The Brunswick Beacon

Florence Koch Hopkins (89), of Raleigh, NC and formerly of Shallotte, NC and Linwood, NJ passed away on Wednesday, August 16th at her home in Raleigh surrounded by her family. Mrs. Hopkins was born in Camden, NJ on June 25, 1934, the daughter of Jacob L. and Miriam C. Koch. Mrs. Hopkins is survived by Robert M. Hopkins, Sr., her loving husband of 64 years. Florence and Bob have six children: Cynthia A. Hopkins of Aurora, CO;Robert M. Hopkins Jr. (Tracy) of Galloway, NJ; Patricia G. Hopkins of Raleigh, NC;Laura M. Mullins (James) of Egg Harbor Township, NJ; Andrew K. Hopkins (Nancy) of Angier NC and Richard J. Hopkins, Sr. of Sellersville, PA. Grandchildren: Jakob (Julia) and Alexander...

Ralph Waburn Ward, age 67, of Ash, NC, died Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Born January 15, 1956 in Columbus County, NC, he was the son of the late Ralph Ward and Doris Smith Ward. He is survived by one sister, Nancy Bennett (Ken Jones) of Ash, NC; one brother, Randy D. Ward (Shannon) of Ash, NC; three nieces, Hope Skaggs (Jay), Candice Frye, and Karah Ward; four nephews, Gaston Ward (Skylar), John Ingram (Jessie), Colby Ingram (Morgan), and Jarrett Ward; and great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Larry Ward. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 3:00 PM in Andrews Chapel Methodist Church, 1091 Hickman Road, NW,...

Rose Marie Holden Cole, of Denver, NC, formally of Newland, the Linville Land Harbor Community, and Holden Beach, passed away peacefully Friday, June 23, 2023, at her home. Born August 5, 1932, in Durham NC, she was the daughter of the late Rothschild H. Holden and Emma Davis Holden. She was a 1953 graduate of The Woman's College of The University of North Carolina presently University of North Carolina at Greensboro graduating with a B.A. in Recreation. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, James Leo Cole, and her brother, Rothschild Halstead Holden. Through her life, Rose's lovely and bright smile was the first thing everyone...

Rose Marie Holden Cole, of Denver, NC, formally of Newland, the Linville Land Harbor Community, and Holden Beach, passed away peacefully Friday, June 23, 2023, at her home. Born August 5, 1932, in Durham NC, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Rothschild H. Holden and Emma Davis Holden. She was a 1953 graduate of The Woman's College of The University of North Carolina presently University of North Carolina at Greensboro graduating with a B.A. in Recreation. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, James Leo Cole, and her brother, Rothschild Halstead Holden. Through her life, Rose's lovely and bright smile was the first thing everyone...

Deborah Anne Boodro was born in Weymouth, MA on October 12, 1953. She passed away peacefully on June 21, 2023. Deborah is survived by her beloved brother Bryan Boodro and sister-in-law Peggy Boodro who reside in Myrtle Beach, SC; her devoted cat Cali, who was adopted by a caring friend; and by cousins in New England. Deborah was predeceased by her loving parents Frank and Ellie, who were married for over 50 years, and her sister Linda Boodro. Deborah attended many fine universities and institutions of higher learning, focusing on business management, fine arts, and marketing. She began her distinguished career in Real Estate in 1979. In 1996, Deborah joined the Ocean Ridge community in...

On Monday, June 12, 2023, Mr. Samuel Durham "Sammy" Sessions, Jr., 64, of Wadesboro and formerly of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, passed away peacefully at his home. Services will be 1:00 PM Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Anson Memorial Park with entombment following in the mausoleum.The family will greet friends following the service at the cemetery. Sammy was born February 24, 1959 in Anson County, NC and was the only child of Samuel Durham Sessions and Agnes Oliver Sessions. He attended schools in Anson County and received an associate degree in horticulture from Anson Community College and later earned a Captain's certificate of licensure from Brunswick Community College and the United States...

On Sunday, April 16, 2023, Mr. Jeffrey Lynn Brooks, 66, of Boiling Springs and Polkton, passed away at his home in Boiling Springs. Funeral services were conducted on Saturday, April 22, 2023 in Wadesboro. Jeffrey was born April 10, 1957 in Anson County, NC and was a son of Ann Caudle Brooks and the late Benjamin "Benny" Thomas Brooks. He was a 1975 graduate of Bowman High School and worked with Sothern Mechanical Services. Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Brandon (Kim) Brooks of Wake Forest and Lila Brooks of Wilson; his grandchildren, Beckett and Colton Brooks; his mother, Ann Caudle Brooks of Wadesboro; his brother and sisters, Warren (Ann) Brooks of Oak Island, Patty...

Frances M. Todd, 81, of Bowman passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023 after an extended illness. Miss Todd was born on March 27, 1941 in the Canaan Community of Orangeburg County to the late Sonny Boy and Mamie Lou Myers.No stranger to hard work, Miss Todd was at various times in her life a seamstress, a farm laborer, a housekeeper, and a caretaker for the elderly.In her later years, Miss Todd enjoyed attending auctions and selling at the flea market. Miss Todd is survived by two sons, Michael Todd of the home, Larry McAlhany of Ruffin; two grandchildren, Larry McAlhaney, Jr., Tara Mooney; three great-grandchildren; a special niece, Cindy Herrington of Bamberg; a special grand-nephew,...

Anthony "Judo" Michael Maerten, age 35, died Friday, January 20, 2023, in Charlotte, NC. He was born on January 5, 1988, in Eschenbach, Germany. Anthony was the son of Eric and Dawn Maerten, brother of Christian Maerten, and father of Summer Marie Maerten. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke with Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication and a minor in Media Integration. After college, Anthony worked for a Broadcasting Station in Myrtle Beach, SC. He then went on to join the U.S. Army and served honorably for four years with overseas service as well. After his term in the Army, Anthony continued his education and became a licensed welder in Charlotte. "Judo"...

Mr. Charles Hector Livingston, of Supply, NC passed away on January 02, 2023, at the age of 63. Charles was born in Moore County on December 11, 1959, to the late Paul B. and Mary Elizabeth Livingston. He loved riding his motorcycle, fishing, animals, and nature. He enjoyed reading and studying the bible. Charles was a volunteer with His Laboring Few Biker Ministry. He is survived by one brother, Paul M. Livingston (Nancy Edwards) of Wake Forest; two sisters, Elizabeth Ann Dubroff (Stan) of New Jersey, and Paula Faye Lippard (Larry) of Raeford; one nephew, Kevin Lippard of Sanford; and three nieces, Katie Lippard of Holden Beach, Allison Sorce of New Jersey, and Logan Laidlow of...

David Meacham Stanley, age 66, died peacefully with his wife by his side on the 10th of December, 2022 in the Roper Cottage of Mount Pleasant, SC. He was born in Clinton, NC on August 23, 1956, to parents Harold D. Stanley and Jean W. Stanley. Anyone who met David could not help but smile. His quick wit, his droll remarks, his movie quotes and his singing were priceless. Who could not laugh at his "Taxi Driver" and "Sling Blade" quotes. Because relatives had died in his home, he called the long, steep entry steps "The Stairway to Heaven.". David and his son had a strong passion for music. They became great guitarists and spent long, joyous hours playing blues songs in the garage. It was only...

Mary Frances Stevens Scrantom of 1Bishop Gadsden Way, Charleston, SC, died on Oct 26, 2022. Born July 12, 1928, in Charleston, she was predeceased by her parents, Mary Frances Cathcart Stevens and William Smith Stevens, her husband, De Hart Gridley Scrantom, and her brother, William Smith Stevens, Jr. A member of St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church, Shallotte, NC, and the Junior League of Charleston, SC, she devoted her life as a volunteer in all the communities where she lived. She is survived by two sons, James Jervey Ravenel, III, of Charleston, and William Stevens Ravenel of Hilton Head Island, SC, one daughter, Katherine Stevens Ravenel of Oxford, NC, and four step children, De...

Jarvis William Wiggs, Jr., 73 passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center in Bolivia. Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home of Stedman.

Concord Mildred (Millie) Tate Keneston, age 86 passed away September 4, 2022 at her home with family by her side. She was born in Charlotte, NC June 17, 1936 to the late Dewey and Mildred Tate. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, and son-in-law, Rhonda and Brian Hays, and five of her siblings. Those left to cherish her memories are her sister, Annie Verlee Greco; Millie's children, Janet & husband, James Hartsell, Mike & wife, Renea Robinson, Ken and wife Franci Robinson, and Laura & husband, Tony Bost; seventeen grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, and six great great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life for Mildred will be announced at a later...

Gaynelle Johnson Shively, age 92 of Lynchburg, VA passed away Friday, July 1, 2022 at Westminster Canterbury in Lynchburg after a long illness. Born February 14, 1930 in Lynchburg, she was the daughter of Willie Lyman Johnson and Daisy Estelle Wood Johnson. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Edwin Shively, Jr., who died on October 12, 2001. She was also predeceased by three brothers, Lyman Johnson and Edward Johnson of Lynchburg, VA and Harold Johnson of Gretna, VA. She is survived by two daughters, Stella Shively and husband Bill Wilson, Jr. of Chichester, NH and Robbin Shively and her partner Jeff Basseches of Kittery, ME. She is also survived by her sister, Rebecca Harker...

Samuel Thomas Inman, 72, of Leland, NC, died Friday, May 6, 2022, in Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center, Wilmington, NC. Born January 10, 1950, in Horry County, SC, he was the son of the late Thomas Varser Inman and Pearl Cox Inman. He is survived by his wife, Gayle Fowler Inman of the home; one daughter, Kathryn Nicole Stiff and husband William David of Fayetteville, NC; one sister, Jerri Ray of Tabor City, NC; one stepson, Terry Formyduval and his wife, Angela of Old Dock, NC; and one grandson, Sebastian Formyduval. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 12, 2022 in the Inman Ward Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service. In lieu...

Gordon Charles Girard, Sr., 82, Passed away in Florence, SC on Thursday, March 31, 2022 with his beloved wife of 61 years, Carol by his side. Gordon and his family had made Brunswick County, NC their home for the last 35 years. He was born in Winchendon, MA, a son of the late George Joseph Girard, Sr. and the late Gertrude Ruth Aiken Girard. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Melissa Girard and his seven siblings, Barbara Girard, George Joseph Girard, Jr., Larry Girard, James Girard, Richard Girard, Linda Basso, and Dennis Girard. Mr. Girard was a veteran of the US Air Force. He and his family built many wonderful beach homes together all along the...

George Robinson Smith Jr., 75, of Charlotte, NC, and later Boynton Beach, FL, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2022. Robbie was born in Charlotte on September 13, 1946, to the late Dorothy Jones and George R. Smith Sr. His family moved to Sharon Road in the area now known as SouthPark in the late 1950s when it consisted only of a dirt road near the Morrocroft Dairy Farm. Robbie attended Charlotte Country Day School before transferring to Asheville School as a boarding student. He returned Charlotte to attend Myers Park High School where he graduated in 1965. Following high school, Robbie furthered his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning his...

Richard "Dick" Grant Clendenin, 86, of Ash, North Carolina, formerly of Cross Lanes, passed away January 23, 2022 in Lower Cape Fear Life Care. Dick was born August 7, 1935 in Charleston to the late Owen Clendenin and Dessie Elizabeth Withrow Clendenin. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Edna Marie Clendenin. Dick was a retired home builder and enjoyed dirt track racing. Left to cherish his memory are loving children, Richard "Butch" Clendenin (Kim), Tim "Bird" Clendenin (Molly), Daniel "Dink" Clendenin (Lynette), Sandie "Nay" Michael (Barry); grandchildren, Courtney, Alysha (Nick), Zack, Chris, Gannon, Dalton, Peyton, Zeke (Hannah), and Blair...

Judith (Judy) Bobbitt Sikes formerly of Sunset Beach, Raleigh, Anson County and Charlotte died peacefully in her sleep on September 30, 2021 at Sunrise on Providence after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Judy was born on February 11, 1943 in Charlotte, NC to the late Ralph Farrell Sikes, Sr. and the late Helen Maxine Bobbitt Sikes. She was also preceded in death by her younger sister Faye Jacquelyn (Jackie) Sikes Lewis, her nephew Don Carson Baucom II and her sister-in-law, Jinny Starnes Sikes. Judy spent her youth on the family farm in Anson County, NC. The family returned to the farm when her father's three younger brothers were away during World War II. Their grandfather fell...

Supply, NC Douglas Hubert Long, 74, died August 25, 2021 at the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center in Bolivia, NC, after a lengthy illness, with his wife of 45 years, Carolyn Schultz Long by his side. Doug was born in Bennettsville, SC on November 16, 1946 to Margaret Graham Long and Hubert Reese Long. He was educated in Cheraw, SC city schools, Wingate College, now Wingate University, and graduated from the University of Georgia with Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. He joined the family business, H.R. and Douglas Long Wholesale in 1969 where he began his career in sales. After living in Athens, Georgia for several years, Doug and Carolyn moved to Supply, NC where they lived for...