James Sprunt Community College held a ceremony Monday to dedicate the Nursing Wing of the Ho er Building in honor of the late William E. Craft. He served on the JSCC Board of Trustees for more than three decades. Craft, a World War II U.S. Army veteran and longtime Kenansville attorney, was deeply involved in civic organizations. The JSCC ceremony recognized Craft’s lifelong commitment to education and his lasting impact on the college and community.
Toys for Tots
donations accepted through Dec. 17
Kenansville Duplin County Partnership for Children has announced its continued partnership with Toys for Tots and invites residents to help brighten the holidays for local families in need. Duplin County Partnership for Children is accepting donations for the 2025 holiday season through Dec. 17. Community members are encouraged to drop o new, unwrapped toys at the Partnership’s o ce, located at 149 Limestone Road in Kenansville.
Holiday closures
Duplin County In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, Duplin County o ces will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27–28.
Albertson man arrested on child sex crimes
Albertson Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce detectives arrested an Albertson man Nov. 13 on felony charges of statutory sex o ense with a child, statutory rape of a child 15 or younger, second degree kidnapping and a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. The man, identi ed as Albert Lorden, is being held without bond. According to authorities, the alleged charges result from a sexual assault investigation that included DNA evidence analyzed by the State Crime Lab.
Southern Lights dazzle on opening night
The Southern Lights premiere brought the holiday spirit to life at The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina in Willard. Families wandered through dazzling displays, re-lit benches, a glowing maze and a foam snowball pit. Turn to A3 for more.
Funding uncertainty dominates Warsaw town board meeting
The mayor-elect challenged the “learn as you go” approach while the town faces critical infrastructure deadlines
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
WARSAW — At last week’s November Warsaw Town Board meeting, Mayor-elect Wesley Boykin used public comment to
thank the board for its service while urging a more formal and structured transition as new members prepare to take o ce in December.
Boykin said that after meeting with Town Manager Lea Turner, he was told that managers and o cials “learn as they go,” a characterization he challenged. He emphasized that elected o cials must have a written, publicly available transition plan to ensure transpar-
ency, continuity of government and adherence to established protocols.
Boykin also requested a change of venue for the December meeting, noting that a larger public turnout is expected and that Parks and Recreation facilities could accommodate the crowd.
“I was told that it would be too much work because we know that there would be a lot of people attending the Dec. 8 meet-
ing, and since the o cers-elect are simply that, they cannot give directives,” said Boykin, adding that although o cers-elect cannot issue directives, they may make reasonable requests. Boykin told Duplin Journal that the move would require minimal e ort, likely involving only relocating microphones.
Following public comment, the town’s engineers provided
Gilmore enters 2026 race with key endorsement the
Longtime Judge Henry Stevens announces retirement and endorsed Judge Robert Gilmore for Superior Court
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
LAST WEEK, District Court Judge Robert H. Gilmore announced his intent to run for North Carolina’s Judi-
cial District 5 Superior Court; he is endorsed by Superior Court Judge Henry L. Stevens IV, who announced he will not seek reelection to his seat in 2026.
“I am looking forward to passing the baton to another person to ll this great responsibility,” said Stevens, whose family has a long lineage of judicial service. “I can think of no one more quali ed, with greater integrity, fairness, and
$2.00
Turnover, software issues and unreimbursed FEMA funds contributed to late audit and overspending, o cials say
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
WALLACE — The auditor conducting the state-required audit for the town of Wallace told the town council at its Nov. 13 meeting that there were some “signi cant de ciencies” discovered during the audit. In addition to expenditures exceeding appropriations during the previous scal year and a late debt service payment, the town also missed the deadline for completing the audit.
The auditor, T.D. Hill of the accounting rm RH CPAs, also said two “material weaknesses” included prior-period adjustments and preparation of nancial statements.
knowledge, than Judge Robert Gilmore. He embodies the values this o ce demands — legal skill, humility, diligence, compassion — and I am condent he will carry forward the legacy of impartial justice and service to our communities.”
Gilmore accepted the endorsement with gratitude, noting Stevens’ exemplary tenure. “Judge Stevens has set the
Another concern expressed by Hill in his presentation was the town’s “fund balance as a percentage of expenditures.” The audit revealed that in the 2024 scal year, that percentage fell to 29.8%. The state’s Local Government Commission (LGC) minimum threshold is 34%. Hill’s report said, “This is considered a nancial performance indicator and will require a formal response to be submitted to LGC within 60 days.” During Hill’s presentation to the council, he showed several charts depicting the nancial health of the town. One graphic summarizing the general fund revealed the expenditures of the town have exceeded the revenues each year from 2021 through 2024, with expenditures growing each year. In 2024, the graph stated the revenues into the town were $4,628,120, while expenditures were $5,519,314. Despite the issues, Hill complimented
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Robert H. Gilmore
Rose Hill Board approves new subdivision
Construction will begin on Church and Hall streets, with two homes built initially and four more added over time
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
ROSE HILL — The Rose Hill Town Board of Commissioners took the nal step at their meeting on Nov. 12, paving the way for a new six-home subdivision to be built in town. The meeting had been moved one day ahead due to Veterans Day.
The new homes will be built on a property at the intersection of Church Street and Hall Street. The plans were recently approved by the town planning board before being submitted to the full town board. According to Rose Hill Town Administrator Angela Smith, the developer plans on initially building two houses at the site and then adding the other four homes over a period of time.
The board also approved extending the lease of town property to Rooks Wells, who uses the property for agricultural purposes. According to Smith, the town cleared an additional portion of the land, which Wells also agreed to lease. The lease amount will be $2,062.50 annually.
At last month’s meeting, a representative of a beauty shop on Church Street asked the board to consider putting handrails to allow patrons to more easily maneuver up the steps beside parking spaces in front of the business. The board agreed to take up the matter at this meeting.
The northern side of Church Street, where the business is located, has steeper steps than the southern side in the downtown area.
Smith advised the board that she had learned since the last
a new six-home subdivision in town.
meeting that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) would require the entire downtown area to be brought into compliance with all ADA regulations if they added the requested handrails, which could be costly. The board agreed Smith should ask Legion Asphalt what it would cost to bring downtown into compliance. The board took no action on the request.
During Smith’s report to the board, she said the project to relieve the frequent ooding at the intersection of Walnut Street and Charity Road is scheduled to begin on Dec. 1. The town received a grant of $395,800 from the Golden LEAF Foundation to tackle the problem. According to the foundation’s website, heavy rains result in ooding caused by stormwater backups in a ditch on Walnut Street, which is a main egress for the town’s re department. The work is expected to be completed within four months.
Dec. 6 will be a busy day in Rose Hill for holiday celebrations. Christmas by the Tracks will feature the Christmas Parade at 6 p.m., followed by a performance by the parade’s grand marshal, native son Harvey Arnold. Arnold’s concert will be followed by the Christmas tree lighting and more music from the Johnson Boys. The event will also feature arts and crafts and food trucks.
Holiday wonder returns to The Gardens
The Southern Lights reopens with illuminated trails, wagon rides and festive treats for visitors of all ages
By Mark Grady Duplin Journal
THERE WAS JUST enough chill in the air to feel the holiday season coming on as The Southern Lights held premiere night at The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina in Willard on Saturday evening. Children and adults alike could be heard echoing a chorus of “Wow” as they approached the event entrance.
The Gardens, also known as Johnson Nursery, is a nonpro t organization led by David Johnson. He told Duplin Journal that the idea for the light show came from board member Karen Root about four years ago. Johnson said Root suggested that a light display would be an excellent way for the nonpro t to raise funds, especially given the ample land available to host it.
“With her advice, we started three years ago, and we’ve built upon it every year since then,” Johnson said.
At the show visitors were treated to a walk-through of an amazing series of lighted displays and sights. Scattered through the lights are benches with inviting re pits, an “A-Maze-ing Maze” and a pit for a little snowball ght fun using foam “snowballs.” A popular part of the event is an Elf Quest Wagon Ride that takes participants on a tour through lighted garden trails, complete with music and special at -
tractions around every bend. In addition to the incredible visual displays, there are stops where you can enjoy treats, including pizza, popcorn, soup and s’mores, as well as beverages ranging from eggnog and apple cider to co ee, teas and hot cocoa.
The Southern Lights Holiday Light Show will continue Nov. 21-22, Nov. 28-29, Dec. 4-6, Dec. 10-13, Dec. 15,
Dec. 18-20 and Dec. 22-23. Hours are 5:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $12. Children 5 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online at johnson-nursery.com by clicking the events tab and are also available at the entrance.
The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina is located at 985 Johnson Nursery Road in Willard and is owned by David Johnson and family.
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
The Rose Hill Board reviews the site plan map for
PHOTOS BY MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Jackson Murvin, 12, of Wallace, takes a break from strolling the enormous display of holiday lights to enjoy a cozy re pit at The Southern Lights premiere night on Saturday.
Visitors strolling through The Southern Lights are treated to a walk through a tunnel of light.
THE CONVERSATION
Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Duplin County shows the bright side of life
It is amazing what can happen when there are no televisions in every direction you look and people actually forget or lay down their devices.
ALL OUR LIVES, we have heard the “gloom and doom” statement, “This world is going to Hell in a handbasket.” Because of age and maturity, I now see things di erently. Actually, I now see things a whole lot di erently. Everywhere I go, I see many good people and many good things happening.
But “perception is reality.” That is, in my opinion, a true statement. So what if our perception is being controlled by forces that do not cover the good and then to add insult to injury, those same forces highlight the bad? With only a few exceptions, today’s media dwells mostly on the bad. Bad news sells better than good news.
Last weekend, on Friday night and Saturday afternoon, I attended the North Carolina Poultry Jubilee in Rose Hill with my grandson, Dixon Lee. Each day, the crowds were large and in a festive mood. In every direction, families could be seen enjoying vendor booths, the rides and the amazing grilled wings. I like round numbers, so I ate only 12. I think there were ve or six competition groups consisting of di erent House of Raeford employees. Cowan Johnson was heard telling folks, “I will have the ‘ rst place’ wings about 7 p.m. Sorry Cowan!”
As I enjoyed a welcomed reprieve from political events and activities, I felt unusually relaxed and was able to actually think about what I was seeing, hearing and feeling. It was like the hectic world had stopped, and I was back in time when we didn’t have 24/7 news “alerts” blasting in our ears and glaring in our eyes. I saw owners and employees talking, hugging and visiting in such a natural, “old-time way.” People weren’t talking about the government shutdown or any one of the other hundreds of bad things or conditions in the world.
It is amazing what can happen when there are no televisions in every direction you look and people actually forget or lay down their “devices” long enough to actually have fun interacting with each other. I
| PHILIP GLADDEN
Give thanks anyway
This Thanksgiving, when life is uncertain and scary, let us “Give thanks anyway.”
MARTINA MCBRIDE’S SONG “Anyway” says:
“You can spend your whole life buildin’ somethin’ from nothin’; one storm can come and blow it all away. Build it anyway. You can chase a dream that seems so out of reach and you know it might not come your way. Dream it anyway. This world’s gone crazy and it’s hard to believe that tomorrow will be better than today. Believe it anyway. You can love someone with all your heart for all the right reasons and in a moment, they can choose to walk away. Love ‘em anyway. You can pour your soul out singing a song you believe in that tomorrow they’ll forget you ever sang. Sing it anyway.”
The chorus of “Anyway” says: “God is great, but sometimes life ain’t good. When I pray, it doesn’t always turn out like I think it should, but I do it anyway.”
McBride shared about her song, “The part about believing tomorrow will be better than today was especially meaningful to me to write because I have a tendency to hear the news or read some kind of article, whether it is about terrorism or global warming or whatever, and I get really scared and nervous about our future. So that line is especially helpful and meaningful to me; it helps me remember that we’re all part of a bigger plan, and that we must have faith in the future, and it isn’t all gloom and doom.”
The apostle Paul wrote a thank-you note to the Philippians in which he expressed, “I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is
thought, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could take the “World’s Largest Frying Pan” on tour and stop in Washington, D.C., or Chicago or Raleigh? To put icing on the cake, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could also take all the Duplin County families, business owners and employees attending the jubilee on the tour and let those areas stand still and watch Duplin County neighbors show them how to act, how to treat each other, how to have fun without ghting and quarreling?
With fond thoughts and a great sense of gratitude while driving back home, I thanked the Lord for those who have preserved through the years to start and keep the Poultry Jubilee going. I also thanked the Lord for the kind, caring and generous e orts of Bob and Luanne Johnson and their family. I was well pleased to see the caring interactions of Bob and his family with their employees at the competing BBQ wing booths. All the rides for the children on Friday night were paid for by Bob and Luanne! My heart swelled with gratitude as I watched many re and rst responders serving their neighbors.
I don’t even regret Chad Smith “beguiling” me into buying his mother’s cake.
A week earlier, I attended the 105th consecutive Warsaw Veterans Day Parade and experienced much the same relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. I have attended over 70 of those magni cent “small town” parades. It was with great appreciation for the many years of dedicated service by hundreds of Warsaw folks keeping the event alive that I was able to pass legislation recognizing the Warsaw Veterans Day Parade as the o cial North Carolina Veterans Day Parade.
We the people should never forget the dedicated e orts of good ol’ Duplin County folks.
Rep. Jimmy Dixon represents Duplin and Wayne counties in the N.C. House of Representatives.
to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need.” Paul’s attitude could be another stanza in “Anyway,” maybe something like: “Sometimes you might be going hungry and in need, and think there is nothing to be thankful for. Give thanks anyway. Sometimes you might be well-fed and have plenty, and think there is no reason to be thankful because you’ve achieved it all on your own.
Give thanks anyway.”
“Give thanks anyway” is not meant to be a throw-away line or a meaningless platitude, nor does it ignore the very real needs faced by many of our neighbors today. “Give thanks anyway” is an honest admission that “God is great, but sometimes life ain’t good.” “Give thanks anyway” is a reminder not to neglect God, either when we’ve got it so bad we wonder where God is or when we’ve got it so good we start thinking we’ve achieved it all on our own and, of course, we deserve it. This Thanksgiving, when life is uncertain and scary, let us “Give thanks anyway.” And then, let us channel our gratitude into our e orts to help our neighbors who nd it “hard to believe that tomorrow will be better than today.”
Philip Gladden is a retired minister who lives in Wallace.
COLUMN | JIMMY DIXON
COLUMN
Wallace Town Manager Rob Taylor, saying he had been cooperative in gathering all the information needed to complete the audit.
A few town council members had general questions for the auditor but had no comments regarding the de ciencies or weaknesses outlined in the audit.
Wallace Mayor Jason Wells later told Duplin Journal that the late ling of the audit was the result of what he referred to as the “perfect storm.”
“Turnover in the nance director position, four in a year,” Wells said in a text message. He added that issues with implementing new software and getting new auditors up to speed also played a factor.
As far as the overages revealed in the audit, Wells said planned grant matches as well as the software issues were factors.
He said the issues were “things we could have xed and dealt with. We just didn’t know where we were while new software was being implemented.”
Wells added that the budget included funds anticipated from FEMA that were not reimbursed.
The council also held a public hearing during the meeting regarding the rezoning of property located on Old Wilmington Road near N.C. Highway 11. The landowner requested that the 11 acres be rezoned to allow the placement of up to eight mobile homes on the property, which is located just outside the town limits but within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of Wallace. After the hearing, the board approved the request.
Two more public hearings were scheduled by the council for their December meeting to consider a rezoning request and the annexation of property on N.C. Highway 41, just east of the Walmart area beside Rocking Horse Lane. The land is being developed for commercial use by Avery-Davis Investments
of Knightdale. A portion of the property is currently zoned for residential use. The developers are asking that the a ected land be rezoned as a highway business district.
Regarding the same location, the board agreed to the closure of the Olde Field Road on the property to open up the area for commercial construction.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, 12-year-old Isla Blanton requested permission to place a “mini-food pantry” near the town hall area and also near the re department.
“I recently noticed food pantries in Wallace have limited hours,” Blanton told the council. “Food insecurity is a reality. The government shutdown has increased the need for assistance.”
Blanton said she wanted to create a mini-food pantry that resembles the free book kiosks that she hopes people will stock with donated nonperishable food items.
Wells responded to Blanton’s request, saying he liked the idea and suggested Blanton contact Taylor to explore the best location and process for placing the food pantry.
Blanton is the daughter of Duane and Harley Blanton of Wallace and is in the 6th grade at Harrell’s Christian Academy.
In other business, the council approved a request from Taylor to amend the budget to allow funds designated for stormwater maintenance to be transferred to the project to improve water ow through the small pond at Farrior Park. The project has been completed and was mostly nanced with a $115,000 grant to the town. The cost of the improvement exceeded the grant amount by $3,432.60.
Taylor informed the council that work is underway on the town’s capital improvement plan for the years 2026-30. The council will vote on the plan at the December meeting.
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
T.D. Hill of RH CPAs, standing, gives a presentation to the Wallace Town Council on the recently completed town audit. Hill said the audit revealed three “signi cant de ciencies” and two “material weaknesses” discovered in the audit process. Share with your community!
Send your birth, death, marriage, graduation and other announcements to community@duplinjournal.com
Weekly deadline is Monday at noon.
Greenevers Community Center to serve as disaster shelter
The board partnered with the Red Cross for disaster readiness
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke Duplin Journal
GREENEVERS
— The Greenevers town board met Monday night with a full agenda, beginning with a report from Greenevers Fire Station 14. Many of the town’s re hydrants need repairs, and the board discussed the estimated cost per hydrant to repair as many as possible in a scally responsible way. Mayor Diane Brown suggested seeking a grant to help cover costs.
Town Clerk Emma Brinson shared an opportunity for free grant-writing services through North Carolina Municipality ARP funding, which could support sidewalks, recreation and other local projects. The board agreed to sign a contract for the free services and see what they
can come up with. Brinson shared that the Red Cross is seeking a partnership with the town to provide a disaster shelter at the Community Center. The board discussed sta ng, space, revenue impact and maintenance of the building if it were used as a shelter.
“We are talking about using this as a shelter in a time of disaster; no one is going to want to rent this building for an event during a time like that. If anyone is down and out and we can help them with just shelter, we should do it,” Brown said.
The board approved the use of the Community Center as a disaster shelter.
Infrastructure updates included the McDavid Associates water project, stormwater project closeout and upcoming waterline work. The board reviewed updated subdivision ordinances and plans for further training with town consultant Carlton Gideon. Brown suggested discussing the ordi-
nances and changes with the planning board, then to follow up with Gideon.
In other business
The board discussed bids for bush cutting on town-owned roads and the need for another estimate before making a decision. The board also discussed bids for installing holiday banners, aiming to complete the decorations before Thanksgiving. Membership in NC811, a service to protect underground infrastructure, was tabled for further research.
The 600-page Sampson/Duplin Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan draft, which is available online for public comment, was also discussed. Information, including links to the plan, is posted on the town’s website. Brinson also highlighted community concerns, including an overgrown bush blocking the highway and overnight parking at the Community Center.
Immigration crackdown in NC expands to Raleigh
Border Patrol units were spotted in Durham, Raleigh and Cary
By Gary D. Robertson and Tim Sullivan The Associated Press
Federal agents expanded their North Carolina immigration crackdown to the area around the state capital of Raleigh on Tuesday, with fear spreading in at least one immigrant-heavy suburb where restaurants closed and many people stayed home.
The North Carolina operation began over the weekend in the state’s largest city, Charlotte, where o cials said more than 130 people have been arrested.
Speaking at a Raleigh City Council meeting, Mayor Janet Cowell said there had been “con rmed sightings” of Border Patrol o cers operating in Wake County, which includes Raleigh, and nearby Durham County, which includes the city of Durham. She said earlier that she did not know how large the operation would be or how long agents would be present.
She encouraged residents to call the police department if they felt unsafe and urged protesters to remain peaceful.
“And just be particularly kind to your neighbors today,” she added.
Federal o cials have said the crackdowns will reduce crime, though leaders in both Charlotte and Raleigh said crime was down. The o cials have also criticized so-called sanctuary policies that limit cooperation between local authorities and immigration agents in a handful of jurisdictions.
Anxiety spreads swiftly in Raleigh suburb
Federal o cials have given no information about activity in the Raleigh area.
But in Cary, a sprawling Raleigh suburb where o cials say almost 20% of the population was born outside the U.S. and the large Asian population tripled in the 1990s, fear spread quickly.
An area resident recorded as a large black SUV with darkly tinted windows and Texas license plates drove through Cary’s downtown, eventually linking up with another SUV.
The vehicles stopped at a construction site, where Pamela Hoile recorded Border Patrol agents detaining four workers.
Speaking by phone after posting the video on Facebook, she described herself as a “very outraged, horri ed and concerned citizen.”
The Chatham Square shopping center, which is usually bustling at midday with workers eating at mom-and-pop ethnic restaurants, was quiet. Most of the restaurants — Mexican, Indian and Chinese among them — were closed. Nearby, the often-full parking lot at an Indian grocery store was largely empty, and tra c
inside was nonexistent.
Esmeralda Angel’s family closed their restaurant, the Esmeralda Grill, to avoid any confrontations between customers and federal agents. At their separate grocery store, they were delivering items to customers who were avoiding going out in public.
The family businesses had scaled back to help their community, she said, but knew it would hurt nancially.
“Taco Tuesday is the busy day for all of these restaurants,” Angel said of the weekly specials. “But I think everyone would rather close than operate.”
Congresswoman calls deployment ‘profound abuse of power’
U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee, a Democrat who represents Durham, part of Raleigh and some suburbs, said Tuesday that the deployment of federal immigration agents in North Carolina “is a profound abuse of power, a violation of civil rights and a stain on our democracy.”
“And just be particularly kind to your neighbors today.”
Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell
The region’s South Asian community has grown dramatically in recent decades, including many people drawn to the Research Triangle region by high-tech jobs.
Satish Garimella is mayor pro tempore in Morrisville, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) west of downtown Raleigh. Close to half of the town’s 30,000 people are Asian.
Garimella, who grew up in India but is now a U.S. citizen, said the expected arrival of immigration agents is “creating a lot of panic,” and he recommended residents carry identity documents.
“You just don’t know when you will be questioned and what things are needed,” Garimella said.
The Trump administration turned to North Carolina after immigration crackdowns in Los Angeles and Chicago, both deep blue cities in deep blue states run by nationally prominent o cials who are often loudly critical of President Donald Trump. They also increased operations in Portland, Oregon, where more than 560 immigration arrests were made in October, according to U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks.
North Carolina was a more surprising target.
The mayors of Charlotte and Raleigh are both Democrats, as is the governor, but none are known for wading into national political battles. In a state where divided government has become the norm, Gov. Josh Stein in particular has tried to get along with the GOP-controlled state legislature. The state’s two U.S. senators are
both Republican, and Trump won the state in the last three presidential elections.
State was drawn into national debates
A handful of cities and counties in North Carolina have been drawn into America’s debates over crime and immigration, two of the most important issues to the White House.
The most prominent was the fatal stabbing this summer of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte lightrail train, an attack captured on video. The suspect was from the U.S., but the Trump administration repeatedly highlighted that he had been arrested more than a dozen times.
While the Department of Homeland Security has said it is focusing on the state because of sanctuary policies, most North Carolina county jails have long honored “detainers,” or requests from federal o cials to hold an arrested immigrant for a limited time so agents can take custody of them.
Some common noncooperation policies have existed in few places, including Raleigh and Charlotte, where the police do not help with immigration enforcement.
In Mecklenburg County, the jail did not honor detainer requests for several years, until after state law e ectively made it mandatory starting last year. Wake County, where Raleigh is located, had a similar policy.
DHS said about 1,400 detainers across North Carolina had not been honored since October 2020, putting the public at risk.
Matt Mercer, a spokesperson for the North Carolina Republican Party, said in a text message that the arrival of immigration agents to Raleigh would show that failures by “radical Democrats will nally be taken seriously.”
MATT KELLEY / AP PHOTO
Protesters holds signs amidst the arrival of federal law enforcement Monday in Charlotte.
DUPLIN SPORTS
TIGERS’ TRIPLE PLAY
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WARSAW — It’s no longer hyperbole to call the James Kenan the football team to beat in the East.
That’s somewhat factual after the Tigers beat Wallace-Rose Hill for the second time in three weeks following a regular season in which they had just two tight-in-the-fourth-quarter games.
After a 27-6 rout of their rival, No. 1 JK (10-1) hosts No. 9 Ayden-Grifton on Friday at Bill Taylor Field in a third-round showdown.
Funez
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
TEACHEY — Felix Funez was pushed and held, elbowed and kicked and fouled so much by Greene Central defenders it was nearly impossible for him to not complain to the o cials.
The Wallace-Rose Hill senior striker listened when his coaches pleaded with him to let it go and play on.
Funez scored both goals last Thursday to not only take the scoring lead among Duplin County players but also rocket the Bulldogs to a 2-0 win and a berth in the East Region nals early this week in Teachey.
“That game was going to make one of us better process, and I’m very proud our kids showed up,” said JK coach Tim Grady, whose team whipped its 3A Duplin rival for the third straight time. “They knew we didn’t play our best that other night (in a 21-14 win on Oct. 31).”
Quarterback
Eli Avent ran for two scores in JK spread o ense, CJ Hill found the end zone via running and receiving, and the Tigers defense limited the state’s third-leading rusher, Jamarae Lamb, to a season-low 145 yards. “We put a focus on trying to stop
what he does, and I felt we had a good gameplan,” said JK o ensive coordinator John Bert Avent. “Our guys lled the alleys and seams and made sure he didn’t cut it back.”
JK’s defense, probably its weakest link entering the season, has become a feared attacking force.
“This made us believe in it even more than we did,” Avent said. “It’s a we-go-do-this in real time feeling for our players.”
WRH (6-6) fell behind 13-0 but rallied to cut the lead to 13-7 before
He might also have proven he is the best soccer player in Duplin, as he displayed his all-around skills to get shots in a variety of ways.
Funez’s intensity was duplicated by several of his teammates, as the No. 2 team in 3A punched its ticket to face No. 1 North Carolina School of Science and Math (20-1-2).
The winner meets the West survivor between Polk County (17-0-3) and Pine Lakes Prep (17-3-1)
WRH (17-4-1) won its 15th straight match by being a step faster against a Ramz team with a reputation of running past its foes.
“It was a heck of a match, and their
defense neutralized our attack,” said Greene Central coach Jacob Baird, whose club has averaged 20.5 wins the previous three years. “They are an elite program, and I have no explanation. They shut us down.”
Completely.
While the Rams got a few random shots, the ball was in front of their goalie most of the night as leading scorers Miguel Zavala (55 goals), Joe Osorio (23) and Angel Contreras (11) were repeatedly sti ed and smothered.
WRH showed great ball skills and found all kinds of ways to get opportunities on the goal before a near-capacity crowd.
Funez made it 1-0 with 21:25 to play before halftime.
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WARSAW — It won’t be the WRH record head coach Kevin Motsinger will remember about his football team, which lost 27-6 to James Kenan last Friday in the second round of the 3A playo s. It will be the Bulldogs’ resolve and unity. WRH, which has over 100 wins more than
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
WRH’s Felix Funes is the top goal-scorer in Duplin County.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE
Shawn Davis
East Duplin, football
Shawn Davis becoming a two-way player has made the ED football team better.
The senior fullback/linebacker’s double duty is a key to the Panthers’ 9-2 mark.
He reached the 1,000-yard mark for the third straight season last Friday by rumbling for a 95-yard touchdown during a 48-20 second-round playo win over North Johnston.
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Panther is averaging 7.6 tackles on defense as ED’s lone losses have been to James Kenan, the No. 1 seed in 3A, and top-seed Jacksonville in 6A.
He’s scored at least a touchdown in nine of 11 games and is averaging 7.2 yards per carry.
Davis has run for nearly 4,000 yards and scored 51 times during his career.
This season, East Duplin won the ECC for the rst time since 2022.
RUSHING
(all stats courtesy of MaxPreps, may be incomplete)
PLAYER (School) Att-Yds TDs
Jamarae Lamb (WRH) 279-2,398 30
Carell Phillips (ND) 186-1,878 26
Jeremiah Hall (JK) 118-1,472 21
Jeremiah Davis (HCA) 93-1,138 12
Shawn Davis (ED) 147-1,063 14
Aaron Hall (ED) 110-776 9
Jarrod Miller (HCA) 80-672 11
Jaylon Pope (ND)
Taulil Pearsall (JK)
Carr (WRH)
Glover (WRH)
(JK)
Big plays propel Panthers to landslide win over North Johnston
Aaron Hall, Shawn Davis and Keeshon Mckinnie needed just seven plays to produce 335 yards and seven touchdowns
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
BEULAVILLE — Big plays in the postseason are omens to advancing.
Sometimes it only takes one.
Last Friday at Brian Aldridge Field, seven monster plays led No. 3 East Duplin to a 48-20 win over No. 14 North Johnston in the second round of the 4A playo s.
Shawn Davis, Aaron Hall and Keeshon Mckinnie took the ball to the house seven times for a total of 335 yards, and only one was a less than the length of the yardsticks.
The senior threesome used blocks to spring into the second level of NJ’s defense and from there were uncatchable.
Davis (9-173) scored from 95 and 34 yards out, while Hall (9-162) hit pay dirt from 59, 58 and 9 yards.
McKinnie played well in all facets of his game, running for a 41-yard score, taking a pass from Branson Norris to the house from the 39, and making a team-high 18 tackles and adding an interception.
The Panthers (9-2) advanced to host No. 11 Southwest Edgecombe on Friday.
Another “cat” battle in the third round
East Duplin has won six straight after capturing the ECC title on Oct. 24.
The Panthers will play their second consecutive game against a school from the Three Rivers 4A Conference. A win would pit them against the top team in that league, No. 2 West Craven (10 -1), in Vanceboro in the fourth round.
Yet head coach Battle Holley and his assistants are not thinking that far ahead. After whipping the fth-place team the focus is on the Cougars, the fourth-place team. Third-place North Pitt is No. 12 and still alive.
ED and 3A Pender are the only ECC 3A/4A schools still in the postseason mix.
The Cougars (7-5) upended No. 6 Bunn 29-24 in the second round, led by running back Andre Downey, who hit
on 14 of 182 and had a pair of touchdown tosses.
Downey (98-920, 12 TDs) is one of two big o ensive guns for Southwest Edgecombe. Quarterback Davion Mayo can throw (64-126 for 1,270 yards, 16 TDs) and run the ball (71-341 9 TDs).
Mayo’s top target is Justin Bridgers, who has squeezed 27 catches for 710 yards and 13 scores.
Running back Keanaji Hopkins (100-715) is another proven contributor.
The Cougars have won three straight for the second time this fall, with their most promising setback coming via a 14-0 loss to Tarboro, unbeaten and No. 1 in 2A.
It’s a very winnable game for the Panthers, whose last long playo run produced the school’s rst state title in 2022 when ED beat Reidsville, the No. 1 team in the top half of the 4A this season.
Coincidentally, the Panthers’ two losses this fall have come to the No. 1 team in 3A (27-21 to James Kenan) and No. 1 seed in 6A (35-24 to Jacksonville).
Bad start, great recovery
The bulk of quarterback Caleb Pon’s rushing (16-144) came during a 78-yard run to the 1 on the rst snap of the game as North Johnston (6-6) had its lone lead of the day.
Hall gave ED a 7-6 lead on ED’s third o ensive snap, and Davis extended it to 14-6 three snaps after the NJ
turned the ball over on downs. A Dewayne Davis interception set up the next score after NJ drove to the ED 20. Davis bolted 95 yards on his second carry of the series. Mckinnie’s rushing score made it 27-6 at halftime. Hall scored on the rst snap of the third quarter and then just before the start of the fourth. Mckinnie added a touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, one play after his interception.
Panther paws
Ayden Lane had 14 tackles, Bryson Brown 11, DeWayne Davis had 10, Zack Ball and Isiah Bannerman nine apiece, and Semaj Scott and Tavarius Dawson eight each.
The Panthers sacked Pone ve times, and ED’s o ense was so e cient that it only faced two third-down situations.
Davis (147-1,063) passed the 1,000-yard mark for the third consecutive season. The senior ran for 1,464 yards and 19 scores last season and 1,144 and 18 touchdowns as a sophomore. He’s compiled 3,696 yards and scored 51 times after taking a hando as his team has gone 25-10.
He’s not done bad after stepping into the shoes of Avery Gaby, the 2022 MVP who ran for 2,195 yards and 41 scores during ED’s historic campaign.
Hall (110-776, 9 TDs) is 23 yards from matching his total from last fall (132-799, 7 TDs).
(HCA)
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL ED head coach Battle Holley is hoping running back Aaron Hall can cap his career by going deep into the 4A playo s.
ND shut out SouthsideChocowinity a second time and prepare for Edenton Holmes in the third round
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
CALYPSO — The North Duplin football team had to ght the urge to go on cruise control during a 42-0 shutout against Southside-Chocowinity last Friday at H.E. Grubbs Field in the second round of the 2A playo s.
The Rebels didn’t su er a letdown, even though they beat the Seahawks 27-0 in the rst game of the season.
Playing hard and running around the stadium with the victory ag has become a habit the Rebels relish.
No. 3 ND, which celebrated its second straight 10-win season, will host No. 6 Edenton Holmes (7-4) on Friday.
“They have three running backs and a quarterback who are e cient and explosive,” said ND head coach Hugh Martin. “It’s assignment football for our players, but we also have to react to defend what they do. So you can’t be 100% assignment based.”
The Aces (7-4) won the Albemarle 2A Conference behind the running of running backs Kazzure Downing (76-1,165, 14 TDs), DJ Sutton (68-747, 15 TDs) and Caden Jernigan (83-851, 14 TDs), and quarterback Mason Byrum (111-657, 6 TDs) in rolling to 3,547 yards and 52 ground scores.
“We have to make tackles and stay away from big plays,” Martin said.
O ensive coordinator Brad Rhodes said he enjoys the challenge playing a school ND hasn’t faced during Martin’s 20-year tenure.
“We had that chance this year in our new conference and now in the playo s against a team that is fundamentally sound on both sides of the ball,” Rhodes said. “I know it sound like a cliché, but we are continuing to clean things up on our end (offensively), and we’ll need to play very consistent o ensively to have success moving the football.
They have size up front and are well coached.”
Holmes started o 0-4, with losses to 5A Currituck, 4A North Johnston and 3A schools Pasquotank and Northeastern. All but North Johnston is alive in postseason play.
“The early losses are not an indication of where they are right now,” Martin said. “Our defense played well against an improved Southside o ense. They took away a lot of running lanes.”
Holmes enters with a seven-game winning streak in which it averaged 47 points per game.
The winner faces the survivor of No. 2 Warren County (9-2) and No. 10 East Carteret (6-5).
In other bracket action, No. 1 Tarboro (11-0) faces No. 9 Hobbton (7-4), and No. 4 East Bladen (8-3) entertains No. 5 Manteo (7-3).
The Aces scored thenal 30 points last Friday en route to a 55-16 win over No. 11 Perquimans.
Phillips and company shred Seahawks
Carell Phillips (17-152) ran for a pair of touchdowns, while back eld mate Quan Stevens (7-96) added two of his three scores as ND went up 28-0 at halftime.
Stevens had a 21-yard score to start the game and a 45-yard touchdown midway through the second quarter.
Phillips had a 5-yard push at the 6:24 mark of the second
quarter and a 45-yard jaunt later in the period.
The senior has run for 1,878 yards and 26 touchdowns this fall.
Stevens went in from a yard out in the fourth as the lone score of the quarter. ND held Southside to 100 yards of offense (67 running, 33 passing).
Martin is 164-64 in 23 seasons, which includes his rst three seasons at East Duplin.
No. 1 High Point Christian routs Crusaders
A sweet season ended on a bit of a sour note last Friday when No. 1 High Point Christian smothered Harrells Christian 56-0 in the NCISAA 2A semi nals.
Jaylen Moore (19-158) ran for four scores as the Cougars cruised to a 35-0 halftime lead.
No. 4 HCA (9-3) had its best campaign since 2021 and return a bulk of talent, which includes Jeremiah Davis (93 -1,138, 14 TDs), Jarrod Miller (80-672, 11 TDs) and Demetrius Jones (72-387, 7 TDs).
This Friday, Mckoy, Davis, Mckoy, J’Kaeshi Brunson and defensive end Amir Moore will join all-state hoopster Anthony Mckoy as HCA opens its basketball season.
JK since 1959 and leads the alltime series 47-31, nished 6-6. “This is not a team or program that is dead,” Motsinger said. “Our program is not built on sand.”
While the Bulldogs clearly lacked the talent they always seem to have, Motsigner said his team stepped up, even through injuries, a lack of depth and the loss of two assistant coaches — OC Adam Scronce to Hobbton and assistant OC Graham Walker to rival East Duplin.
Close losses mark the season for WRH, which fell by a touchdown to Midway, Kinston, Pender and James Kenan during the regular season, all three which are alive in the postseason.
Motsinger had high praise for his seniors, which include running back Jamarame Lamb, linebacker Will Brooks and SE/LB Will Brooks. He lost senior Devon Sloan and his younger brother three weeks ago when their father moved out of Duplin County.
Lamb (279-2,398, 30 TDs) was an unstoppable runner on Friday nights and will continue to run on Saturdays next season in college. He’s yet to decide after getting many o ers.
“Pound for pound the best player in the East,” Motsinger said, “as a runner or a shutdown corner.”
Brooks, who had eight tack-
les against the Tigers, averaged 6.5 tackles and led the team in tackles for lost yardage with 11.
“He had an unbelievable senior year after being in the hospital with his future uncertain as to if he would ever play again,” Motsinger said.
“Wells was phenomenal, too. (Fans) ripped his soul out early in the year, and if that happened to someone else it would be big news. It came from people who don’t know football but get on social media where there are no consequences. Matt has a strong character.”
ND, JK and ED had losing seasons around COVID-19. WRH’s last losing mark came in 2008. It was nal season at WRH for Jack Holley (412-96-8).
Motsinger said Bulldog pride carried his team.
“It’s hard to imagine what would have happened if our senior class wasn’t so tight,” he said. “This was a rebuild and reboot year, and with all the losses we had when we got to the end no one wanted to see us in their bracket. Our kids believed whoever won our nal game was going to the state nals.”
Motsinger, 187-91 in 21 seasons, which includes three at JK and nine at both New Hanover and WRH, may have done one of his best coaching jobs of his career by making the Bulldogs competitive each week after a 21-0 loss on opening night to ED.
SOCCER from page B1
Forwards Wilmer Flores and Steven Acosta, and midelders Junior Ayestas and Cristian Calderon were also impactful.
“That’s a great team over there,” said WRH head coach Aaron Murray. “They have so much speed, and I was proud of our guys for the e ort our play. It really doesn’t have anything to do with me and everything to do with these players.
“They know it’s all or nothing right now. They have something to prove. I was on my heels the rst 10 minutes trying to gure out Greene Central.”
WRH did that and then played with an edge the Rams couldn’t match.
Goalie Angel Seville made three superb saves, and defender Cergio Acosta chased down Contreras on a breakaway as another goal-saving gem.
“It’s a big step for us,” Murray said. “We had a nice energy, and we got more of it from Angel,” Murray said. “That always gives you a push.”
Funez collected his 25th goal of the season early in the second half to surpass East Duplin’s Yoskar Canales (24 goals).
Dorlin Andrande nearly made it 3-0 20 seconds later. Greene Central made a couple of mad rushes to the WRH goal mouth in the nal eight minutes.
But WRH con dently controlled nearly the entire match and wasn’t about to give an inch.
They appeared to win the bulk of the 50-50 balls, playing like a veteran team, not a club that is rebuilding or unsure of itself.
Flores and Cergio Acosta each knocked in a pair of goals in an 8-2 second-round win over Trinity. Funez, Brayan Sanchez, Steven Acosta and Gabriel Cubas each added a goal. WRH went up 5-0 at halftime and never looked back. WRH has allowed only six goals in the last 14 games. The nals are slated for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Appenzeller Field, which is located on the campus of Guilford College.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Jayden Pope and ND will host Edenton Holmes on Friday at H.E. Grubbs Field in a third-round 2A playo matchup.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL WRH’s Will Brooks and Darrius McCrimmon take JK’s Jeremiah Hall to the ground during their nal game in a Bulldogs uniform.
WRHS
Hill went 55 yards for a touchdown and two-score advantage with 5:15 left in the third quarter and was a momentum-shifter.
Lamb had WRH thinking it could change the rst-half script by scoring his 30th rushing touchdown of the season on its opening drive of the second half.
Up 18-7, JK’s nal score was a somewhat meaningless 45-yard touchdown catch from Avent to Hill with 49 seconds left on the clock.
Eli’s a-coming and he’s toting the ball
Another big di erence in the two games between JK and WRH was how Eli Avent set the tone.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL Jacquez Smith, Cal Avent and Alex Vasquez allowed just one score from WRH’s Jamarae Lamb during a 26-7 win in the second round of the 3A playo s.
The senior soared up the middle on the rst snap of the game for a 41-yard score. After WRH’s three-and-out, Avent had a 30-yard gain, and though the drive stalled near mid eld, the Bulldogs knew they had to
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
NORTH CAROLINA, DUPLIN COUNTY
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by MICHELE
MARIE HORNE, A Single Woman to Eugene Davis, Trustee(s), which was dated May 27, 2020 and recorded on May 27, 2020 in Book 1922 at Page 823, Duplin County Registry, North Carolina.
Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on December 2, 2025 at 12:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Duplin County, North Carolina, to wit:
Being all of Lots 21 and 22 of the Herbert E. Miller, Jr.
Subdivision as surveyed in January, 1958, by Charles V. Brooks, III, and as appears in Map Book 216, Page
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY
FILE#25E001432-300
The undersigned, TARA J. HOLMES, having quali ed on the 3RD DAY of NOVEMBER, 2025, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of WILBER WOOLARD BAILEY, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 13TH Day of FEBRUARY 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 13TH Day of NOVEMBER 2025.
TARA J. HOLMES, ADMINISTRATOR 229 WESTONS WOOD RD. PINK HILL, NC 28572
Run dates:N13,20,27,D4p
deal with both a spread attack and its super-power running game.
Grady credited former Tigers coach Tyler Pugh, now WRH’s defensive coordinator, for making him use both o enses.
“I couldn’t do what I wanted to do the rst game because he did a tremendous job pushing my comfort zone,” Grady said. “But what he did made us a better team. We executed and got to see our players perform at a high level.”
WRH stumped JK on fourth-and-2 but then forced a punt from WRH three plays later.
The boot went eight yards, and Avent (13-138) scored from the 35 two plays later.
Jeremiah Hall (14-105) would have punched it in if Darrius McCrimmon hadn’t made a touchdown-saving tackle following a 29-yard jaunt by the senior who has uan for 1,472 yards and 21 scores this fall.
JK stopped WRH twice in the red zone, the second of which came late in the fourth quarter.
37, of the Duplin County Registry, reference to which is hereby made.
And being the same lots described in deeds recorded in Book 649, Page 508, and Book 1236, Page 602, of the Duplin County Registry.
Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
Said property is commonly known as 616 Stevens St, Wallace, NC 28466.
A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale.
Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.
Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being
West 100 feet to the
of Mrs. Reba P. Gavin; thence with her line South 44 degrees 30 minutes East 18.4 feet to the beginning containing 21,840 square feet, more or less. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
Said property is commonly known as 271 Cool Springs Road, Magnolia, NC 28453.
A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale.
Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY
FILE#25E001393-300
The undersigned, SOMMER WILSON, having quali ed on the 6TH DAY of OCTOBER, 2025, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of ANITA LOIS BURTON, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 30TH Day of JANUARY 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 30TH Day of OCTOBER 2025.
SOMMER WILSON, ADMINISTRATOR 140 RAYMOND HUGHES LANE BEULAVILLE, NC 28518
Run dates:O30,N6,13,20p
“We didn’t execute in the three phases of the game, and when they scored early and got the momentum, we could never get it back,” said WRH head coach Kevin Motsinger. “They’ve got the athletes, they got the talent, and they have great speed.
“It’s been a tough year. Rebuilding, rebooting. Losing two coaches. Everyone saying we don’t have the running backs as in the past. But our kids believed the winner was going to the state championship.”
Gridiron notebook
No. 9 Ayden-Grifton (8-4) clipped No. 8 Whiteville 27-26 last Friday as top running back Nigel Morgan (54-890, 13 TDs) had a pick-six and quarterback John Field (121-215, 1,476 yards, 15 TDs) had a scoring toss to wideout Khimani Nelson (24 -279, 6 TDs).
Fullback EJ Ru n (111-603, 8 TDs) has been the Chargers’ workhorse in the middle.
o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Michele Marie Horne.
An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination.
PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.
Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Rachel N. Thomas.
An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has
If
The winner faces the survivor of No. 5 Martin County (8-3) and No. 14 Farmville Central (7-5).
The other parings include No. 2 Pender (10-1) hosting No.7 Northeastern (8-3) and No. 14 Kinston (8-4) visiting No. 6 Pasquotank (8-3).
According to longtime sportswriter Bill Rollins, JK is 13-14 in second-round games and 9-1 in the third round, including seven straight since 2006. The Tigers have a 4-3 edge of WRH in the postseason. The two schools met three -straight times in the 1AA East nals. JK won 28-14 in 2013 with WRH taking 34-31 and 29-13 triumphs the following two seasons. JK won the title in 2013 and WRH from 2014 to 2017.
The seven points JK gave up is the fewest in rivalry since a 37-0 win in 2008, Jack Holley’s nal season. Holley (412-96-9), of course, is second all-time in wins in North Carolina and in the top 20 nationally.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of Albert John Ferry Jr, late of Duplin County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned Executor on or before February 13, 2026 or this notice or same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate please make immediate payment. This 13th day of November, 2025.
William R Ferry 697 Sumner Road Pink Hill, NC 28572 Executor of the Estate of Albert John Ferry Jr, deceased. 11/13/2025
Trustee
not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.
Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 25-11953-FC01
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS By Publication State of North Carolina County of Duplin In The General Court Of Justice File NO: 25CV002170-300
Karen Garriss Pacheco Plainti , VS. Wilson Arnulfo Pacheco
obituaries
Arlita Hopkins
Sept. 23, 1946 – Nov. 7, 2025
With deep love and profound respect, we announce the passing of Arlita Fiala Hopkins on Friday, November 7, 2025. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
She was born on September 23, 1946, in Linn County, Iowa, where she grew up. She graduated from La Salle High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and she attended Mount Mercy College.
While going to school, Arlita met her future husband, Mark Hopkins, and they were married for over 58 wonderful years. She leaves behind a loving family, including her daughters, Christine and Dana, and their husbands, David and Charles, and her grandson, Joshua, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Arlita’s life was marked by her deep faith in the Catholic Church. She has been an active member of the Tran guration of Jesus Catholic Church in Wallace, NC, for over 20 years, where she has contributed to various ministries. She was as active as her pain would allow in Saint Vincent dePaul, Catholic Charities, Women of Trans guration and the Rosary.
Arlita also enjoyed cooking and baking, water aerobics, Mahjong, and the art of conversation. She never met a stranger.
After almost 40 years of struggling with multiple sclerosis, Arlita was ready to return to the Lord. We love and miss her.
Her life will be celebrated with a funeral mass on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Trans guration of Jesus Catholic Church in Wallace, NC, at 11 a.m.
Barbara Simmons
March 27, 1970 –Nov. 12, 2025
Barbara Jean Simmons, 55, of Hampstead, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
She was born on March 27, 1970, in Allentown, PA, to the late Raymond C. Keeler Jr. and the late Marie Keeler. Barbara was a devoted and loving mother and wife. She was involved in recreational basketball and enrolled at ECU to further her education. Barbara enjoyed playing cards, but most of all she loved spending time with her family. Surviving to cherish her memory is her beloved husband of 29 years, Joe Willie Simmons; her children, Roman A. Simmons, Alanah M. Simmons, Jeron M. Simmons; her sisters, Nancy Keeler and husband, Larry Snyder; Dorothy Keeler; her brother, Randy Keeler and wife, Melinda Keeler; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Barbara was also preceded in death by her brother, Larry Keeler; her sister, Carol Schmoyer; brotherin-law, Ronald Schmoyer; nephew, Kyle Schmoyer; and her beloved dog, Paisley.
In lieu of owers, memorial donations may be made in Barbara’s honor to the American Heart Association or to the American Diabetes Association.
A celebration of life will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at New River Community Church, 117 Wheeler Creek Road, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460, with Pastor Steve Allen o ciating.
JR Bonham
Nov. 15, 1947 – Nov. 13, 2025
On Thursday, November 13, 2025, a time that will not be forgotten, JR Bonham fought his last ght, took his nal race, and took his last long walk home with his family close at hand when the Lord called him home.
JR is survived by his wife Frances of 38 years; his son Josh; beloved daughter-in-law, Leah and their three sons, Papa’s Little Buddies, Jackson, Logan and Nathan. JR is also survived by, in his words, a good brother, Thomas Bonham (Kim); the best sister-in-law, Ruby Long; and the best mother-in-law, Harriet “Bill” Long, that a man could ask for. He will also be missed dearly by daughter in heart, Jessie Rae; son in heart, Hunter Reaves; and two nieces, Carrie Chapman (Ken) and Cammy Rivenbark (Will).
With the end of his nal journey, he will be welcomed by his daughter, Selena Marie, after a long separation, father and daughter will be together again.
There will be a graveside service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Bonham Family Cemetery, “The Old Place”, where six will carry him to his nal resting place. The Rev. Merrell McKoy will conduct the service. The Bonham Family Cemetery is located at 377 Apple Blossom Dr., Rocky Point, NC 28457. The family will receive friends at the cemetery following the graveside service and at the home of Josh Bonham.
Pallbearers will include Josh Bonham, Jackson Bonham, Patrick Lunsford, Sr., Patrick Lunsford, Jr., Jesse Long and Donnie Pickett Jr. Honorary pallbearers will include Logan Bonham, Nathan Bonham, Hunter Reaves, Mason Reaves and Brantley Reaves. In lieu of owers the family requests donations be made to the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
The family would also like to extend our grateful regards and gratitude to the cardiac oor sta at Novant Health NHRMC and the amazing sta at the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center.
Howard Powell
Aug. 14, 1953 – Nov. 11, 2025
Mr. Howard Benjamin Powell, age 72, of Teachey, NC, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Novant Health Pender Medical Center in Burgaw, NC.
A viewing will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 1-1:45 p.m., immediately followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. at GYT –The Prayer Center in Wallace, NC. Burial will follow at Duplin Memorial Gardens in Teachey, NC.
Left to cherish his precious memories are his wife, Ethylen Carlton Powell of the home; two sons, Terrell Powell (Debra) of Wallace NC and Benjamin K. Powell of Charlotte, NC; one daughter, Tameka Brinson (Donald) of Warsaw, NC; one brother, Wayne Powell (Aida) of Fayetteville, NC; three sisters-in-law: Jessie Highsmith (Jerry) of Willard, NC, Maria Teachey of Dudley of NC and Belle Powell of Magnolia, NC; two brothers-in-law: Arthur Carlton of Warsaw, NC and Winfred Carlton (Carolyn); seven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren; a host of special nieces and nephews and foster children; other special relatives and friends that will miss him dearly.
William Hendrix
March 23, 1936 –Nov. 10, 2025
Goldsboro- It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. William Hendrix, age 89, who was called home on Monday, November 10, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. Though Mr. Hendrix is no longer with us in body, his spirit remains forever in all who knew him. The Celebration of Life is Monday, November 17, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the J.B. Rhodes Jr. Memorial Chapel, 1701 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534. He will be laid to rest at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 164 Longs Plant Farm Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534. He leaves to cherish his memories to his loving wife, Annie L. Hendrix; Children - Melinda Johnson, Joshua Minor, Anthony Hendrix, Revonne Minor, Darlene Batts (Dennis Batts), Wanda Hendrix; grandchildren- Keli Johnson, Janis Batts, Antonia Hendrix, Elijah Ward, greatgrandchildren- Jasmiyne Murray, JJ Murray.
Alescia Nicole Cruz
Feb. 18, 2002 – Nov. 9, 2025
Alescia Nicole Cruz, 23, of Trenton, North Carolina, passed away on November 9, 2025, surrounded by love.
She is preceded in death by her father, Ibrahim Cruz.
She is survived by her mother, Shasta Brown (Micheal); her sisters, Arianna Minnick of Pennsylvania and Lily Yates of Trenton ; her brothers, Yusaias Cruz of Jacksonville, and Mason and Maddox Marshburn of Trenton. She is also survived by her grandparents, Lisa Brown of Trenton, Frankie and Laura Brown of Richlands, and Onelia Marrero of New Jersey; her greatgrandmother, Dorothy Mills; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Alescia previously attended Jones Senior High School, where she brought joy to her classmates and teachers alike. She loved high ves, counting, and ipping through magazines. She found amusement when her siblings got into a little bit of trouble and loved the feeling of having her beautiful hair blowdried. Like any true Southern girl, she had a special fondness for sweet tea.
Alescia’s presence was a light in the lives of everyone who knew her. Her laughter, her quirks, and her warm spirit brought happiness to her family and friends. Her absence leaves a space that cannot be lled, but the love and memories she gave will remain in our hearts forever.
Family will receive visitors at the home on Wednesday, November 12, for anyone who wishes to pay their respects.
SPONSORED BY
QUINN MCGOWEN FUNERAL HOME
Mary Cottle
March 7, 1934 – Nov. 10, 2025
Mary Susan “Sue” Knowles Cottle left her earthly home for her home in Heaven peacefully surrounded by her family on November 10, 2025. She was born on March 7, 1934, to Marvin and Berta Mae Knowles. Mama was raised in the Corinth Church community of Teachey and attended Rose Hill School until her graduation. Following graduation, she took a short trip to the West Coast but soon decided she wanted to return to her home roots, and there she became a teletype operator for JP Stevens Company. She met Charles Cottle in 1957, and they soon married on March 8, 1958, and began our family in a little home built on Walnut Street in Rose Hill. There, they had three daughters, Susan, Lisa, Carol and Sharon. Marrying our Daddy gave her a son, Charles Truett Register, whom she accepted with open arms and loved him as her own. Mama was a farmer’s wife until 1974, when she became a bank teller at Waccamaw Bank and remained there until her retirement in 1993. She loved her bank co-workers and shared many happy memories with them throughout the years. Upon her retirement, she became a full-time Nana, nurturing and taking care of those she loved the most.
Mama was a woman of strong faith. Her parents helped to root her knowledge of the Lord at Corinth Baptist Church, but her faith became grounded in a cottage prayer meeting in 1971 under the preaching of Rev David Smith. She soon joined the Rose Hill Pentecostal Free Will Baptist church where she served as secretary for many years. She loved the Lord with all her heart and gave him praise and glory through all the hard times, good times and all the in-between times of her life. It made no di erence what was going on in her life, you could step up to her back door most any morning and catch her studying her Bible, singing, praising, and praying for the needs of her family and the many friends who called her for prayer. Her steadfastness to the commitment she made to serve Jesus has left a legacy for us that we and all her family and friends can rest in peace knowing she is exactly where she lived her life to be. The most used statements we have heard in her death have been those of people knowing her faith. Mama never wavered once she made her decision to live a life for Jesus! Her love for her family and
Fannie Lillian Leak
June 7, 1938 – Nov. 9, 2025
Fannie Lillian Leak, 87, of Magnolia, NC, passed away on November 9, 2025, at her residence. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at New Elders Chapel AME Zion Church, 1555 NC-11 Hwy, Magnolia, NC. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Friday, November 14, 2025, at Hawes Funeral Home. Interment following the funeral service at Maxwell Cemetery, located in Rose Hill, NC.
friends was very important, and she made everyone around her know that she loved them. If you ever received a little card on your birthday or a thank you note for even the smallest act of kindness shown or when she knew you needed encouragement, know that that card held words straight from her heart. We know there were many recipients of those cards because that was a ministry for her. To make others feel loved was all she wanted to show. If you ever received one of her pound cakes, you were really on her mind! Not wanting any recognition for anything she ever did, she wanted God to get all the praise for the answered prayers she would get calls about. Mama also enjoyed keeping a beautiful yard full of her favorite yellow roses and red gerbera daisies. She always took pride in making sure things looked just right and put together whether it was her home or herself.
Mama was predeceased by our Daddy, Charles Truett Cottle, a daughter, Lisa Carol and a granddaughter, Cristy Register along with her brothers, Hilbourne and Norwood Knowles, and her sisters, infant Grace Knowles, Shirley Mozingo and Jean Perryman.
Mama leaves behind her children, Susan Moss and husband Frank, Sharon Cottle and Charles Register and wife, Linda. Grandchildren who loved her dearly, Laura Beth Jones and husband, Steven, Jason DeBose and wife, Gerri, Brittany Easterly and husband, Josh, Sydney Rivenbark and husband, Dylan, Charlie Register, and Amie Register. A host of greatgrandchildren: Haley, Wesley, Bradley, Rachel, Dominic, Nolan, Scotland, Sarah Holland, Sebastyan, Jaxan, Coolidge, Skylar, Brenin, Mylez and Hayden and great-great-grandchildren, Noah, Valerie and Milo, her sister, Ossie Mac Coombs and husband, Carl of Phoenix, AZ. We thank everyone for their outpouring of love to our Mama over the years and for the love shown to us in her Homegoing. A special thank you to Shannon Casteen and Deanne Batchelor for the love shown to our Mama, whom they also loved, and for the support they gave to us during this di cult time. We also thank ECU Home Health and Hospice and their support team, Susan Rivenbark, and Amanda Foy.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 13, at Rose Hill Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, 114 North Walnut Street, Rose Hill, with Reverend Jack Melvin and Reverend David Smith. Serving as pallbearers will be Bobby Gore, Danny Cottle, Lyn Mozingo, Philip Briggs, Buddy King, and Derry Giddings. The family is receiving friends at Mama’s home in Rose Hill.
In lieu of owers, the family asks that you make donations to your church or her church, Rose Hill Pentecostal Free Will Baptist, or a charity of your choice. Take a minute to send a card to let someone know what they mean to you. In a world of a million in uences, live like Sue!
March 18, 1964 –Nov. 11, 2025
61, of Warsaw, NC,
on November 11, 2025, at his residence. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Hawes Funeral Home in Warsaw.
Guy Kimble Smith
Guy Kimble Smith,
passed away
Marjorie Holloway
Dec. 23, 1952 – Nov. 12, 2025
Goldsboro- It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Ms. Marjorie Holloway, age 72, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. Though her voice is silent, her spirit lives on in every heart she touched. “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8. The Celebration of Life will be Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Generation Church, 3016 Summit Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534. There will be a church viewing from 12-1212:50 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Johnson Chapel United Holy Church Cemetery, 2753 Arrington Bridge Road, Dudley, NC 28333.
Arline Rhodes
Dec. 19, 1936 – Nov. 13, 2025
Arline Cavenaugh Rhodes, 88, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025, in SECU Hospice House, Newport, NC.
Arline Cavenaugh Rhodes, born on December 19, 1936, in Chinquapin, NC, was the daughter of Frank and Bessie McKoy Cavenaugh. Arline was in the Beta Club, an academic honor society at Chinquapin High School, where she played basketball, cheered, and graduated in 1955. There she met the love of her life, Troy Payton Rhodes.
Troy and Arline married on November 12, 1955, and together they raised three sons. Throughout Troy’s 30 years of service in the United States Coast Guard, where he retired as Chief Warrant Of cer 4, they were stationed in Wilmington, NC; Elizabeth City, NC; New London, CT; Newark, NJ; Mullica Hill, NJ; Albany, NY; Norfolk, VA; Cape May, NJ; and Fort Macon, NC. Arline worked at Cavenaugh’s Five and Dime in Wallace, NC, a newspaper and a pharmacy in Wilmington, NC, drove a school bus in Cape May, NJ, and Waterford, NY, and clerked for Duplin County Tax Administration in Kenansville, NC.
Upon Troy’s retirement in 1985, he and Arline returned to the same land Arline grew up on in Chinquapin, NC where they farmed, traveled and hosted. Arline loved the Lord and was a devoted member of Sharon Baptist Church, where she participated in the Golden Agers seniors group. She had an af nity for maps, and visited all 50 of the United States, as well as the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Jamaica and Mexico. Arline enjoyed musical stage shows, game shows and movies, and often hosted friends and family for games of Scrabble, SkipBo, RummiKub and Five Crowns.
Grandma Arline is well known among her family as the ultimate hostess. She lived for her family’s visits, made everyone feel at home, and cooked elaborate meals, prepared with what she called her most important ingredient: “L-O-V-E.”
Arline lived 88 years and spent her nal years under the loving care of Bryan and Millie Rhodes. She peacefully went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House of Newport, NC.
Arline is survived by one sister: Ernestine Manning of Manassas, VA, one brother-in-law: Joseph Rhodes (Jo Ann) of Kinston, NC, as well as her three children, nine grandchildren, and 15 greatgrandchildren.
Children:
Gregory Payton Rhodes, Troutman, NC
Bryan Clark Rhodes (Millie), Newport, NC
Andrew Stuart Rhodes (Stephanie), Terrell, NC
Grandchildren: John DeLaPava Rhodes, Amanda Leigh Ann Ralph (Douglas), Lisa Maria Rhodes, Kaitlin Arline McMahon (Patrick), Emily Kristen Schaefer (Michael), Saylor Mackenzie Shinn (Hunter), Mary Lynn Payton Henning (Sidney), Garrett McKoy Rhodes, Brody Jaxon Rhodes
Great-Grandchildren: Taylor Elizabeth Ann Ralph (16), Noah DeLaPava Rhodes (14), Courtlynn Millie Ralph (13), Juliana Joanne Ralph (13), Kyndall Maryann Ralph (13), August Sobotka Rhodes (11), Hatteras Paige Schaefer (11), Magnolia Joyce Schaefer (7), Alden James Rhodes (5), Landry Bryan Rhodes (5), Copeland Norah Eloise McMahon (4), Penelope Kollins Schaefer (4), Navie Faith Shinn (3), Callan Timothy McMahon (2), Payton Miles Henning (10 months)
A visitation will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, from noon to 1 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m. at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC. Interment will follow at East Duplin Memorial Gardens, where Arline will be laid to rest beside her beloved Troy, who passed away in 2021.
Michael Wendell Anderson
Oct.19, 1961 – Nov. 11, 2025
Michael Wendell Anderson, 64, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at his home, surrounded by friends and family. Mr. Anderson was born on October 19, 1961, in Wayne County, NC, to Adell Gurley Anderson and the late Leonard Anderson.
Mr. Anderson enjoyed playing piano, which he did for his church for many years, as well as singing. He was a member of the Warsaw Seesaws Square Dance group for many years. He was also a loving Papa to all his grandchildren. He was also a veteran and his country was
Sharon Edwards Lawson
Sept. 18, 1946 – Nov. 13, 2025
Sharon Edwards Lawson, 79, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The funeral service is Wednesday, November 19, 2025,
always close to his heart.
Mr. Anderson is survived by wife, Mary Nichols Anderson of the home; mother, Adell Gurley Anderson; sisters, Connie Draughon and husband, Steve of Warsaw and Brenda Brucker and husband, Fred of PA and Warsaw; one brother, Don Simmons and wife, Belinda of Fayetteville; one daughter, Jamie Bonner and husband, Ben of Texas; four grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, special nieces and nephews and cousins, 1 special cousin Evelyn West of Faison along with her greatgranddaughter, Aiyana Holloman Jacobs. He is also survived by three close friends, Heidi Madrid, Nathan Parrish, and Cynthia Madrid and his fur babies, Mr. Wiggles, Cocoa and Gunner.
Mr. Anderson was preceded in death by his dad, Leonard Anderson, and a daughter, Kathy Garcia.
A funeral service will be held at noon on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Community Funeral Home Chapel of Warsaw. Entombment will follow at 2 p.m. at Wayne Memorial Park in Goldsboro. A visitation will be held at 11 a.m. one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to the Warsaw First Original Free Will Baptist Church, 816 N. Pine Street, Warsaw, NC 28398.
at 7 p.m., followed by visitation at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC.
The graveside service will be Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 2 p.m. at East Duplin Memorial Gardens in Beulaville, NC
She is survived by her husband, William “Bill” Lawson of Jacksonville, NC; sons Eddie Dail McLeod of Jacksonville, NC, and William “Billy” Lawson Jr. of Ohio; daughters Wendy Adkins, Cindy McKnight annd Theresa Henderson, all of Jacksonville, NC; sister Geraldine Edwards Batchelor of Jacksonville, NC; grandchildren Dylan Adkins, Ryan Adkins and Lily Hessling; and two great-grandchildren.
