Pre-Service Training School for Wildlife Protectors at the Institute of Government in Chapel Hill, NC in 1963. While attending training school for Wildlife Protectors, Willard worked at the Smithfield Police Department as a...

Michael Todd Riddle, 70, of New Bern, North Carolina passed away surrounded by his children on Monday, August 21, 2023. Michael was born on April 29, 1953 in Detroit, Michigan to Todd Howard Riddle and Sally Virginia Whaley Riddle. Michael received his Bachelor's in Forestry at Mississippi State, and became a Forest Ranger in Arkansas. From there, he moved on to become a Police Officer in Greenville MS. He worked his way up from an Officer in MS to a Forensic Scientist at Madison WI, State Crime Lab where he later retired. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, spending time with loved ones, sharing his wisdom and making his loved ones laugh. Although a complicated man at times, he was just like...

Elizabeth Hopewell James, 85, of Spring Garden Road, New Bern, North Carolina passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. The family will hold a public visitation on Thursday, July 20th from 6 PM to 8 PM at Cotton Funeral Home in New Bern, NC. Funeral Services will be held at Spring Garden Baptist Church on Spring Garden Road, New Bern, NC at 2 PM on Friday, July 21st, 2023. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the church. She will be laid to rest in Greenleaf Memorial Park following services. For full obituary and family contact information please visit Cotton Funeral Home website at www.cottonfuneralhome.com

Mike Deichmann passed away at his home peacefully Sunday afternoon, June 11, 2023. He was born April 19, 1944 in Durham, NC. He is predeceased by his parents, Donald and Gretchen Deichmann; his step-father, Howard Speer; his sister, Betsy Deichmann Monroe; and his nephew, Guy Smith. Mike is survived by his wife Toni; his daughter Gretchen Leonard of Texas and her husband Fred; his grandchildren Victoria Riggs of North Carolina and Marshall Leonard of Texas; his brother Pete Deichmann of New Bern and his wife Nancy; his sisters: Gretchen Lewis of California and her husband Bill, and Susan Lake of Raleigh; his step brother Tom Speer of New York and his wife Pam; his step sister Margaret Bank...

Dorothy "Dotty" B. Wilson, 90, of New Bern, NC, passed away peacefully Saturday June 10, 2023 at the Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, NC She was born February 21, 1933, in Pittsburg, PA to the late Francis Jacob and Mary Roche Jacob. She was of Lutheran faith. Dotty attended Wilkinsburg High School in Pittsburg, PA. She graduated from the University of Pittsburg, class of 1954, completing a Bachelor of Science degree. She was a member of Tri Delta Sorority. Dotty taught elementary education for 32 years. Most of those years were spent teaching in Washington County Maryland schools. Dotty was an avid gardener. She enjoyed playing golf up until the age of 85 at the Taberna...

Florence Faye "Mary Jane" Fulford Moore, 84, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 4, 2023. A graveside service of love and remembrance officiated by the Rev. Paul Canady of Christ Episcopal Church will be held at Cedar Grove Cemetery in New Bern, NC on Monday, May 22, 2023 at 3:00 PM. Faye was born July 29, 1938, in New Bern, NC the only child of Richard Berry Fulford and Thelma Gladys Credle Fulford. She was married to Edgar Roy Moore and has a son, Marshall, and a daughter, Janelle. Faye graduated from New Bern High School in 1956 and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Women's Studies from East Carolina University. She worked at the United States Marine Corps Air Station in...