The Daily News

Norval Walter Ward passed away on Sunday, October 10th at 5:40 PM in his home in Holly Ridge, North Carolina. Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 19 from 4 to 8 PM at Flanner Buchanan - Washington Park East, 10722 E. Washington St, Indianapolis. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, October 20 at 10:30 AM at the funeral home. Entombment with full military honors will follow at Washington Park East Cemetery. For his full obituary visit FlannerBuchanan.com.

Donald Raymond Shepherd, age 83, of Abingdon, Maryland (formerly of Jacksonville, NC) passed away on October 10, 2021 at his home. Born in Dayton, Ohio, he was the son of Howard Shepherd and Mabel (Fannin) Carter and husband of the late Betty (Taylor) Shepherd. He was a Vietnam War Veteran and Ret. Maj. of the U.S. Marine Corp serving 30 years. He was an avid bowler and played on many leagues in Harford County and North Carolina. He had a great sense of humor and loved reading and watching television, especially westerns and history programs. In his senior years, he loved to color the adult coloring books as a pastime. Donald is survived by his son, Donald Shepherd, Jr.; daughters, Crystal...

Michael William Brown, 65 went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 3, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. Funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Butler Funeral Home Chapel in Stedman, officiating will be Beth Ridge-Brown and Rev. Mark Reid. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 2:50 PM Thursday at the funeral home before the service. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, October 8, 2021 at Onslow Memorial Park (3280 Richlands Hwy, Jacksonville, NC 28540). Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Earl Brown and Carmen Anita Trott Brown. Mike retired with over 33 years of service at ARC 3 Gas Company, formerly known...

Captain Joseph Bonsignore (USMC Ret.), 88, of Woodbridge, VA passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at Harbor Chase Assisted Living Facility, Woodbridge, VA. Joseph, more commonly known as "Pop", was born October 10, 1932, in Baltimore, MD. In March 1950, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Later that year, in December, he married his wife of over 60 years, Rosalie Bonsignore. Over the next 20 years he was stationed at many stateside locations with overseas tours in Cuba, Okinawa and Vietnam. During his Vietnam tour, he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. After retiring from active duty in 1970, he continued to serve his beloved Marine Corps as Head...

Robert "Bob" J. Coogan. 63, passed away August 8, 2021, at his home. Robert was raised in Jacksonville, North Carolina. He loved sports, the ECU Pirates, UNC Tar Heels and the Green Bay Packers. He worked at UNX Chemicals, and at Vidant Medical Center. He retired after 12 years as a Respiratory Therapist. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Peggy Coogan, brother Chuck Disorbo, and nephew Paul Disorbo. He is survived by his second mother; Rosella Joyce Coogan; sister Karen Lawrence; brothers, Keith Coogan and wife Roberta, Michael Coogan and wife Judy, Jim Disorbo and wife Tonya, and Mike Disorbo; sister-in-law Teresa Disorbo; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of...

ADDIE MAY HANSCOM (JARMAN) Addie, 94, of Charlotte NC, died Sat., July 24th, 2021 at Hospice Care in Charlotte. Memorial to be held at 2 P.M. Monday Aug 9th at Grace Crossing Church, 5600 Rocky River Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215, with Jason Blanton officiating. Addie was preceded in death by husband Elliott and children Bert and Bonita. in Lieu of flowers, Please make donations to Grace Crossing. Full obituary available at www.carolinafuneral.com

Alvin Ellis Gurganus II, 70, of Princeton died Monday, July 19, 2021, at Princeton Community Hospital. Born January 17, 1951, in Onslow County, NC, he was the son of the late Alvin Ellis Gurganus and Belle Harris Gurganus. Alvin was a 1973 graduate of University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill with a BA degree in Chemistry, his BS degree in Pharmacy from MUSC in 1978, his J.D. law degree from Campbell University in 1987. He had retired from practicing law several years ago. He enjoyed traveling when his health permitted, loved to watch the History Channel to learn more about WWII. Alvin was an avid Tar Hill Basketball fan. Survivors include his devoted and loving wife of 40 years, Marcia...

George R. Humphrey, 88, passed away on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at his home surrounded by family. Born in Onslow County, he was the son of the late Leamon and Eva Morton Humphrey. George proudly served his country as a medic paratrooper in the 11th Airborne of the United States Army. For over 60 years, George owned and operated George's Body Shop in Goldsboro. He was a hard-working man, which was the theme of his life, he lived to work. George was the kind of man who was loyal to his family, who took great pride in caring and providing for them. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery with Rev. Dennis Pollock officiating. ...

CW-5 Retired Alton Ray Lanier, 74, entered into eternity Monday, March 15, 2021. He was born in Jacksonville, NC to the late Rayford E. and Eva (Garrett) Lanier. Alton graduated from White Oak High School in 1964. He was preceded in death by his daughter Lagina B. Lanier, his son Alton Ray Lanier Jr., his parents, and his brothers, Dennis Lanier and Edward Lee Lanier. Alton was drafted into the US Army in 1965 where he had a very successful career, receiving numerous awards and decorations. He proudly retired after 35 years of service as a Chief Warrant Officer 5. After military retirement, Alton took contract jobs overseas. When he returned, he worked at SWIK on Ft. Bragg for 14 years....

Sylvia B. Wagner, age 97, of Bluffton, SC and formerly of Jacksonville, NC died Monday, March 8, 2021 at NHC of Bluffton. Mrs. Wagner was born on August 28, 1923 in Grove City, PA, the daughter of the late Antonio and America Paganelli. While living in Jacksonville, she volunteered with Onslow Memorial Hospital and was a communicant of Infant of Prague Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, Major William J. Wagner, USMC (Ret). She is survived by her daughter, Susan Buelow; son, William A. Wagner (Connie); three granddaughters; one grandson; and a host of great-grandchildren and extended family. A funeral service will take place at Coastal Carolina...

Carolyn Brooks Gillen, 87, of Jacksonville, North Carolina passed away on Monday, March 8, 2021. Carolyn was born on April 4, 1933 in Alvo, Nebraska to the late Edward and Anastasia Schuelke. She taught at White Oak High School for many years in the behavioral department. She loved Bluegrass music and her family. She was an avid reader, especially history. She is survived by her son, Mark Griffin (Renee) of Estill Springs, TN, a daughter, Shirley Eboli (Joseph) of Beulaville, NC, eight grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and 3 on the way. Services to be determined at a later date. In the care of Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory.

Betsy W. Guthrie, 82, of Sneads Ferry, NC, died Friday, March 5, 2021 at her residence. She was born in Sampson County, NC, the daughter of the late Roy J. and Evelyn Owen West. Also remembered are two brothers, Gary West and Devone West, both of who preceded her in death. Surviving is her loving husband, William G. Guthrie (married 1959); two daughters, Betsy Sharon Anderson (Steve) and Wendolyn West Gould; three grandchildren, Mark Anderson (Angela), Victoria Boyd (Michael) and William Alexander Steinkamp; two great-grandchildren, Finnegan Anderson and Felicity Anderson; four sisters, Doris Martin, Edna Barker, Marie Martin and Judy Rimel; two brothers, James and Larry West; and many...

Janice Lea Holloway, 82, born in St. Louis, MO on February 3, 1939 to John and Martha Boehne. She married the love of her life Capt. Harry Holloway US Army ret, who predeceased her after forty five years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her brother, John Boehne of Schaumburg, IL. She leaves behind her son, Tal Holloway (Shari) of Apex, NC; her daughter, Robbin Grantham (Greg) of Cross Hill, SC; two wonderful grandchildren, Seth Holloway USNA 22' and Reid Holloway Cary Christian School 22', both BSA Eagle Scouts. Due to COVID-19 a memorial service will be held at a later date, In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Wreaths Across America (www.wreathscrossamerica.org). ...

Staff Sgt. Kenneth "Kenny" Franklin Batson, 86, of Mooresville, NC, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021. He was born on February 3, 1934 in Goldsboro, NC to the late Lewis and Lila Batson. He joined the United States Army as a young man, and spent the next 20 years proudly serving his country in places like South Korea and Vietnam, as well as many other posts that included a host of bases located in the United States, namely GA, CA, MD, AZ (twice), NC (twice) and spent three years each stationed in Germany and England. He met his soul mate, Hui Uk "Tammy" Batson, while stationed in Tajon City South Korea at a base near the DMZ. She became Mrs. Kenneth F. Batson on May 21s t, 1962. They...

Carolyn May Stocklas, age 73, of Holly Ridge, NC, passed away at home surrounded by her family on December 22, 2020, after a courageous fight against cancer. She was born on February 12, 1947 in Allentown, PA to the late Stanley and Mildred Smith. She married the love of her life, Robert Joseph Stocklas, in April of 1969. They shared 51 wonderful years. Their love story was an inspiration to their family and friends. Carolyn loved to take care of people at home and at work. She was a wound care nurse at Gracedale Nursing Home, Nazareth, PA until her retirement in 2010. While at work and at home Carolyn showed her love through her unmatched cooking skills. Her kitchen was filled with...

Mildred "Betsy" Elizabeth Gomezsosa, born May 8 1954, was called home to her lord on the day of December 19, 2020. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She treated everyone she met as family and was even more so devoted to her own. She is survived by her blessed children: Michelle Lea Gonzalez, Melanie Renee' Penuel, Scott Allen Penuel, Sachi Danielle Penuel, and Kandi Edreoona Burns. She also had the blessing of 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Betsy's siblings: John Arthur Benson, Linda Sue Brown, and Judy Kay Jackson carry on her spirit to her abundant family and friends. Services are pending, prayers are accepted. Arrangements by...

ROCKY MOUNT - Rosemary Capps, age 72, passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2020. Born in Wake County, NC on January 18, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Robert Burnie Capps and Mary Jones Ramey Capps. Rosemary spent the most of her early years in Jacksonville where she was a 1966 graduate of Vardell Hall High School. In an era of history when most women remained in the home, she went in the opposite direction forging a new frontier by becoming a successful businesswoman. In doing so, Rosemary provided guidance and inspiration for other single mothers her age. Starting out in the restaurant industry, she owned and operated Bernie's located off of Gum Branch Road in Jacksonville. ...

Willis O. (Grice) Johnson, 94, of Fletcher, died Tuesday, November 17, 2020 in her residence. Born in Salem, VA, she was the wife of the late Vernon Randolph Johnson, and the daughter of the late Luther Edward and Maudie Lee (Deaton) Grice. She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Asia Connor, two sisters and two brothers. Willis is survived by two daughters: Vannette Harmon (Michael) of Fletcher and Mechelle Connor (Ronnie) of Hubert, NC; 4 grandchildren; and one brother, Herndon Grice. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. To place a condolence online, please visit www.grocefuneralhome.com. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.

Gunnery Sargent Normand Edgar Paul passed away peacefully at home on October 1, 2020, with his family by his side. He was born on December 30, 1933. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 3- 5pm at Wilkerson Funeral Home, Greenville. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cecile Paul, of 65 years. He is survived by his 5 children Robert Normand Paul, of Maryland; Kenneth Edgar Paul; Danny Raymond Paul; Steven Roger Paul; and Gayle Paul Tripp, all of NC, with grandchildren and great-grandchildren from all; and sister, Priscilla Gross of St. Augusta, Maine. He will be interred with full Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be announced later. ...

Samantha Marie Wells, 26, passed away Monday, September 7, 2020. Samantha was born on May 18th, 1994 in Jacksonville, NC. Samantha was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, aunt, sister, and mother. She is survived by her mother Michelle Mattocks of Athens, GA; father, Thomas Earl Wells, Sr. of Trenton, NC; a son, Jace S. McClure, fianc?; Matthew Haley; siblings, Mackenzie Locklair, Ashley Wells, Thomas Wells, Jr., Kelsey Wells and Kevin Socci; grandparents, Doug and Mary Mattocks of Watkinsville, GA and Jim and Linda Hudgins of Summerville, SC. A small memorial service will be held Sunday, September 13, 2020 at 2PM at Lord and Stephens West Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to...

Elvera was a fearless adventurer and explorer, always trying something new and achieving new heights. In college, her passions were acting, singing and piano. She took on the roles of many strong women while on stage and those experiences helped prepare her for a life with no boundaries. During her younger years, she was a bookkeeper, played in a band, earned her pilot's license, started a business, and raised a family. Later in life, she went on to become one of the youngest Life Masters in the ACBL competitive contract bridge circuit, and traveled the world with friends and family. Elvera was the ultimate hostess, always with a smile and an unforgettable laugh. She lived every moment in...