All Obituaries

Joseph Daniel Braxton, 46, of Kinston, passed away on Monday, January 23, 2023 at his home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jo Braxton and Pauline Sasser Braxton. He was a great brother and uncle, and a friend to all. He worked at Stallings Heating and Air for 15 years. He enjoyed watching football and spending time with loved ones. He will be missed by many. Joseph is survived by his sisters, Sharon Baughman of Kinston, Paula Jackson of Raleigh, and Trina Wade of Kinston, several...

Ms. Phyllis Lynne Hardison,66, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at UNC Lenoir HealthCare. She is preceded in death.by her mother, Patrcia Sawyer Hardison. Phyllis is survived by her father, Carson Hardison; two sons, Chris Nelms and Larry Nelms and wife, Victoria; three grandchildren, Jesse Nelms, Elizabeth and Cora Nelms; sisters, Bernice Provencher and Deanne Bautisa. A celebration of life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Pilgrim...

Victor Lee Johnson, 63, of Deep Run, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Johnson and Joyce Barwick Johnson, and nephew, Lynwood Goff, Jr. Victor was a loving husband of 15 years, brother, uncle, and friend. He worked as an electrician at Triple R Electric for many years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and cheering on the Carolina Panthers and UNC Tarheels. He is survived by his...

Elizabeth Ann Davis (Libby) Houston, 70, passed away Thursday, January 19th, following an extended illness.  A graduate of South Lenoir High School, Mount Olive College and Campbell University, Libby received a degree in Elementary Education. Truly passionate about her calling, she was a dedicated educator for over 30 years. Comfort Elementary School and the Comfort, NC community always held a very special place in her heart. She cherished each of her students and co-workers as...

Clinton “Clint” Heath Smith, 48, of Deep Run, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, January 15th, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Clint was an active member of Deep Run Original Free Will Baptist Church and had an incredible love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a Deacon and taught Sunday school to teenagers. Clint was president of the Deep Run Ruritan Club and an active member of the North Carolina Magistrates Association.  Clint worked as a...

Kimberly Michele Oliver, of Kinston, passed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, January 14, 2023 after a life-long neurological disease that took her body, but allowed her to keep a warm and loving heart. For the first time in 35 years, she is healthy, mobile, and dancing in Heaven. We are rejoicing in the fact that she will never be burdened with pain again. However, her loss has taken a toll on those that loved her. Kim was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Willard and Helen...

Jacquelyn Mercer Hardison of Kinston, NC went to be with her heavenly father on Friday, January 13, 2023. She was a devoted wife for 55 years, loving mother, grandmother and friend to many. She was big hearted, never met a stranger and enjoyed the laughter and smiles of everyone she came to know. She worked many years in transportation, holding several positions throughout the industry with various companies until she started her own company, Hardison Transportation in 1997. After retiring...

Retha “Rita” Locklear Bryant, 84 of Kinston, passed away Friday, January 6, 2023. She was born in Robeson County, NC on December 2, 1938 to the late Foncie and Sudie Maynor Locklear. Retha was raised in Lumberton, NC and was proud of her Lumbee Indian heritage. Her late husband of 55 years, James Bryant was her true love, and together, they devoted their time and energy to raising their family in Kinston, NC. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and...

William Leroy Whaley, Jr. (Billy) passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at ECU Health in Greenville. He was preceded in death by his father, William Leroy Whaley, Sr. of Pleasant Hill; grandparents, William and Annie Whaley of Pleasant Hill, and Hoyt and Ella Humphrey of Trenton; and Aunt Jo Ann Hill. He is survived by his son, William Tyler Whaley (Courtney) of Kinston; mother, Pat Whaley of Pleasant Hill; sister, Deborah Heath (O’Neal) of Pleasant Hill; nephew, Patrick Heath of...

Bonita Joy (Stroud) Bourdas, age 68, of Kinston, NC, was promoted to Glory on Monday, January 2nd, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones. Bonita was a loving and devoted Daughter, Sister, Aunt and Wife.   Although Bonita never had Children of her own, all of her Nieces and Nephews held a very special place in her heart. Bonita was a dedicated worker and retired from the Kinston Shirt Factory after 20 plus years.   She also enjoyed working in retail, where she could provide...