Mount Olive man arrested for stealing political signs
Duplin County The Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce, in cooperation with the Kenansville Police Department, has arrested a suspect for allegedly stealing political signs belonging to multiple candidates throughout Duplin County. The suspect, identi ed as Leonard Ray Cherry Jr., of Mount Olive, was been charged with two counts of felony larceny and 11 misdemeanor counts of removing political signs. He was placed in the custody of the Duplin County Jail under an $11,000 secured bond.
Airport Board cancels November, December meetings
Kenansville The Duplin County Airport Commission Board will not hold meetings in November or December due to the holiday season. Normally, the Airport Commission Board meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Duplin County Airport.
Southern Lights Night to bene t DCOM
Willard
The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina in Willard, in partnership with Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries, will hold Southern Lights Night on Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 5:30-9 p.m. A portion of all proceeds will help support DCOM’s mission. Tickets are $12, and children 5 and under are free.
Holiday closures
Duplin County In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, Duplin County o ces will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27–28.
Donations needed for holiday toy drive
Warsaw The Warsaw Police Department is hosting its annual Stu the Cruiser toy drive and is collecting new, unwrapped toys for local children ages 3-12 through Dec. 12. Donations can be dropped o Monday through Friday at the Warsaw Police Department from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or at Town Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 910 -293 -7816 ext. 2.
$2.00
Christmas cheer takes over downtown Wallace
Wallace Mayor Jason Wells reads “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” to a stage full of children during Christmas at Twilight at the Wallace Depot on Saturday night. Turn to B6 for more.
Outgoing Judge Stevens re ects on law, military service, family
As his term nears its end, the longtime Superior Court judge looked back on nearly three decades in law and the military and ahead to time with family
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
AS THE CURRENT term of
Superior Court District 5 Judge
Henry L. Stevens IV will comes to an end in December of next year after he announced he will not seek reelection. In an interview with Duplin Journal, Stevens said his decision is about
timing and family, and he reected on his career in law and the military.
“I’m coming to the end of an eight-year term at Superior Court that’s going to give me almost 27 years on the bench,” Stevens said. “In the state of North Carolina, you’re maxed out at 25 years on the bench for retirement purposes and lon-
gevity pay. A lot of it has to do with the fact that if I retire, I can actually support my family a little bit better.”
Law has always been in Stevens’ blood.
“I always wanted to be a lawyer,” he said. “My dad was a lawyer for 25 years, and he was the senior resident Superior Court judge for the 4th Judicial District. I’m the senior resident now, but it goes by the 5th District.” District 5 includes Duplin, Sampson, Jones and Onslow counties.
Wesley Boykin vows to overhaul town governance and prioritize transparency
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
WARSAW — Mayor-elect Wesley Boykin announced plans to strengthen transpar-
ency, community engagement, and accountability in Warsaw’s town government as he prepares to take o ce Dec. 8.
During his initial transition meeting, Boykin identi ed sig-
ni cant areas for improvement, including the absence of a formal plan for leadership transitions.
“It’s unimaginable to think that there will be good sound operations of the town if there’s absolutely no transition plan,” Boykin said, describing
Teachey approves new auditor, celebrates improved re rating
The meeting closed with refreshments and the annual tree lighting
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
TEACHEY — The Teachey Board of Commissioners handled a little town business followed by a lot of early holiday cheer at its Nov. 17 meeting. The meeting was rescheduled from Nov. 10 due to Veterans Day.
While the agenda was light, the town did take up the important business of choosing an auditor for the next scal year.
Using a recommendation from the League of Municipalities,
the board agreed to secure the services of April Adams of Aline Accounting Partners Group to conduct the next town audit, as recommended by town administrator Morgan Jacobs.
“This lady specializes in small towns,” Jacobs told the board. Fortunately, the town will not have to pay for the audit services next year. Jacobs said that the League of Municipalities has decided to pay for the audit for this upcoming year. That was good news for the town considering the cost of Adams’ services will total $20,000, which is $5,000 more than the town predicted the audit would cost.
ISO rating for the Teachey Fire Department, an improvement that should lead to better insurance rates for residents.
goes back to his great-grandfather in the 1800s.
After attending the University of North Carolina, Stevens’ plan was to go to law school and then join the Marine Corps, following in the footsteps of his father. However, he changed his mind and went into the Marines rst. He went on active duty as an assault amphibian o cer at Camp Lejeune.
“The timing was interesting because the minute I hit the eet was when Desert Storm
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
COURTESY
Wesley Boykin
Duplin Journal www.duplinjournal.com
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DUPLIN happening
The institute has provided professional development to 111 teachers, equipping them with tools to guide SAE projects.
Mayor Bobby Jones got a laugh from those in attendance when he responded to the cost of the audit by saying, “If anybody out there wants to be an auditor or an accountant, it sounds like it’s pretty nancially stable.”
Teachey Volunteer Fire Department Chief Richard Williams informed the board that the required state audit of the department had been completed and that they had received noti cation that the department’s ISO rating had improved from 5 to 4. That is good news for property owners in the area since it could lower the cost of homeowner’s insurance. The lower the rating, the better the insurance rate.
Jacobs told the board the town will begin a toy drive soon that will last until the week of Christmas. New toys can be dropped o at Teachey Town Hall or the re department. The toys will be donated to area families in need.
Jones thanked everyone who attended and participated in the rst Oyster & Smoke Festival on Nov. 8. In addition to the festivities, the town used the event to rename Teachey Park to Johnny H. Williams Jr. Park in memory of the well-respected resident who was very involved in many civic activities. Williams’ son, Patrick Williams, a board member, thanked the town for the honor on behalf of his family. Immediately after the board meeting adjourned, refreshments and hot chocolate were o ered before the annual town Christmas
was held
The N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund supports learning at SAE Institute
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
MOUNT OLIVE — A long-running agricultural training camp at the University of Mount Olive is getting a major boost thanks to a $175,000 grant from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.
“We are grateful for the continued partnership with the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission to o er another three years of the (Supervised Agricultural Experience) SAE Institute at the University of Mount Olive,” said Edward Olive, Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center director.
The SAE Institute has evolved into more than just a summer camp at UMO; it has become a statewide pipeline for cultivating future agricultural leaders. Hosted by the agribusiness center in partnership with the School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, the program serves as a
bridge between classroom instruction and the real-world demands of a modern, rapidly changing industry.
SAE Institute focuses on an immersive, experience-based learning. Participants are introduced to everything from agribusiness operations and research initiatives to service-learning projects and student-led entrepreneurial ventures. The hands-on opportunities give participants a deeper understanding of agriculture’s complexity while encouraging them to envision their own place within the eld.
“Watching students grow through hands-on experiences reminds me why I fell in love with this eld,” said Sarah Johnson, Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center assistant director. “I am humbled to be a part of a team that is helping the next generation nd their place in agriculture.”
For students, the institute often serves as the rst opportunity to see how their interests can t into an agricultural career. Through eight previous camps, 191 students have taken part in activities that go far beyond traditional instruction.
Leaders behind the program note that its success hinges not only on its curriculum but also on the enthusiasm participants bring with them.
“Each year, I am inspired by the innovation and creativity that students bring with their ideas and their desire to continue growing and learning,” said Olive. “Teachers bring a passion for lifelong learning so that they can pass that knowledge on to help their students even more.”
Rep. Jimmy Dixon also praised UMO for preparing young people to understand and teach where their food comes from.
“It is a great honor… to support the University of Mount Olive’s SAE program,” he said. O ered at no cost, the next institute is scheduled for July 2026.
“The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission has been a steadfast partner in supporting agricultural innovation, workforce development, and rural revitalization,” said UMO President H. Edward Croom. “Its investment in the SAE Institute re ects a shared vision to ensure that agriculture continues to thrive as a vital part of North Carolina’s economy and heritage.”
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County:
Nov. 29
Kenansville Christmas Parade 11 a.m.
Get ready for holiday cheer at the Kenansville Christmas Parade, co-sponsored by the Town of Kenansville and the Kenansville Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy festive oats, marching bands and plenty of holiday spirit as the town rings in the season. Downtown Kenansville
Nov. 30
Kenansville Christmas Tree Lighting
5-8 p.m.
Join the Kenansville Parks and Recreation for its annual Christmas Tree Lighting event at Kenan Park. The evening will feature photos with Santa, food trucks, coloring and face-painting booths, carol singing, letters to Santa, and a Christmas movie. The tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and dress warmly. 501 S Main St, Kenansville
Fall Food and Coat Drive
Royalty Funeral Home is hosting a Fall Food and Coat Drive now through Nov. 30 to support community members in need. Donations of nonperishable food, as well as new or gently used coats, hats, gloves, blankets and new socks, are greatly appreciated. Drop-o times: Monday and Friday, 9 a.m.to 5 p.m., and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Please do not leave items outside during nonbusiness hours.
513 S. Norwood St., Wallace
Dec. 5
Magnolia Tree Lighting Celebration 7 p.m.
Kick O the Holidays in Magnolia with the annual tree lighting celebration at Magnolia Park. The event will feature crafts for kids, classic games, a cake walk, face painting, photo ops and more. Free hot chocolate and cookies will be provided. Bundle up and join your neighbors for this heartwarming annual tradition.
Magnolia Park on Highway 117, Magnolia
THE CONVERSATION
Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Stablecoin loophole threatens North Carolina’s farm lending
Unlike Wall Street lenders, community banks know us by name.
I’VE SPENT MY whole life in Chatham County. For over 20 years, I raised chickens, and now I tend cattle on those same rolling hills. Like most folks around here, I take pride in hard work, family and the values that connect us to the land.
North Carolina has over 74,000 farmers, and together we generate more than $103 billion in economic impact. Agriculture supports more than 736,000 jobs across the state. But what keeps the whole system running isn’t just the weather or commodity prices; it’s credit. Access to a ordable nancing is the lifeblood of rural communities, and that credit often begins at our local community banks.
Unlike Wall Street lenders, community banks know us by name. They’re built on local knowledge, which can’t be automated or outsourced to an app. When a farmer needs to buy feed or replace machinery, the community bank down the street looks beyond the numbers on a page. They understand our land, our history and our word. That’s what keeps family farms alive.
COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI
But a quiet storm is brewing in Washington that could shake that foundation. Congress recently passed the GENIUS Act, which brought cryptocurrency, including stablecoin, into the nancial mainstream. Lawmakers wisely prohibited stablecoin issuers from paying interest, aiming to keep them separate from traditional deposits that fuel lending in the real economy. The idea was to allow innovation without draining the local deposits that banks use to make loans.
Unfortunately, that line is already being crossed. Some digital-asset companies are skirting the rules by o ering “rewards” that mimic yield or interest. Call it what you want, but interest by another name is still interest. And the danger is real. Treasury estimates show that, even without these gimmicks, stablecoins could reduce small-bank deposits by 6.4%, resulting in $19 billion less in small-business loans and $10.6 billion less in farm lending. If stablecoins begin paying full yields, the hit
could be catastrophic — up to $62 billion less in agricultural loans nationwide.
That’s not some abstract number on a balance sheet. That’s fewer young farmers getting started. That’s equipment left unrepaired and elds left empty. That’s a loss of opportunity for the rural backbone of America.
We can’t let Wall Street disguise speculation as “innovation” while siphoning deposits from the banks that actually serve us. Congress must close the loopholes in the GENIUS Act and make it crystal clear: If a company acts like a bank, it should play by the same rules. Our farms, our businesses, and our communities depend on it.
I’ve seen plenty of change over my lifetime, and not all of it bad. But if we allow Washington to stand by while digital currencies drain the lifeblood from rural credit, we’ll pay for it in lost farms, lost jobs and lost communities. Let’s make sure the next generation of North Carolina farmers has the same chance to build a life on the land that we did.
Danny Gaines is a lifelong Chatham County resident who spent more than 20 years as a chicken farmer and continues to raise cattle today. He is a proud Farm Bureau member who has dedicated his life to agriculture and his local community.
Release of Epstein files sets a horrible precedent
If conspiracists don’t get what they’re after, they’ll simply claim that other les are being hidden.
FORMER HARVARD president Larry Summers has now lost virtually every professional association after a House committee released emails of his exchanges with child sex o ender Je rey Epstein. There are around 20,000 pages of them. Many of the correspondences are embarrassing. There’s going to be little, if any, sympathy for a well-known elite who’s angered conservatives and progressives and befriends creeps. And perhaps Summers doesn’t deserve any. Even so, there isn’t even a hint of illegality in those emails. There’s nothing suggesting that Summers participated in any kind of impropriety or conspiracy. The only purpose of the release was to destroy Summers.
Congress is about to release the socalled Epstein les, a trove of documents that were amassed during criminal investigations into the sex o ender who committed suicide in 2019. The contents are likely brimming with thousands of names of innocent people, many who have provided alibis or were never under any suspicion of sex tra cking or anything else. A signi cant portion of any criminal investigation consists of uncorroborated accusations that are oated by people on the periphery of the case, third-hand accounts, theories and rumors. This is why grand jury les are almost always sealed. We already know Epstein was a vile and depraved criminal. And no one should belittle the experience of his victims. Anyone, however, can make allegations. Even victims don’t always remember correctly. Even things a braggart like Epstein might have said may not be true. That’s why we have procedures and rule of
law and statutes of limitations and trials. Moreover, the Epstein les will be lled with information obtained by law enforcement using warrants based on probable cause signed o by a judge for speci c reason. The warrants, which allow the use of government coercion, weren’t signed so that the public could have access to emails of every person he spoke with. Americans caught up in criminal investigations have a presumption of privacy.
Those who continued their relationships with Epstein even after he was convicted of solicitation of prostitution from a minor are detestable. But fraternizing with criminals isn’t criminality itself. What principle stops future congresses from cracking open useful DOJ les and releasing any embarrassing secondhand conversations that involve their political enemies? Perhaps ask the people caught up in the “Russia collusion” investigations. There’s apparently a widespread public belief that Epstein was tra cking underaged girls to a cabal of powerful people. As of now, there is only evidence that Epstein participated in sexual crimes himself. It is perfectly plausible that the nancier befriended celebrities and kingmakers on one hand and tra cked women for himself on the other. If journalists want to prove that Epstein was the kingpin of the New World Order pedo -ring, go for it. If authorities believe that his prosecution in Florida was corrupt, launch an investigation into misconduct. This isn’t an ancient case. Most of the victims are still alive. Most of the powerful people who are involved with Epstein are still alive. His sidekick is still
alive and in prison. Investigate.
But much of this is driven by rank partisanship. Democrats like to act as if President Donald Trump is engaged in some cover-up. Well, they had every chance to release the les during Joe Biden’s presidency. I’ve not seen a single Democrat explain why they didn’t. One suspects that if there were anything implicating Trump of genuine wrongdoing, we’d have seen them leaked long ago. House Democrats couldn’t even muster the votes to censure Stacey Plaskett, who exchanged text messages with Epstein during a 2019 congressional hearing. The whole thing is farce.
Republicans are no better. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s embarrassing press gaggle, featuring some of the world’s most vacuous “in uencers” waving empty “Epstein Files: Phase 1” binders around left the administration with a mess that’s now impossible to x.
The les, of course, will never be enough. There will be hundreds of ghosts to chase. If conspiracists don’t get what they’re after, they’ll simply claim that other les are being hidden. They’ll demand grand jury les — which are being protected by a judge, as they should be — be released.
If Americans want to speculate on Epstein, that’s their right. Maybe their theories will be proven correct. But longstanding norms regarding privacy and the presumption of innocence shouldn’t be trashed by cowardly politicians every time the mob howls.
David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner.
COLUMN | DANNY GAINES
How market crash sparked rise of Duplin Winery
When grape prices plummeted in the 1970s, the Fussell family’s decision to open a winery transformed Duplin into a winemaking hub
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
Editor’s note: This is part one of a two-part series about Duplin County’s journey into becoming wine country.
ASK ANY FARMER and they will tell you that being successful in the agriculture world requires the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions.
It was that ability to adapt that began the journey to Duplin County becoming a unique winemaking center in eastern North Carolina.
Jonathan Fussell, part of the family behind the creation of Duplin Winery, spoke with Duplin Journal about the birth of the business. He said it all began during a turbulent time for grape growers.
According to Fussell, about 70 vineyards, totaling about 2,700 acres, were being cultivated by farmers in eastern North Carolina and South Carolina when the grape market took quite a plunge.
“We were growing grapes for a winery called Canandai-
gua,” Fussell said. “The price of grapes dropped in 1974 from $350 a ton to $125 a ton.”
That drastic drop left Carolina grape growers wondering what to do. Fussell said the choices were to try and nd another solution to wait it out, or to open a winery.
“My father and uncle decided to open a winery, so they opened in 1976,” he said. They had incorporated Duplin Winery the year before, but there were still challenges to making it a nancially successful venture.
“In 1977, they were trying to gure out how they could grow when, nancially, they weren’t able to without borrowing money to either build the winery or
grow the vineyard side,” Fussell said. His uncle and father decided the best solution was to bring other area growers into the Duplin Winery family.
“They went to all the growers and said, ‘Listen, if you give us your grapes, we’ll give you stock in our company,’” he said.
Their plan worked, and in 1977 Duplin Winery became a stockholder corporation owned by 14 families. As the original owners began to age and pass away, their shares were handed down to immediate and extended family. By the time Fussell graduated from college, the number of stockholders had grown to 1,300, with his family owning 68% of Duplin Winery.
When his grandfather died in 2008, his stock was left to his uncle, aunt and father. His father decided it was time to pass along his holdings.
“My dad said, ‘I need to step away from the wine business itself,’” Fussell said, adding that
he and his brother bought their dad’s shares.
Family ownership of Duplin Winery came full circle when Fussell and his brother eventually bought all the remaining stock from the other shareholders over the next six years after their father’s death.
Fussell was too young to experience rsthand what his family went through in the transition from growing grapes to making wine, but he heard it wasn’t easy.
“I can only repeat the stories that were told to me,” he said. “It was very, very challenging. We made a lot of mistakes, but we were very, very fortunate that the Lord blessed us and the customers forgave us. They continued to support us and allowed us to survive through the mistakes.”
And survive they did. Today, Duplin Winery has expanded far beyond its Duplin County roots, with additional locations in North Myrtle Beach, Panama City Beach, Florida, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
the current practice of allowing new commissioners and mayors to “learn as they go” as “totally unacceptable.” He also noted gaps in administrative structure and oversight, including unclear departmental responsibilities and an organizational hierarchy in which the town manager has functioned as the top authority. “And that is not the way it should be. And it would be something that would change.”
To address the challenges, Boykin plans to propose a management plan to the board as a strategic vision for Warsaw. The plan will guide sta in setting goals, priorities and performance standards. He hopes to implement formal performance reviews linked to clear job descriptions to ensure accountability and professionalism.
Boykin emphasized that public input will play a critical role, particularly in budget development, infrastructure decisions and long-term planning. He plans to hold weekly listening sessions to hear directly from residents and introduce a 24/7 “Mayor’s Feedback Box” on the town website to provide ongoing access to governance. He also wants to modernize town communications by providing o cial email addresses and government-issued devices, noting that everyone uses their personal email, phone and computers for government business, which often leaves with them when they depart, creating both organizational and legal risks.
Boykin plans to reinstate community advisory groups to ensure residents have a voice in decision making.
“Citizen involvement is a win-win situation. Now, can it get ugly? Yes, it can. But that’s where the expertise and the competence of sta and the governance body come into play,” he said.
Fiscal accountability is another priority. Boykin highlighted concerns over budget amendments made before o cial enactment and stressed the importance of accurate record-keeping and compliance with state statutes.
Despite the challenges, Boykin said he is energized and ready to lead.
“I’m exhilarated — I’m in high-charge mode and feeling a great sense of joy,” he told Duplin Journal. “It’s going to be a challenge. But by the same token, I have met and overcome big challenges in my career, and I’m excited to be able to do what seemingly is going to be a good thing for the town in which I was born. So I’m excited.”
Boykin also emphasized a hands-on, grounded approach to leadership. “I’m outside picking up pecans,” he said, underscoring his commitment to staying connected with the community while preparing for o ce.
“This is about the people of Warsaw,” Boykin said. “I’m here to listen, to learn, and to lead with transparency and accountability.”
“This is about the people of Warsaw. I’m here to listen, to learn, and to lead with transparency and accountntability.”
Wesley Boykin
BOYKIN from page A1
At
Robert Farrior keeps the elds and traditions alive
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
ROBERT JEFFERSON Farrior was born on George Washington’s birthday but named after Thomas Je erson 82 years ago in Duplin County. Coming from two large farming families — Albritton and Farrior — agriculture has been part of Farrior’s identity for as long as he can remember.
His maternal grandfather, Jim Albritton, was a major strawberry grower who developed the Albritton strawberry variety in the 1920s. His paternal relatives, the Farriors of Wallace, were also respected farmers.
Today, Farrior lives in his grandfather Albritton’s old home, sheltered by the towering oak and magnolia trees he planted. There, he said he’s content taking life one day at a time.
ative ways to bring the farm into the classroom. Real-world lessons, like calculating labor costs or understanding the economics of farm life, made his teaching memorable and meaningful. His connection with students ran deep; many still check in on him decades later. But despite his rapport with teaching, the work of the land kept tugging at him.
“It was hard for me to sit in the classroom with all my buddies going out on tractors or out hunting,” he recalled. “So I just quit and started farming.”
tisement; I strive to satisfy.”
Like all farmers, Farrior has weathered his share of hardships.
“I have learned that you have to take what the good Lord sends and do the best you can with it,” he said. “Everything will work out.”
Farrior farms by himself using the same old equipment he’s always worked with — machines he can x himself because he’s “from the old school.”
“I probably couldn’t even drive the new stu ,” he said with a laugh.
With no farmers in his immediate family, he doesn’t know who will carry on the operation when his time is through. But that uncertainty doesn’t trouble him. Farming has always been his joy and his passion. His advice to others is simple but rm.
“Set your goal and go for it,” he said. “Don’t let anyone say you can’t do it. If you try hard enough, you can. And if you don’t know what you want to do, try di erent avenues until you nd something you’re passionate about.”
“My prayer every morning is, ‘Lord, show me what to do and give me the strength to do it,’” Farrior shared.
occurred,” Stevens said. “I went over there and came back and went to law school.”
After getting his law degree, he returned to the area and became an assistant district attorney under D.A. Bill Andrews in Onslow County. After serving as a prosecutor for a few years, the only district court judge in Duplin County decided to retire in the middle of his term. Gov. James Hunt appointed Stevens to the bench to ll the vacancy.
After serving in the Marine Corps, Stevens remained in the reserves while working as a prosecutor. A local district
A 1966 graduate of North Duplin High School, Farrior still treasures mementos from his youth: a green felt banner, the hat he wore on the sports eld and his old baseball mitt. After high school, he attended Campbell for
court judge also served as the state sta judge advocate for the National Guard. He gave Stevens advice on staying connected with the military.
“Son, you can’t give up all those years,” the judge told him. “You need to come to the National Guard.”
Stevens was hesitant about joining the National Guard after serving as a Marine until he recalled an interaction with his father.
“I remember a conversation in the kitchen with my father before he died,” Stevens re ected. “He was also a Marine in World War II. He went to law school and went to the third JAG
pre-law, but farming kept pulling him back home every weekend. When his father died, Farrior shifted gears, nished a teaching degree, and returned home for good to take over the farm.
Farrior taught math and social studies at North Duplin and East Duplin, where he found cre-
course the Navy ever had. That was during the Korean War.”
Stevens said his father told him when he returned from serving in the Marines, the Na-
Once fully committed, Farrior built a thriving produce and grain operation. At its peak, he kept more than 1,800 acres in production. In the 1980s, when a trucking strike hit, he had 500 acres of produce left. After that loss, he came back smaller with specialized production in collards and greens. For 50 years, he supplied collards and specialty produce to Piggly Wiggly. Though he no longer farms on a large scale, he still grows collards as a hobby, and his reputation draws people from across North Carolina and even out of state. At his cut-your-own elds in northern Duplin County, about a mile east of Faison on Highway 403, visitors can nd turnips, rutabaga, mustard greens and cabbage collards “bigger than your head.”
As Farrior put it, “A satised customer is your best adver-
tional Guard wanted him to come in. He decided not to.
“I remember him telling me that it was his only regret in life.”
Stevens joined the National Guard and found himself again with interesting timing. His unit was immediately called up in 2003 to go to Iraq, where he would serve for the next 18 months. This was during the same period in his life that he was serving as a district court judge. He retired from the National Guard as a colonel and as the state judge advocate in 2020.
Family played a major role in his decision not to seek another term.
“I’ve had a dual career that’s
He re ected on his own path — from going to college for his mother to returning to the tractor he always loved.
“I am glad I went to college,” he said. “I have lost a lot of physical things, but my education is something they could never take away from me. Education is invaluable; you can’t put a price on that knowledge.”
kept me very busy, taking me away from the kids a lot,” Stevens said. “I have twins (a boy and a girl) that are in the eighth grade. They are very active in sports, pageants and everything else.”.
His twins attend Harrell’s Christian Academy.
“They play several games in Raleigh,” Stevens said. “They generally play at 5:30 p.m., and being on the bench, I can’t get there. I really want to be there for them, to support them, because it goes awfully fast.”
As he prepares to step away from the bench, Stevens has endorsed Judge Robert H. Gilmore for the District 5 Superior Court seat in next year’s election.
Robert Je erson Farrior shows o one of the hearty cabbage collards from his patch.
COURTESY
Henry Stevens
STEVENS from page A1
DUPLIN SPORTS
Soccer ’Dawgs rule the pitch
said Polk County coach George Alley. “We had a couple of big wins this year over 5A and 6A schools, but today we couldn’t keep up and didn’t get opportunities.”
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
GREENSBORO — Wallace-Rose Hill left no doubt about its status as the top 3A soccer team in the state last Saturday with a 2-0 win over Polk County at Arm eld Athletic Field on the campus of Guilford College.
MVP Felix Funes scored and assisted on an Iker Alvarado goal following a scoreless rst half and the Bulldogs won their fourth state title, having previously won in 2013, 2014 and 2016.
The Bulldogs (19-4-1) outshot the Wolverines 17-8, though that stat does not begin to show how WRH dictated the pace and ow of the match.
“Their rapid attack was concerning, but what we were not expecting was the kind of defense they played,”
The three solid shots the Wolverines got were squashed by goalie Angel Seville, who stopped ve shots in overtime in the East Region nal to beat North Carolina School of Science and Math 7-6.
“Angel really stepped up big, especially the last couple weeks,” Murray said. “ WRH maintained possesion of the ball for the majority of the match, including the rst 20 minutes and the rst 30 of the second half.
Funez fought o double- and triple-teams, fouls, and pushing and shoving without losing his cool.
“When I got here all I heard was we lost this guy or we lost that key player, but I went to Alex and he
COLUMN | MICHAEL JAENICKE
Murray has dream-like year in his return to the Bulldogs’ pitch
“We’re a family and a community and family, and I love these boys as people and players.”
WHAT A LIFE.
What a celebration.
What a promising future.
Aaron Murray is no doubt pinching himself and grateful for the many wonderful things that have happened for him in 2025.
Murray, who played on WRH’s 2016 team that won at 1AA state title, is on top of the world because his Bulldogs squad took home the 3A trophy last Saturday from Guildford College after a 2-0 win over West champ Polk County.
The win was the 17th in a row for the Bulldogs.
It’s been a whirlwind of fun, stress and productivity for Murray, who was an assistant coach at Pender the previous four seasons.
But he’s had other joy to share as his wife Taylor Kissner-Murray delivered birth to their son, Joseph, on July 24.
“I’m blessed to be in this and with these guys,” said Murray, who works in his family’s cabinet business.
Yet even Pender County Custom Cabinets couldn’t have designed a script for Murray’s on- and o -the-pitch success.
“We’re a family and a community and family, and I love these boys as people and players,” he said. “If I show up with my baby in my arms, they want to hold him. We feel so connected.”
Yet it was Murray who may have forged a stronger bond between players who wanted to prove that last season’s 22-win campaign could end better than in the past.
“We didn’t want to go out in the second or third round,” said Junior Asteyas.
Murray’s late arrival meant he had to make up for lost time and gure out the lineup.
“First o , I want to say this is all about them,” Murray said at the NCHSAA press conference following the nal. “I’m blessed to be coaching them. I played in a championship, and I think I worked and was more stressed as a coach.”
Murray, who was the NCHSAA’s Assistant Coach of the Year in 2024 at Pender, is young enough to relate to his players yet mature enough to give them discipline, guidance and lessons in all things soccer and beyond.
Unstoppable
James Kenan’s power running game took control as the Tigers dusted Ayden-Grifton for their 10th-straight win
See SOCCER, page B4 See
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WARSAW — Football teams often use defense to spark the o ense.
Last Friday, the James Kenan o ense inspired the Tigers’ defense during a 54-26 win over Ayden-Grifton in the third round of the 3A playo s.
The No. 1 Tigers scored on their rst eight possessions for their 10th straight win.
“Our o ensive line needed to get their mojo back,” said Tigers head coach Tim Grady, whose club will host No. 13 Farmville Central (8-5), a surprise 28-20 winner over No. 5 Martin County.
“We had good blocking and great running.”
Jeremiah Hall and Taulil Pearsall combined for 462 yards and ve touchdowns, while quarterback Eli Avent ran for a short score and hit David Zeleya for another touchdown.
“It was good to see (Pearsall) have a breakout game,” Grady said. “He came along when we were stu ed with backs, and he might be as good or better than any of them when he leaves.
“Ayden is really talented and has some dangerous playmakers. They can hurt you in space, and we had to ght getting into a shootout with them. I though (Zeleya) blocking the extra point on their rst score helped us rally defensively. It brought us energy we really needed.”
The Tigers got touchdowns from Avent from the 1, Pearsall from the 29 and Hall the 15 in the rst quarter but led by just a 21-13 count.
Pearsall zipped 23 yards in the second quarter, and Zeleya’s 3-yard reception put JK in front 33-19 against the team that beat Whiteville in the second round.
The Chargers would log only one second-half score.
Wallace-Rose Hill dominated Polk County 2- 0 for its fourth state title in soccer
PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
WRH won its fourth state soccer title, following trophies in 2013, 2014 and 2016 in 1AA.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
JK’s Jeremiah Hall ran for a career-high 260 yards in the win over Ayden-Grifton. He has 1,732 yards and 23 touchdowns this fall.
WRH goalie Angel Sevilla came up with several big saves late to preserve the Bulldogs’ 2-0 win over Polk County in the 3A nal.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE
Jansley Page
WallaceRose Hill, volleyball
Jansley Page was named Player of the Year in 3A by the North Carolina Volleyball Coaches Association.
The WallaceRose Hill senior led her team to a co-ECC title and 21-5 mark. The Bulldogs advanced to the fourth round of the 3A playo s as Page had 433 kills, 156 digs, 66 blocks, 56 assists and 53 aces . Page also plays basketball and softball for the Bulldogs, and she will play volleyball next fall at Fayetteville Tech.
FOOTBALL STATS
RUSHING (all stats courtesy of MaxPreps, may be incomplete)
Edgecombe’s Cinderella ride continues with a 44 - 41 victory over No. 2 East Duplin
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
BEULAVILLE — Timing is everything, even in football.
In a game in which both teams had opportunities to win, No. 11 SouthWest Edgecombe converted consecutive fourth-quarter scores into a 44 - 41 win over No. 3 East Duplin last Friday in the third round of the 4A playo s.
The back-to-back end zone nishes were the rst by either team in a tightly contested war at Brian Aldridge Field.
The Cougars (8-5), who nipped No. 5 Bunn 29-26 in the second round, used the passing of Devion Mayo (9 of 11 for 188 yards) to set up a score early in the fourth to go in front 38-34 and then stopped the Panthers on fourth-and-5 from the Cougars 21.
Andre Downey (12-201) scored for the second time with a 79-yard run on the next snap to put SouthWest Edgecomb in front 44-34.
The 10-point de cit was the biggest margin by either team.
Branson Norris’ 3-yard touchdown pass to Garrett Sholar ED (9-3) was too little too late, as the Cougars took a knee on two snaps to run out the clock.
“If you don’t shed a few tears after this one you need do something else,” said ED head coach Battle Holley, whose club won the ECC and nished 9-3. “They made plays and we made plays. They made a couple at the right time. Maybe we only needed one more?”
Holley and the Panthers may have been in a bit of a shock as the Cougars matched them play for play.
“They ran and threw the ball well and made some real good catches,” said Holley, who is 155-62 for his career, going 133-53 with the Panthers since 2011. “They couldn’t stop us, and it was all about who would get a stop or force or bene t from a turnover.”
Luck and fortune weren’t on the Panthers’ side in the nal game for fullback Shawn Davis, who ran for 144 yards and scored twice.
Classmate Aaron Hall (20-143) added a score. JP Murphy caught a touchdown pass from Norris, but ED was outrushed 327-299 and had 127 more passing yards, though both o enses were tough in clutch situations.
Both schools went 3 of 6 on third down. ED converted all three of its fourth down situations, while the Cougars were 2 of 3.
“The tough part is losing a great bunch of high-character kids who play the game right,” Holley said. “You know what you’re going to get from them in practice on Mondays and how they show up on Friday nights.
Davis scored from the 9 to give ED a 7-6 lead in the rst quarter. Mayo hit Tyrese Hicks for a 54-yard score seven snaps later as the Cougars went up 12-7.
But Hall returned the kicko
84 yards to help ED regain the lead 14-12 after Gavin Jarman’s PAT.
The second quarter was nearly as wide open.
Downey scored via a 12-yard pass from Mayo, but Hall countered it with a 40-yard touchdown sprint.
SouthWest Edgecombe went in front at halftime 25-21 after Mayo scored from the 1.
The opening drive of the third quarter looked like a momentum changer as ED marched 59 yards in 12 plays with Davis scoring from the 1.
ED led for the last time at 28-25.
“You always wish for more, but the chips also have to fall your way a little bit,” said Holley, who lost to Hibriten in the 2017nal and beat Reidsville in 2022. “Ending with a win is what it’s all about, and not many schools get to do that.
“We lost some great seniors, but we also have some good players returning.”
Edenton rallied for the last hit during 34 -28 win over North Duplin, which ended its season with a 10 -2 mark
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
CALYPSO — Edenton’s defense stopped Carell Phillips and North Duplin when it counted most.
DJ Sutton’s third touchdown came nearly as quickly as the Aces beat the Rebels 34-28 in double overtime during third round of the 2A playo s last Friday at H.E. Grubbs Field.
Sutton ran up the gut of ND’s defense untouched to cap a 14-point comeback for John A. Holmes. No. 7 Edenton Holmes (8- 4) plays No. 2 Warren County (10 -2) in the East Region semi nal on Friday. No. 1 Tarboro (12- 0) with the winner taking on No. 4 East Bladen (93) on Dec. 5.
No. 3 ND ends with 10 wins and a conference title for the second straight season.
“They are a fantastic group of young men, some of which played four years, some that played two, but all of them had the same mindset: show up and do the work,” said coach Hugh Martin, who guided ND to 29 wins the past three seasons.
“This was a great senior group, and in the huddle, I told our kids to look at the legacy they left by showing up and doing the right things. The minute we open the doors for a workout, weightlifting or practice, they are there.”
Sutton’s second score, a
56 -yard burst, tied the game at 21-21.
That play came two snaps after Ben Kelly picked up a fumble and rumbled 68 yards to give ND a 21-14 lead with 7:28 left in regulation.
Mason Byrum connected with JaMarion Basnight for a touchdown in the rst overtime following a holding call on the Aces.
Phillips, who ran for 171 yards on 36 carries, scored on fourth-and-1 to force another set of downs for both schools.
Basnight intercepted a pass on third-and-11 to end the game.
ND’s defense had a tough
time against the Aces’ option attack in the second half after playing ruggedly in the rst 24 minutes.
“We did a good job of taking away the pitch against the quarterback and also forcing him to pitch it,” Martin said. “We needed to sustain our blocks at the point of attack. Three or four times, (Phillips) was about to break a run and someone came o a block from the inside, and that was also a credit to Edenton.”
Rebels roar to halftime lead
Everything went ND’s way in
FOOTBALL from page B1
the opening quarter as Phillips and fullback Ethan Turnage scored touchdowns.
Phillips saw nothing at the line but popped it to the right side to score from 48 yards out for a 6-0 lead.
ND drove into Edenton territory in the middle of the quarter before Phillips was taken down short of the yardstick on fourth-and-5 by Noah Browder.
The Rebels returned the favor when Edenton marched to the ND 29 but were a yard short on fourth down.
ND’s second score came via a 13-play, 65-yard march that ended with Phillips hitting pay
Pearsall’s third score came from the 11 early in the third. Hall added an 80-yarder, and fullback Cal Avent hit pay dirt from the 1 with 3:40 left in quarter.
Pearsall had a career-high 202 yards, while Hall went for 260.
Neither team scored during the fourth quarter as fog descended on the turf of Bill Taylor Field.
Tigers need to corral Jags’ triple- option attack
Farmville Central tied A-G and Kinston in the Eastern Plains 2A/3A Conference that was won by Tarboro (12- 0), the No. 1 in the 2A bracket who won a 1A title last fall.
Quarterback BJ Gardner keys the Jaguars’ attack. He had hit on 75 of 145 passes for 1,196 yards and 10 scores. But he’s also thrown six interceptions. But he is a dual threat, having run for 1,222 yards and 27 touchdowns.
“We need to control the football and get a few key stops,” Grady said. “They are way faster running the triple out of the shotgun than what we’ll seen on lm. Their quarterback is very quick, and other backs have speed. It’s a di erent kind of challenge for us, and we’ll have to control the football and get
dirt from the 4 after catching a tipped pass by quarterback Brock Keiz.
Phillips set up the score by picking his way through the middle of the Ace’s line on fourth-and-3 from the 8.
Fullback Ethan Turnage rammed his way to the 2-point conversion and ND led 14-0 at halftime.
The Aces’ defense found a new gear in the third quarter after Sutton ran for 19 yards on the rst snap and then 40 yards for a score.
ND responded with a drive to the Aces’ 24. Phillips’ 16-yard burst got ND close to the red zone before three failed runs and a pass attempt forced the Rebels to turn the ball over to Edenton.
Cade Jernigan turned his lone carry of the night into a 59 -yard score and a 14-14 deadlock at the 3:46 mark of the third quarter with Edenton coming hard.
Rebels notebook
ND lost to Lakewood in the third round in the 2024 1A playo s. Ben Kelly had two fumble recoveries. Garris Warren had one. MLB Turnage led ND in tackles with 7.5 per game, followed by Lucas Dail (4.8), Trashawn Ru n (4.4), Kelly (4.2), Noa Quintanilla (3.9), Warren (3.6) and Stevens (3.5). Warren and Holden Williams each had three interceptions. Ru n, a UNC recruit, Quintanilla and Braylon Lee each had three sacks. Phillips, a senior, nished with 2,049 yards and 28 touchdowns this season and totaled 4,876 and 70 scores during his career. Martin is 158-123 in 23 seasons, which included three at East Duplin to start his head coaching career.
Cal
key stops like we did against Ayden-Grifton.”
Gridiron notebook No. 7 Northeastern (9-3) hosts No. 14 Kinston (9-4) in the other East Region encounter. The survivor takes on the Tigers-Jaguars winner.
The Vikings upended No. 6 Pasquotank 34-20, while the Eagles knocked o No. 2 Pender 52-34. Hall has run for 1,732 yards
and 23 touchdowns this fall, putting him at 2,882 yards in the past two seasons. Zamarion Smith and Zeleya had interceptions. Zelaya, who has a team-high four picks, continues to pace JK in tackles at 11.5 per game. But he’s getting a lot of support from Stedman McIver (10.5), Cal Avent (8.1), Jacquez Smith (7.1), Zamarion Smith (7.2), Pearsall (6.6), Keyshaun Murray (5.3) and Alex Vasquez (4.8).
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Ethan Turnage led ND in tackles this season, including the 10 he got against Edenton Holmes.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Avent, Tall Pearsall, Jaylon Smith and JK limited Ayden-Grifton to one second half score.
Indeed, he would have had a rougher time leading WRH in the NCHSAA’s old four classi cation system. Winning in 4A is more akin to what Mike Graybar did when he guided WRH to three 1AA titles.
But you beat the teams that are in front of you and, in WRH’s case, schedule big-time nonconference matches as steel sharpens steel.
WRH did that after going 2-4 -1 against Topsail, Franklin County, East Duplin (twice), Clinton, Laney and Cape Fear, with the biggest cavate being a 2-1 conquest of the Dark Horses, a model program in the state.
The scoring sources — nals MVP Felix Funes (26 goals, 16 assists), Wilmer Flores (16 goals, 14 assists), Steven Acosta (16 goals, 4 assists), Gabriel Cubas (4 goals, 12 assists) as well as the mid eld and defensive leaders would follow.
They were in the ’Dawgs camp,;Murray simply needed to activate them and watch them develop.
In the process, WRH became a tightly woven and e cient machine, rarely making mistakes and possessing and controlling the ball as it were manufactured in Teachey.
Coaches from Greene Central, North Carolina School of Science and Math and Polk County praised the Bulldogs’ defense after losing playo games to Murray’s squad.
Murray, whose coaching style may still be evolving, is willing to learn via experience and open to change while also rmly committed to his soccer principles.
He wasn’t a star player in 2017. Ironically, that team’s
SOCCER from page B1
said, ‘I’ll just gure it out,’ and he’s been the kind of player that always puts one in when you really need it.”
Funes had seven shots alone in the rst half as long balls played in his direction seemed to have sonar to send them to the senior. His rst shot came ve seconds into the match.
“Four months of making us run like crazy all paid o ,” Funez said in the interview room.
Funes stole the ball from a defender and hit freshman Alvardo for the score with 21:28 to play as the crowd, which was three-quarters from WRH, erupted.
NOTICES
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
Aaron Murray, left, was a member of the 2016 WRH team that won a 1AA title. He was the NCHSAA Assistant Coach of the Year in 2024 while at Pender. His wife, Taylor KissnerMurray, had a boy days before he was announced as the new head coach of the Bulldogs.
leading scorer, Maynor Espinosa, now 27, was at the nals match, along with Graybar and other longtime WRH soccer loyalists.
Murray even admitted in the press conference that he’s coaching minority players — Hondurans and Hispanics — and that those communities and others are support systems for the team.
“It’s about the community, parents, uncles, neighbors,” Murray said. “If you looked out today, you couldn’t help but notice them.”
In the end, the spotlight radiates, ampli es and magni es the WRH soccer program — in the
Yet the Bulldogs were strong all over the eld as Junior Ayestas, the NCHSAA’s Sportsmanship winner, Wilmer Flores, Cristian Calderon and Cubas were played supporting roles on a uni ed team. In fact, defenders Brayan Sanchez, Dorlin Andrande, Cergio Acosta, Bryan Sanchez, Ayestas and Sevilla each played the entire 80 minutes.
“We hadn’t seen any lm on Polk County, so we stuck to our guns and played our game,” Murray said. “They had seen us. So we tried something different by putting in Iker. He came up from the JV team, and that’s a plug for those programs where players can develop.”
WRH’s farm team went 9-2 -1 and could have also been
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
East and across the state.
Indeed, there were several soccer programs that were “down” this season, James Kenan to name one.
But not many experts predicted WRH’s success after losing all-state performer Alex Zepeda (48 goals, 14 assists) and Chris Mejia (14 goals, 23 assists) to graduation.
“We had our baby during tryouts,” Murray said. “So there was a lot going on.”
Murray ‘s “new kids” might have grown more since late July as has his son made his way to the soccer block party at WRH this season.
It couldn’t have been any sweeter.
a place where Flores (16 goals, 14 assists) would have played.
Funes (26 goals, 16 assists) bene tted from a Steven Acosta pass to score the match-clincher with 40 seconds left.
“We were unbeaten until today when we were beat by a very good soccer team,” Alley said. “This senior group was our shot at going all the way. We got stopped.”
Calderon, Ayestas, Funes, Cergio Acosta and Cubas connected in the penalty kick session against Greene Central earlier in the week after a 2-2 deadlock in regulation.
WRH won its nal 17 matches.
“That our fans drove 3½ hours to see us play is amazing,” Funes said. “That and winning is what I’ll always remember.”
25SP001031-300
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 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
25SP001048-300 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE
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
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 Defendant,
TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the above titled action. The nature of the relief being sought is absolute Divorce. You are required to make defense
Annie Louise Lewis, 82, passed gently from her earthly life on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
She was born August 3, 1943, in Pender County, the daughter of James Oscar Lewis and Lillie Norris Lewis. In addition to her parents, Annie was preceded in death by her daughter, Debra Blanton and sisters, Martha Lou Deal and Lillie Earl “Sue” Faircloth.
Annie is survived by her children, James Thomas Blanton, David Allen Blanton, and Patricia Gwen Howard; eight grandchildren; eleven greatgrandchildren; sisters, Joann Fowler and Bonnie Faye Lewis; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Not to be forgotten was her fur baby and constant companion, Clowie.
Annie was a lifelong loving lady who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her beloved family. In her younger years she enjoyed dipping her hook in the water and catching a sh. Annie was pro cient with needle work, often making quilts and sharing them with family. She was a joy to know and will be greatly missed.
Following Annie’s request, there will be no services held at this time.
Stacy Robison Glidden
Aug. 7, 1978 – Nov. 14, 2025
Stacy Robison Glidden, 47, of Maple Hill, NC, passed away on a clear fall night, November 14, 2025.
Stacy will be remembered as an eternal optimist, advocate and friend.
As an optimist, Stacy saw value in everything and everyone. There was no item, plant, creature or person that Stacy couldn’t see potential in. Everything about her, from the most modest thing, was an opportunity to make the world a better place.
Stacy began as an advocate for her own children, Seth and Naomi. Then Stacy was a volunteer, a board member of several organizations, and a graduate of Partners in Policymaking.
Stacy used the knowledge she gained to become a selfappointed advocate for disabled children, and she selected Shirley Chisholm’s motto, “Unbought, Unbossed, and Unpaid For.” Stacy attended IEP meetings for years, one or more a week, to ensure the education of children. Stacy earned a lot but never made a cent. As a friend, her loss is too huge to measure. Stacy’s counsel would be for us to keep our heads up, love one another and make sure we are listened to. Also, to overtip the server, to give a dog a treat, and to give a hug where needed.
Stacy would like us to remember her service dog, Grace, who passed this spring. And she would like to tell us that the world will always need a place where we never have to apologize for who and what we are A Memorial Service, in the fashion of the Society of Friends (Quakers), will be announced on the Facebook accounts of Naomi Morton, Seth Glidden, and her husband, Adam, in the next few weeks.
Joseph Richard Jones
Dec. 17, 1946 – Nov. 17, 2025
Joseph Richard Jones, age 78, died Monday, November 17, 2025, in Sunrise Assisted Living of Raleigh. He is preceded in death by his wife, Janet Somers Jones.
Mr. Jones is survived by his son, Neil Ryan Jones and wife Jessica of Raleigh; sister, Holly Whitt of Oxford; grandson Henry Samuel Jones; niece Jennifer Duke; and great nephew Joseph Duke. The funeral service is Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Serenity Funeral Home in Beulaville, with visitation one hour before the service. Interment will be at East Duplin Memorial Gardens Beulaville
In lieu of owers, donations can be made to either The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina or to the Beulaville Free Will Baptist Church.
Charles Lee Bristow
Sept. 4, 1951 – Nov. 18, 2025
Kenansville - Charles Lee Bristow, 74, passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Kenansville Health and Rehab.
Charles was born September 4, 1951, in Laurinburg, NC, to the late Archie Franklin and Evelyn Adcock Bristow.
Charles is survived by wife, Linda Kay Rogers Bristow of Kenansville; sisters-in-law Kelli Bristow of Fort Wayne, IN Esther Pate of Kenansville, Sandra Rogers of Kenansville, Mary Catherine Leary of Wilmington; brother-inlaw, Delmar Rogers and wife, Pat of Elizabethtown; mother-in-law, Bertha Mae Rogers of Kenansville, nieces and nephews, Bree and Michael Bristow, Amy Rogers, Joni Usher, Tracy Rogers, Jamie Rogers, Kenny, David, and Daniel Leary, and Kaye P. Gri n; great nephew, Holden Bristow.
In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his brother, Archie Franklin Bristow, Jr.
Memorial service arrangements will be announced later.
Eric O’Neil Sutton
Jan. 6, 1962 – Nov. 19, 2025
Dudley- It is with much sadness that the JB Rhodes Funeral Home Sta announces the passing of Mr. Eric O’Neil Sutton, age 63. Mr. Sutton entered eternal rest on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Goldsboro Rehabilitation Center. The Rhodes Sta ask that you remember this family in prayer as they make arrangements to lay their loved one to rest. The nal arrangements will be posted on the JB Rhodes website when nalized. “Blessed are those that mourn for they shall be comforted.”
Je rey Isaksen
Feb. 23, 1987 – Nov. 15, 2025
Je rey James Isaksen, 38, of Surf City, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at home following a short illness.
He was born on February 23, 1987, in Queens, New York, to the late Wayne and Meta (Graham) Isaksen.
Je rey had a passion for golf and was a golf professional who graduated from the Golf Academy of America in Myrtle Beach, SC. He will be remembered as a funny, kindhearted guy who will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his sister, Miranda Grieco, and husband, Justin; his cousin, who was like a brother, Robert Graham; and his nieces, Autumn, Abigail, Annabelle, Adalene and Allison.
William Henry Brown
Jan. 12, 1956 – Nov. 19, 2025
William Henry Brown, 69, of Wallace, NC, passed away on November 19, 2025, at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, NC. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Union Missionary Baptist ChurchDeep Bottom. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. (one hour prior to the service). Interment following the service at Burton Family Cemetery in Wallace, NC.
Timothy “Tim” Ray Moore
Jan. 6, 1962 – Nov. 19, 2025
Timothy “Tim” Ray Moore, 63, passed peacefully from his earthly life on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. He was born January 6, 1962, in Pender County, the son of Ethel Casto Mattison and the late Oliverson Moore, Jr.
In addition to his mother, Tim is survived by his daughter, Chloe Rae Moore; son, Jamie Ray Moore (Krystal); mother of their daughter, Chloe, is Dee Lorenzetti; grandchildren, Carter, Tyler, Kinley, Addison, and Jensen; brother, Harold Tyler Moore; sisters, Jennifer Hardison and Tina Bain; and many extended family and friends.
For many years, Tim was employed with Ellington Insulation, now United Insulation. Tim became pro cient in sewing as it was a large part of his job. In years past, Tim enjoyed the beach, shing, and water skiing. He had a green thumb and could grow most anything. Tim always had a story to share. Most of all, Tim was kindhearted, generous, and would do most anything at any time for anybody. He loved his family and will be greatly missed.
A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, 3673 Porter Road, Currie, NC 28435. The Rev. Merrell McKoy will conduct the service. The family will receive friends at the cemetery following the service.
MCGOWEN
Melvin Lee Padgett
April 2, 1943 – Nov. 16, 2025
Melvin Lee Padgett, 82, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
He was raised in Penderlea, NC, the fth of 10 children. His parents, Joe and Exie Padgett, along with his brother J.A. and sister Deborah, preceded him in death.
Melvin was employed by Carolina Telephone in equipment installation for 43 years, where he met his wife, Donna. They were married for 38 years. After retiring, they shared 21 years of loa ng and spending time together.
Melvin also enjoyed hunting, shing, cooking, gardening, and hanging out with his tractor buddies at B & B Tractor, where they fellowshipped and enjoyed many good meals.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Potts Memorial Church Cemetery, 4125 NC Hwy. 11, Willard, NC. Visitation will be at the graveside.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Sumner Padgett, son Joey Padgett (Melissa); daughters Barbara P. MacDonald (Bill), Michelle P. Stallings (Terry Parker) and Kim S. Whaley (Johnny); father-in-law Linwood Earl Sumner; brothers Mitchell Padgett (Juanita) and David Padgett (Susan); sisters Lucille Giddeons, JoAnn Marshburn, Joyce Ward (Bobby) , Frances Brown (Clifton) and Rebecca Fowler (Jim); grandchildren Brandon (Christa), Brent (Blair), Jeremy (Stacy), Ashley (Ryan), Amanda (Josh), Marshall, Beth, Chris (Nicole) and Grayson; great-grandchildren: Jordan, Renley, John Henry, Jacob, Addison, Ian, Ava, Evan, Vinny, Piper, Miles, Rhys and Penelope.
April 17, 1926 – Nov. 17, 2025
Ethel “Mae” Carter, age 99, of Hampstead, North Carolina, died Monday, November 17, 2025, in Liberty Commons, Whiteville, North Carolina.
She was born April 17, 1926, in Wallace, North Carolina, the daughter of the late Austin Atkinson and Myrtle Carr Atkinson. In addition to her parents, Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Harvie Carter, her son, Tommy Carter, her infant daughter, Julia Dean Carter and her grandson, Brandon Herring. She was a member of Provident Baptist Church in Holly Ridge, North Carolina.
Mae is survived by her daughter, Joyce Herring of Tabor City, North Carolina, a brother, David Atkinson of Carolina Beach, North Carolina, a granddaughter, Heidi Herring of Clayton, North Carolina, four great grandchildren, Alex Herring (Lacy), Arron Herring, Matthew Hurst and Jordyn Herring, two greatgreat-grandchildren Deacon Mack Herring and Lennon Rose Herring and numerous extended family and friends that loved Mae dearly.
Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Chapel, Wallace, North Carolina, with burial to follow in Rock sh Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m., one hour prior to the service at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home, Wallace, North Carolina.
March 7, 1937 – Nov. 17, 2025
Mrs. Lula Mae Thomas, 88, of Wallace, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2025. Born on March 7, 1937, in Wallace, she remained deeply rooted in the community that shaped her life.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at noon at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, NC. Burial will be at the Burton Cemetery on Norwood Blanchard Road in Wallace, NC (Deep Bottom Community).
Lula Mae was the daughter of the late William and Dorothy Mae Cooper Teachey. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Demond Watkins and granddaughter, Jessica Monk, as well as her brothers: Andrew, Herman, William, Ramsey, Joe, and Henry Teachey, and her sisters: Margaret Teachey Nelson and Ernestine Savage. A devoted wife, Lula Mae, is survived by her husband, John Robert Thomas. Together, they built a life centered around love, family, and faith. She leaves four daughters to cherish her memory: Lorretta Edmond of Wallace, Lorraine Rhodes (Herman) of Wallace, Gina Spruill (Tasha) of Beulaville, and Kimberly Carlisle (Je ) of Raleigh. Her legacy continues through eight grandchildren: Celeste Chandler, Deon Roberson, Ernest Burton, Jan Cooper Jr., Joshua Cooper (Stephanie), Jamie Pickett (Amberley), Christina Carlisle, and Joshua Carlisle: seventeen great-grandchildren who brought immense joy to her life. Her siblings, Ethel Teachey, Anne Walton, and Leon Taylor, as well as numerous nieces and nephews whose lives she profoundly impacted, also cherish her memory.
Lula Mae was a strong, warmhearted, feisty woman known for her kindness and unwavering commitment to caring for others. She loved laughter, music, and dancing. Her home was often the heart of family gatherings— occasions lled with laughter, shared meals, and cherished memories. She believed strongly in the importance of keeping family close and nurturing those bonds across generations.
A faithful member of First Baptist Church of Deep Bottom, Lula Mae found strength and purpose in her spiritual life. Her presence within the church community re ected her values of compassion and service.
May the memory of Lula Mae Thomas bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.
Judy Williams
Aug. 21, 1952 – Nov. 16, 2025
Judy Russell Williams, 73, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Billy Kay Miranda, her sisters, Elsie Lanier and Joe Albertson, and her brother, Richard Pat Russell, Jr. Services will be held at a later date. She is survived by her husband, Billy Williams of Beulaville, NC; sisters Jeanette Surcy of Chinquapin, NC, and Sue Williams of Beulaville, NC; brother Thomas Brown of Castle Hayne, NC; and grandchild Alice Renae Williams. Community Funeral Home of Beulaville in honored to serve the Williams family
Ethel “Mae” Carter
Lula Mae Thomas
150 years of Rose Hill, wrapped in Christmas spirit
“Our entertainment should be fantastic ... We are so grateful and proud of our local talent.”
Betty Arnette
July 22, 1944 – Nov. 14, 2025
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
by the Tracks — an annual tradition of togetherness and small-town magic.
This year’s celebration holds special meaning as Rose Hill marks its 150th anniversary. Participants can enjoy a craft fair beginning at noon, browse local vendors and food trucks, explore historic displays and old-town lms in the former re department. Entertainment begins at 4 p.m., starting with a praise dance performance by The Vessels of Worship, followed by The Beatitudes, and solo performances by Rose Hill’s own Sydney Casteen (banjo), Adam Quinn (guitar) and Renee Hoxie (vocals).
After the parade, the music continues with local favorites Parade Marshal Harvey Arnold Jr., the 380 East Band and The Johnson Boys.
“Our entertainment should be fantastic,” said Ronda Rivenbark, the event organizer. “We are so grateful and proud of our local talent.”
The parade lineup begins at 5 p.m., with the proces-
Ronda Rivenbark, event organizer
sion stepping o at 6 p.m.
Organizers are “shooting for the moon and stars,” hoping for at least 75 entries, all decked out in their best illuminated Christmas décor.
The route begins on Railroad Street, turns left onto Church Street, then left onto Oak Street, ending at Rose Hill Baptist Church.
Children are invited to join the Kids Zone, where they can decorate bikes, scooters and ride-on toys while helping lead the parade.
Six volunteers, along with support from town board members, have coordinated everything from parade entries to entertainment, with the event’s largest support coming from The Trading Company of Rose Hill. Roads along the route, including Church Street, will close for the festivities, but ample parking will be available, and no trains will run through town that day.
Rivenbark said she hopes this parade will be the “biggest one yet.” For Rivenbark, the best part of the parade is “the people and the joy it brings to our little hometown.”
Betty Carol Huggins Arnette, 81, of Leland, NC, gently passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, after an extended illness. She was surrounded by many friends and family on the days prior to her passing.
She was born on July 22, 1944, in Lumberton, NC, to the late George Ross Huggins Jr, of High Point, NC, and the late Eleanor Walters Lindsay, of Burgaw, NC. She graduated from Lumberton High School and worked for many years for Belk’s and Jasper Textiles in Lumberton, before following her dream and moving to the NC coast. There, she joined Sharon United Methodist Church, where she loved serving her Lord and Savior and her community. She had many passions including gardening, crafting, cooking, traveling (she loved sharing memories of her trips to Europe) and spending time with friends and family. She doted on her kids, grandkids and great grandkids; she enjoyed nothing more than taking them to her favorite shelling spots on Holden Beach. There she showed her prowess at spotting the best shells, and her many shell collections are a testament to that.
Betty was a devoted and amazingly loving wife, mother,
grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She touched many lives and formed friendships that lasted her lifetime. If you needed help, she was never one to say no, whether you were family, friends or a stranger. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her beauty, her heart and her soul will live on in us all.
Betty is survived by her husband of 60+ years, Walter “Tom” Arnette Sr of the home; her children, Anne Arnette of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, LaDonna Sotello (Pete) of Atascadero, CA, Tom Arnette Jr (Karmen) of Camden, NC, and Rebecca Bass (Paul) of Supply, NC; her sisters, Jo Ellen Hickman (Ed) of Wilmington, NC, Martha Tudie Boyles (Jim) of Thomasville, NC, Kim Feltes, of Rural Hall, NC, and Lisa LaPrade (Jim) of Pleasant Garden, NC; her brother, Thomas Elwood Lindsay, of Burgaw, NC; nine grandchildren (Ashley, Justin, Courtney, Brittany, Anthony, Emma, Ruby, Steven and Nicolas) and 14 great grandchildren (Jaiden, Logan, Gage, Dawson, Weylynn, Landon, Elijah, Silas, Liam, Wesley, Hailey Jo, Connor, Lainey Grace and Jaxon); and countless nieces, nephews and friends.
In addition to her parents, Betty was also preceded in death by her beloved grandparents who raised her, Henry Douglas Walters and Elizabeth “Lizzy” Howell Walters of Lumberton, NC; her sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Carlton Britt of Lumberton, NC; her step-father, Legrand “Bud” Lindsay, of Burgaw, NC and her nephew, Carlton Lee Britt Jr of Lumberton, NC. In lieu of owers, please consider donating to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice House in Bolivia, NC.
The family will hold a small memorial service in the coming weeks, with a Celebration of Life to be scheduled in the Spring.
Patricia Frazier
Feb. 15, 1951 – Nov. 13, 2025
Goldsboro- It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Patricia Evonne Frazier, age 74, who went to glory land on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Wayne UNC Health in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The arrangements are incomplete at this time. Please keep the family lifted in your prayers during their time of bereavement.
