All Obituaries

Anthony (Tony) J. Ruggiero, Jr., 80, passed away on Tuesday February 16, 2021, surrounded by family. He was born on March 11, 1940, in East Boston, Massachusetts. He graduated from Boston Latin School, Tufts University, and Boston University with a degree in law. He served as an officer in the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps of the U.S. Navy, had a successful career as a corporate attorney, and established a private practice later in life. He and his family moved from...

On February 16th, 2021, Karen Lynn Mobley passed away peacefully at Kitty Askins surrounded by her husband and daughter. Karen was born in Lenoir County on June 14, 1963 and has always been a strong and compassionate person. No matter where life led her, she always found ways to pour love into the lives of those around her. Her compassion for others was evident in her daily life; as was her faith in God.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Leon Seymour and Annie...

Ernest Dale Whaley, 70, of Kinston passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at UNC Lenoir Health Care. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Wilton Whaley and Alma Keeton Whaley; daughter, Stephanie Whaley, and grandson, Allen Whaley. Ernest enjoyed watching the weather channel and NASCAR, especially his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt. He cared for his family deeply and loved seeing them every month when they gathered to eat together. He was loved by everyone around and will be...

Eula Marie Gilbert, 95, of Deep Run passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at UNC Lenoir Health Care. A Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at Pinelawn Memorial Park with Cliff Miller officiating.

Betsy Jones, 62, of Kinston, NC, peacefully passed away on Thursday February 11, 2021 with her husband David by her side after a difficult battle with COVID-19. Betsy was born on August 18th, 1958 and raised in the "bustling" community of Sand Hill USA. After Betsy graduated from North Lenoir High School in 1976, she pursued a degree in nursing at Lenoir Community College.  After graduation, Betsy was a caring and passionate nurse for over 25 years and truly loved her work...

  Dwight Albert Kennedy, 72, of Kinston passed away Thursday, February 4, 2021 at his home. He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Rachael Tyndall Kennedy, and sons, Kenneth Kennedy and Michael Kennedy. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching wrestling on television, and listening to George Jones sing. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Jean...

Cornelius Raleigh Smith, 85, passed away Thursday, February 4, 2021 at his home in Kinston. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mary Chandler Smith. Cornelius was a loving husband, father, and friend. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall. He was always willing to help others and will be truly missed by many. Survivors include his wife, Stacie Smith, of the home; daughter, Samantha Gooding;...

Ervin Thomas Wade, 93, of Kinston passed away on February 1, 2021 at UNC Lenoir Healthcare. He was the youngest son of Carl J. Wade and Jessie Waller Wade. Ervin was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Nannie Mae Thigpen and Ramona Mae Hill, and brothers, Carl L. Wade, Raymond E. Wade, James H. Wade, and Sidney L. Wade. Ervin graduated from Grainger High School in 1946. After a short stint in the Army Air Corps, he transitioned to the U.S. Air Force where he served during the Korean...

Frances Wilkins Cash went home to be with her Lord on January 29, 2021, at the age of 60. She is preceded in death by her father, Emmett Wilkins; mother, Ruth W. Casey; stepfather, Floyd Casey; stepbrothers, Jimmy Casey and Frankie Casey; and grandson, Hayden Hartsell. Frances was born to Emmett & Ruth Wilkins on September 7, 1960 in Kinston, NC. She was the baby of 4 children. She loved her parents and siblings dearly. Frances met her husband, Leon, in 1978, and they married in the...

Yvonne Churchill Holland, 84, passed away Friday, January 29, 2021. She was born June 2, 1936, to John Alvah and Mildred (Joyner) Churchill. She was raised in Rocky Mount, NC, and was presented as a debutante in 1954. She graduated from Duke University in1957 after attending the Nursing Program. She married James Holland on July 12, 1958. They relocated to Sylva, NC in 1969, and lived there...