Eastern Living May 2020

EASTERN

LIVING N O RT H

C A R O L I N A

Heroes among us

We Salute You

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FEATURES

48. ODMP

56. OCRACOKE

Learn more about the officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice

Ocracoke Island was full of heroes after Hurricane Dorian

ON THE C OV E R

Representing Our Heroes are Windsor Fire Chief Josh Kilpatrick, Bertie County EMT Sean Tripp and Windsor Police Officer Dennis Smith.

Photo by Jim Green

VOL. 12, NO. 3 MAY 2020 STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS Publisher Kyle Stephens kstephens@ncweeklies.com

Staff Gene Metrick gmetrick@rmtelegram.com Sarah Hodges Stalls shstalls@ncweeklies.com

60. GRANDMA’S KITCHEN

64. BIOGRAPHY

Sylvia Hughes gives recipes for spoonbread and strawberry pie

Bertie County Sheriff John Holley has more than three decades in law enforcement

Editor

Miles Layton

Thadd White

mlayton@ncweeklies.com

twhite@ncweeklies.com

Deborah Griffin dgriffin@ncweeklies.com

Creative Services Director Michelle Leicester

Editorial Contributors Andre Alfred

mleicester@ncweeklies.com

Sandy Carawan

Photo Editor

Tom Harrison

Sarah Davis

Jim Green jgreen@ncweeklies.com

Sylvia Hughes Jenny White Gene Motley John Walker

Advertising Executives

Connie Leinbach

Lou Ann Van Landingham lavan@ncweeklies.com

68.

MARK IT!

The history of Charles Pettigrew

70. PARTING SHOTS Thadd White reflects on the heroes of this edition.

Jessica Mobley jmobley@ncweeklies.com

Eastern North Carolina Living Magazine P.O. Box 69, Windsor, NC 27983

Kelly Ayscue

252-794-3185

kayscue@rmtelegram.com

twhite@ncweeklies.com

Eastern North Carolina Living is published by APG Media Eastern NC, and is a subsidiary of the Bertie Ledger-Advance, Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald, Tarboro Weekly and Rocky Mount Telegram.

5

H ertford County

From guard on the court to guarding the nation Story by Sarah Davis Photos by Andre Alfred

I

n 2002, Shateisa Sharpe was a guard on

basketball team. Playing for Coach Joan Sharpe

opportunity for shots with less responsibility

the basketball court; fast forward 18 years

McCullough, she was moved from point guard

for other members of the team.

and reverse the digits - in 2020, she’s still a

to shooting guard, and the team “took off,”

guard, serving as a sergeant with the North

winning the conference championship and

knows

Carolina National Guard.

advancing to the second round of play-offs.

responsibility, seeing herself in whatever role

A citizen-soldier, Coach/Sergeant Sharpe

Similarly, in 2020, the HCHS women’s

is a teacher and coach at Hertford County

basketball team, under the leadership of

High School, teaching physical education

Coach Shateisa Sharpe, won the Northeastern

courses and coaching the women’s basketball

Coastal

team.

advanced to the second round of play-offs.

Conference

championship

and

As an HCHS student herself, she was

Of the switch from point guard to

an outstanding member of the women’s

shooting guard, she says it allowed her more

6

Anyone who knows Sharpe, however, that

she

never

accepts

less

she is playing as responsible for the welfare of all around her.

Likewise, she discusses those persons, noting that to be a citizen-soldier, one has to surround him/herself with responsible people.

In mid-March, Sharpe’s National Guard unit

S ergeant

was already on stand-by to be called

in the Division II CIAA Championship

into active duty to assist in some way

Tournament twice.

with the Covid19 outbreak in North

Graduating from ECSU in 2007, she

Carolina. Some units had already been

returned to Hertford County and HCPS,

activated.

first as a substitute teacher, computer

As she talked, she noted that the

lab facilitator, and junior varsity women’s

call was inevitable, probably sooner

basketball coach, then, beginning in

rather than later, focusing both on her

2011, as a physical education teacher

responsibility in the Guard and the

and varsity women’s head coach.

responsibility she had already assumed in making sure she was ready to go.

As a citizen-soldier, she has the responsibility

not

only

of

being

As a high school student, she wanted to enter the military on graduation, but parental concern kept her from doing so.

prepared to answer the call to active

Later, she considered the same

duty when it comes but of having

decision when graduating from college;

prepared her colleagues, family, friends,

again, parental concern kept her from

and neighbors to take her place at home

doing so.

when she is absent.

Finally, at age 31, she presented her

When she has not been present

parents with the best of all possible

for the HCHS basketball team, the

worlds: the citizen-soldier option of

other coaches have stepped up and

enlisting in the North Carolina National

seamlessly continued the work she has

Guard while remaining in her “day job,”

begun on the court.

and they approved. Attaining the rank

Likewise, in her civilian life, her family,

of sergeant in one and a half years,

friends and neighbors are ready to take

she is often approached to consider

care of any responsibilities on the home front. She gives credit to all the persons who assist in her absence, but it is obvious that it is her preparation for the absence, her accepting responsibility for it, that allows them to do so.

After graduating from HCHS in 2003,

Sharpe

attended

Elizabeth

City State University on a basketball scholarship, where she participated

her philosophy whether “ Perhaps in civilian or military life is best summed up in her statement that if you take care of people, they’ll take care of you.

”

7

leaving the enlisted side and accepting the

To date, she has influenced at least six of her

civilian or military life is best summed up in

responsibility of an officer. Acknowledging

students to make the same commitment she

her statement that if you take care of people,

she may someday do so, she says that now

has made.

they’ll take care of you.

she is happy with the role she is in, a role that

Both HCHS Teacher of the Year (2015-16)

Sarah Davis is a retired librarian and regular

allows her day-to-day activity and physical

and Soldier of the Year (2018-19), she is a hero

contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living and

contact with others. She prefers a more

among us. Perhaps her philosophy whether in

the Bertie Ledger-Advance.

hands-on approach than supervisory one.

With training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, Ft. Lee, Virginia, Ft. Irwin, California and Camp Dodge, Iowa, she has experienced extremes in temperature from -31 degrees to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

A member of the 69th NCNG unit, headquartered in New Bern, her specialty is small arms repair. She explains that she must be sure weapons work correctly, citing the mantra known to all arms repair personnel: “If she does her job right, someone is going to die; if she does job wrong, someone is going to die;” she must be sure she does it right so our forces are prepared with the best equipment possible.

She calls herself “the man behind the man behind the gun,” or, in this case, the woman behind the man or woman.

In response to questions about gender and the military, Sharpe says it’s not men or women; it’s soldiers; she has never felt she had to prove herself as a woman. In her unit of approximately 100 people, 15 are female; in her section of 11, 3.

The citizen-soldier role requires active duty one weekend per month and two weeks each summer in addition to being ready to deploy in emergencies such as hurricanes and health crises, often with no more than 24hour notice, but usually 72.

Recalling

Hurricane

Florence,

Sharpe

explained that the National Guard was in New Bern three days before Florence, which would usually be the case with a hurricane; tornadoes do not offer the luxury of advance preparation.

In the aftermath of Florence, she saw young soldiers overwhelmed when they experienced the gratitude afforded them for their role in stabilizing the community. It is that type experience that inspired Sharpe to enlist in the Guard and keeps her enlisted.

8

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U.S. Census Bureau National Processing Center 1201 E 10th Street Jeffersonville, IN 47132

BERTIE COUNTY 9

Washington County

Firemen Never Know When The Call To Action May Come Story by Miles Layton Photos by Miles Layton & Contributed

V

olunteer fire departments are a critical

assured that if something happens, we will be

the PVFD will be there to serve them 24 hours

element

there to fight for them and their belongings.”

a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.

to

communities

across

eastern North Carolina.

Volunteer fire departments are not only

“There is never a time when we are not on

The best part about being a firefighter is

the first line of defense against fires and other

call. We also do public service presentations

making a difference to friends and neighbors

happenings, but they work around the clock to

and provide back up assistance at many

in small towns.

assist the county’s Emergency Medical Service

events countywide and beyond,” he added.

“Best part – the pride that is felt when we are able to help someone or keep a home or

and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in rescue operations.

A great fire department is a solid investment in the community – one the pays

business from burning down to a complete

“We do vehicle extrication and traffic

dividends not only in lives saved and reduced

loss,” Plymouth Fire Chief Timothy Miller said.

assistance at wrecks; we do search and rescue

property damaged, but the bottom line in

“Knowing that we make a difference in our

operations,” Miller said. “We provide our

terms of insurance costs.

community and that the residents can rest

residents with peace of mind, knowing that

10

“We save the town and county money by

F ireman being volunteers,” Miller said. “Paid fire departments are very expensive to start and maintain. Also, on a business end, the better we do, the lower our insurance rating is with the State of North Carolina.

The lower our rating is, the lower the town and county’s homeowners and property insurance is.

Without a good fire department, homes would not be protected and insurance rates would increase.”

No matter whether it is three o’clock in the

work hard at scenes and “ We behind the scenes to keep the residents of the town of Plymouth and its surrounding areas safe.

- Timothy Miller,

”

Plymouth Fire Chief

morning or noon, these volunteers are ready to serve.

“We work hard at scenes and behind the scenes to keep the residents of the town of Plymouth and its surrounding areas safe,” Miller said. “We also work with neighboring fire departments to increase the area that is served to provide adequate coverage in case of fire or loss.”

Born in Richmond, Virginia, when Miller was 5-years old, his family moved to Plymouth, where has lived ever since. An alumnus of Plymouth High School, Miller worked as an EMT for Washington County Hospital and served as a Plymouth Police officer. He is married to wife, Bonnie, and they’ve raised their three children.

Miller has been a firefighter since 1988 and has held many positions of leadership within the department including 1st Assistant Chief, 2nd Assistant Chief and lieutenant. Lieutenant positions are appointed by the chief and all chief positions are voted on by the members of the fire department annually.

“I

joined

the

Plymouth

Volunteer

Fire

Department because I wanted to give something back to the community,” said Miller, who has served

(Submitted photo) -No matter day or night, Plymouth’s fire department is on the call serving 24/7 -- 365 days a year. Plymouth VFD’s roster has at least 40 active members who tend to everything from house fires to vehicle accidents.

Timothy Miller

as chief since 2018. “I had some friends that were already fireman and watching them and hearing them talk about the fire department encouraged me to get involved.”

Many firefighters spring from families with a long tradition of membership within the volunteer fire departments. Miller said while no one in his family had served as a firefighter before he heard the call 32 years ago, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree because his son T.J., 19, joined the fire department at age 14, graduated from the Fire Academy, and now serves alongside his dad.

While Plymouth VFD has the good fortune of having 40 active members on its roster, not every fire department is so lucky as new recruits are becoming harder and harder to come by. Miller said though service is rewarding, it is not for the faint of

11

heart.

not knowing what to expect when we get to

“A lot of people want to join, but when they

our scene.”

see the amount of time and effort that goes into training and the work that goes with being

ones are the ones where there is a loss of life.”

Fearless, firefighters are known to rush into

And just because the fire is out doesn’t mean the chief’s job is done.

a burning building time and time again.

“We have pulled some bodies out of fires

a fireman, they shy away,” he said. “Some start

“There is a lot of paperwork that has to

that unfortunately were not living, but have

and then leave if they witness a bad event. We

be done after a call and a lot of clean up that

been to many, many calls that people were

depend on young men and women to apply

people don’t really think about,” Miller said.

able to get out safely before the fire was put

and train.

“There is also the business end of running

out and consumed the structure,” Miller said.

“Many that would be excellent firefighters

any department: budgeting, working on

Such scenes may test a firefighter’s faith,

are busy with extracurricular activities that

grants, keeping equipment current, providing

but never leaves any doubt as to the power

keep them from being able to devote their

information for the Office of the State Fire

of prayer.

after school time to the Fire Department,”

Marshall, and working with other departments.

he continued. “It is something that you have

There is a lot of behind the scenes work.”

to be interested in and is not for the faint of heart.”

“You don’t know when you go into a burning structure what is going to happen,”

Most fires and tragic events become

Miller said. “No matter how much you train

seared into any first responders’ memory.

with different scenarios and try to prepare,

Being a volunteer firefighter is not the type

While Miller can’t recall that one fire that he’ll

anything can happen. Every fire is different

of job where one can just turn off a pager and

never forget, he can recall scenes from three

and grimacing events can unfold right before

ignore the call for help when somebody is in

decades of service on the front lines, same as

your eyes.

trouble late at night because the volunteer

the band of brothers that he serves beside.

“I pray for strength and guidance to help

firefighter has to go to work the next morning.

“I can’t name one fire in particular,” he said.

save lives and property. I also pray for our own

And that’s not even the hardest part of the job.

“We have responded to so many calls over

safety, teamwork and that we make the best

“Leaving my family whenever the pager

the years. We have witnessed the loss of life

decisions possible,” he closed.

goes off – day or night – to go on calls,” said

and the loss of property. Each fire has its own

Miles Layton is Editor of the Perquimans

Miller, an evaporator operator at Domtar

outcome and each one hits home and is bad

Weekly and a regular contributor to Eastern

Paper Company, Plymouth Mill. “Leaving, and

in its own sort of way. Naturally, the worst

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13

H yde County

A True Hero with a Heartbeat of Love and Goodness Running Through Her Veins Story & Photos by Sandy Carawan

D

elia Mooney wakes at 5 a.m. in

Delia, age 74, has been committed to

have to face.

preparation for her 8 a.m. workday,

emergency situations for more than half her

“We never know what we’re going to have

which will jumpstart a continuous 48-hour

life not only working as an EMS Responder,

to do to before the day’s end. It can be an

shift, or possibly longer. When she’s not on

but also as a First Responder with the Fairfield

automobile accident or a broken hip,” Delia

shift, she’s on call.

Fire Department.

said.

While most people her age relish their

Of the three levels that make up an EMS

When she and Loftus receive a call they

days of retirement, Fairfield resident Delia

team, Paramedic, Intermediate and Basic,

discuss the situation to determine what

works as an Emergency Medical Service (EMS)

Delia works as a Basic EMS Responder. Her

equipment they will need so that they are

Responder for the Hyde County Emergency

two team members, Paramedic Chris Pereira

prepared when they first arrive on the scene.

Medical Services in Swan Quarter. And, if

and Intermediate Tommy Loftus, spend

In 1982, Delia recalls, Hyde County

there’s one thing Delia can boast about, it is

their days and nights together on shift never

stationed ambulances at homes in Engelhard

being the oldest member.

knowing what emergency situation they may

and Swan Quarter. If both ambulances were

14

EMS Responder out on calls and Fairfield or another

topics from head to toe, external and

community had an emergency, no

internal, such as airway respiratory,

ambulance was available.

bites, cardiac, drowning, frostbite,

“We’d had some tragic things happen. So we formed a group here

head

trauma,

stroke

and

toxic

ingestion.

in Fairfield and the first thing we had

To share her knowledge, she has

to do was get enough people to take

also worked as an EMS instructor

the Emergency Medical Technician

throughout eastern North Carolina

course,” she said.

mainly teaching and testing about

Over 18 months, Delia completed 180 hours of training, of which 48

blood pressure.

Delia’s ability to save lives is also

hours were spent in the emergency

dependent

room

medical

knowledge and operation of the

procedures and assisting as she was

ambulance’s equipment that is used

allowed.

to care for adult and pediatric patients

watching

various

In 1984, she volunteered on the ambulance for one year to gain

upon

her

extensive

in different medical or traumatic situations.

experience. Shortly thereafter, she

“We

completed her Emergency Vehicle

ambulance

Operations (EVOC) course, which not

pressure reading every 15 minutes,

only trained her how to safely operate

and it continuously shows me what

the ambulance under extreme time

your heart is doing.” Delia adds, “The

restraints, but also ensure the safe

monitors tell me what your pulse is

transportation of both the patient

as well as the oxygen level in your

and the EMS team.

blood.”

Since the early 1980s, Delia’s job has changed because of the

have

monitors

that

takes

on a

our

blood

Delia and her team must be prepared for almost any situation.

evolving of new situations, medical

“Our main goal is to provide

knowledge and equipment, and she

service to the people and make sure

has adapted by continuing to learn.

they have the service they need,”

Even now, each emergency situation

Delia said.

presents a different nuance than

Because the team must face

the last and continuous training and

uncertain situations, Delia stresses

recertification are critical to her and

that teamwork is crucial in their ability

her team’s ability to save lives.

to save lives.

Delia is certified to perform in

“We have to work together as a

various emergency and hazardous

team,” she said. “We have to help

situations such as active shooter

each other out.”

attacks, water rescue, Airpack for fires,

Paramedic Chris Pereira, who

vehicle extrication, cardiopulmonary

credits his shift as having a lot of

resuscitation, and EVOC.

experience, reiterates, “Our work is a

Clocking countless hours in order to strengthen her skill set, Delia

team effort and we all have a part to play to make it work.”

said, “We are seeking every day for

With more than an hour travel

knowledge. We are reading. We are

time to a hospital east or west, Delia

viewing different films. I’m taking

and her team cover many miles

online classes. This has to be done

between Engelhard in the east and

because things are changing.”

Pungo Lake in the west with interior

She has an extensive treatment protocol book that she must read and understand regarding numerous

communities embedded along the winding back roads.

“ We are seeking every day for knowledge. We are reading.

We are viewing different films. I’m taking online classes. This has to be done because things are changing.

“We get a lot of calls back-to-

15

”

back, sometimes even three calls. And round

pleasure but most for work. She also likes to

full of the moon, look out. It has a bad effect

sew.

on sickness, issues and everything,” she said.

As Delia knows firsthand, emergencies are not time-bound.

“The other night we had a house fire. The first truck was out with a patient. When there

Her partner of several years, Tommy Loftus, said, “She is dedicated, caring and

She is active at Fairfield Christian Church,

compassionate. She cares about the citizens

in which she maintains the fellowship hall,

in the county and how they are treated and

prepares communion, creates the weekly

cared for. She would give you anything if

church bulletin and attends when she is not

you are in need and if she can’t she will find

working.

someone that can.”

is a fire, we are automatically dispatched,”

As an EMS Responder and a First

she relayed. “I left home at 1:02 a.m. and not

Responder, Delia has committed more than

long after we were on the scene. We had to

half her life to serving her community. For

Delia’s continual devotion, self-sacrifice,

bring one fireman into the ambulance to

this reason, she gives God the praise and the

generosity and love not only toward her

bring him back up because he had gotten too

glory for allowing her to work to provide for

community, but also putting herself in danger

much smoke. I was on the scene until 3:45

the people of Hyde County for which she

to save the lives of others reflects great credit

a.m. Earlier I had been out at 11 p.m. because

expresses a true love.

upon herself, her team and the Hyde County

we’d had a call and I went to assist with that person.”

“I have a real feeling that I’m giving back

He adds, “The best thing I can say about Miss D is that she is a great friend.”

Emergency Medical Services.

to my county what a lot of people would look

She is a true hero with a heartbeat of love

In her free time, Delia and her husband

at as not important,” Delia said. “I’m excited

and goodness running through her veins for

of 57 years, Glenn, with whom she has three

when I go to work and I’m a very happy person

the people of Hyde County.

children, nine grandchildren and three great-

at work. And I’ve got such good coworkers that

grandchildren, manage a large garden of

help me so I can still perform and work.”

different vegetables that she cans, freezes

Delia wished to acknowledge and thank all of the First Responders who sacrifice their

Of course, her team speaks highly of her.

time and lives in order to save the lives of

and shares. She likes to cook, especially large

“Miss D is very involved with the

others.

amounts of food that she enjoys sharing with

community and with people. She cares about

Sandy Carawan is an English Language

others. She also delivers Meals on Wheels to

every person we go to. Miss D is gold.” Chris

Arts teacher at Mattamuskeet Early College

members of her community.

Pereira adds, laughing, “And she cooks steak

High School in Swan Quarter and a regular

and shrimp. She’s trying to fatten me up.”

contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

She reads and studies a lot, some for

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17

T yrrell County

Reynolds Believes Some Can Go Home Again Story by Jim Green Photos by Jim Green & Contributed

R

oyce Reynolds realized his calling when he was a young man.

It was the same calling that led Reynolds to

As a young adult, Reynolds went to work for Weyerhaueser in Plymouth and stayed there for six years.

wanted to talk about,” he added.

Reynolds learned two youth members of the church, ages 17 and 18, were planning on

move back to his hometown 21 years ago, and

He was actively involved with his church, but

to become the pastor for the church he grew up

then felt the call to preach in his early 20s, so he

“I had known them all my life,” he said. “The

in – Sound Side Free Will Baptist.

running away and going to Tennessee.

left his job to attend night school at Mount Olive

last night we were there having a service, and I

“I have always loved this church and the

College (now university) and held a daytime job

left and went to my hotel and prayed the Lord

people in this community,” Reynolds said. “They

in order to support his wife, Fleedie, and their

would come into their life on the last night we

have always had a strong youth program, and I

two children, then ages 5 and 1.

were there.”

was a part of it. I was one to the Lord through

Reynolds was attending Cragmont FWB

that program – they influenced me to come

Assembly Camp in Black Mountain in 1972

serve the Lord – and I have always had a place in

(which the church still supports today) when he

my heart for this place.”

felt the call.

Reynolds returned to the chapel and both youth were at the altar praying.

One of them grew up to be the assistant superintendent of Tyrrell County Schools and is

Reynolds is proof that someone can go

“The call was certainly influenced by my

the chairman of Sound Side’s deacon board; the

home again – regardless of how long he or she

upbringing in the church,” he said. “My parents

other became a pastor who later served as the

has been away.

were not heavily involved, but my oldest sister

director for the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home

was.

for more than 20 years, and is now retired.

Born and raised in Columbia, Reynolds was raised about half a mile from the church he grew up in.

18

“I was at Cragmont with other young people,

“When I left the chapel, going down the

and a lot of them had things on their heart they

mountain I felt the Lord say to me, ‘You are going

P astor to be a preacher’,” Reynolds recalled. “I

involved in within their community –

questioned him and said, ‘Are you sure

building houses and repairing them for

you have the right one?’ I called my wife

those who couldn’t afford to have the

said I had something to tell her and she

work done.

said ‘I already know – you’re gonna be a

“I brought the idea before our deacons

preacher.’ We both felt like the Lord told

– why do we have to go to places like San

us at the same time.”

Antonio to do that kind of work when we Reynolds

could be doing that for people in our own

pastored at churches in Wayne County,

From

1973

to

1988,

county who need it?,” he said. “So as a

LaGrange, Pikeville and Pinetown. He left

result of that, we started a program called

Wayne County in 1988 and moved back

Backyard Missions.”

to Columbia, not knowing at the time what the future held.

Malachi

Chapel

Backyard

Missions

undertakes

numerous projects throughout Tyrrell (located

County – from building handicap ramps

in Columbia) wanted Reynolds to

FWB

to repairing houses, floors, roofs, doors

pastor until they could find a full-time

and steps.

replacement. He ended up staying 11 years.

Reynolds then returned to his home church as pastor in 1999 and has been there ever since.

“A lot of the work we do is for elderly people who cannot afford to hire someone to do the repairs,” Reynolds said.

“We get a lot of referrals from social

“I was attending a revival service here

services,” he added. “We meet with them

and on the last night, the evangelist called

and ask how much they can afford to pay

people forward to pray for the Lord to

on it. If they can, they do. If they don’t, we

send a pastor to this church,” he said.

foot the bill.”

Sound Side has realized Reynolds’

To date, Backyard Missions has

main goal of more mission work the past

completed 32 or 33 ramps, some roofing,

two decades.

and replaced doors, steps and porches,

“I put a strong emphasis on mission work when I came back here,” he said.

among other projects.

Reynolds

estimated

Backyard

Many youth and adults went on

Missions had invested upwards of

mission trips to Kentucky, Florida, Texas

$40,000 in these projects over the years.

and Illinois to name a few.

In addition, the church also supports

Reynolds then read about a church in

mission programs – including individuals.

Waco, Texas and the projects they were

Reynolds said one example of this

“ To date, Backyard

Missions has completed 32 or 33 ramps, some roofing, and replaced doors, steps and porches, among other projects.

”

19

outreach was a few months ago, when a woman from Plymouth needed $4,000 more to complete support for her four-to-five month trip to Africa in July.

“This church ended up getting more than $4,000 in donations for (her trip),” Reynolds said.

Sound Side has also met or surpassed its goal every year in the Original FWB Foreign Mission Telethon.

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“When I started in 1999, we were giving $100.

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Sound Side has lost around 100 parishoners through death and many moving away since 1999.

However, as of last October, it had gained 140 new members in that same time.

“We are not setting the world on fire in terms of members, but the church has grown in other ways,” Reynolds said.

“You wouldn’t believe how much this little congregation does,” he added. “We have around 75 members youth and adult, and we are a real close knit unit that supports one another and are the easiest people in the world to work with. It’s been a blessing.

“I hear all the time about churches going through hard financial times right now, but our church has not had any problem,” he added.

Why do this type of work?

“The whole mission of the church is to reach people through Christ. You can reach them through preaching and teaching, but you can also be an influence by doing,” Reynolds said.

“If you look at the ministry of Christ, everybody he came in contact with that had a need, he met that need. Now, we are his hands and his feet – it’s that simple.” Reynolds continued, “We feel the Lord has blessed our church financially because of what we are giving to others. We feel like we are doing what the Lord has assigned us to do, fulfilling what he would want the church to do. It’s not me, it’s us. No pastor can accomplish the things we’ve accomplished here by himself. People here have wanted to serve, and it’s tremendous.”

Jim Green is Interim Editor of the Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald, and a Staff Writer for Eastern North Carolina Living.

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N ash County

Szczypkowski Builds Rapport With Her Patients Story by Jenny White Photos by Deborah Griffin

I

For 12 hours a day, seven days a week,

hospital rely on doctors from the community

medicine — when I was a nurse — I realized

every other week, Julie Szczypkowski is one of

to care for patients in the hospitals, it made

that by taking the time to build rapport and

16 hospitalists at Nash UNC Health Care who

more sense to have in-house medical

a relationship at the bedside, I could provide

take care of patients admitted for inpatient

professionals. So the role of hospitalists

better care,” Szczypkowski said. “Compassion,

care.

became the norm for inpatient care, instead

kindness and understanding a person’s story

Chances are, if you or a neighbor, a family

of each patient being followed by their

is an important part of achieving a positive

member, a co-worker or friend have been

primary care physician while in the hospital,”

medical outcome.”

hospitalized at Nash UNC in the last two

Szczypkowski said.

years, Szczypkowski may have had a hand in the care provided.

Szczypkowski, a board certified nurse

Nurse Cathy Hecox said she can see the

Szczypkowski typically works on the third,

difference Szczypkowski’s commitment to

fourth and fifth floors, as well as in the step-

communication and compassion makes for

down cardiopulmonary surgical unit.

patients.

practitioner, works for SoundPhysicans, the

It’s been noted by many of Szczypkowski’s

“I have witnessed her with patients’ family

practitioner group that partners with Nash

coworkers that she works to heal patients not

members during very stressful and emotional

UNC Health Care to provide hospitalists.

only with medical procedures but also with

times and Julie is always understanding,

her interpersonal skills.

patient and respectful. She is who I would

Szczypkowski said for today’s community hospitals, hospitalists are the best choice for providing high-quality service to patients.

“Starting in the early 2000s, hospitals realized that rather than have patients and the

22

Szczypkowski said finding a bond with her patients is an important facet of the health care she offers to her patients.

“From the very beginning of my career in

choose to care for me or my own family,” Hecox said.

Hecox added that it’s not just patients that Szczypkowski listens to — it’s everyone she

H ospitalist

works with as well.

“Julie always makes extra rounds to check in and see if we need anything and always listens intently when we explain an issue we have with a patient,” Hecox said. “If she feels it’s warranted — or if we feel

“

I have witnessed her with patients’ family

members during very stressful and emotional

times and Julie is always understanding, patient

it’s warranted — she is always happy to make an extra

and respectful. She is who I would choose to care

trip up to the floor to lay eyes on the patient herself."

for me or my own family.

Another nurse, Sheri Orvis, agreed and said Szczypkowski is especially helpful when the patient and family are making hard decisions.

“It’s very reassuring for the family and nursing staff to have Julie on the floor during a difficult time.

As staff, we appreciate her taking time out to talk to the family while they are making difficult decisions,” Orvis said.

Szczypkowski said of all the care she offers patients, having hard conversations with the patient and family at the end of life is the hardest, but the most important.

givers to provide the best end of life care is for the family to have these conversations before a patient is in the hospital.

“I think these conversations are difficult, but very important for families to have. There are many different avenues for these discussions that fit different people better. I think having open conversations with one's primary care provider is a great place to start,” Szczypkowski said.

Szczypkowski said overall, there is no real secret to how she relates to patients.

“I just really feel that everyone deserves a

“I think the foundation for all good health care is

peaceful death,” Szczypkowski said. “Helping a

compassion and kindness. Yes, you want someone

patient and family members come to terms with

who offers the very best in medical skills,” she said.

that and talk about it is a hard thing to do, but I’ve

“But for me, accompanying that knowledge and skill

seen it time and time again and there is so much

with encouraging a patient is what brings out the

more dignity and peace about it if everyone can be

best outcomes.”

on the same page and advocate for what the patient wants.”

Szczypkowski said the best way for medical care

”

- Cathy Hecox, Nurse

Jenny White is a Staff Writer for the Rocky Mount Telegram and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

23

M artin

County

911 Dispatch: Calm, Cool, Collected Story & Photos by Jim Green

S

ometimes you don’t know what kind of

produce business in Ahoskie when a friend

looked into law enforcement, but I was never

career you’re going to have until you get

(who now dispatches for Bertie County 911)

against the police or anything. I always had

recommended telecommunications as a

high respect for their career choice but I didn’t

possible career change.

know much about it.”

into it.

For Zach Taylor, he found out his change in careers almost six years ago was a pretty good decision.

“I was looking for something a little more

Taylor’s job responsibilities are to oversee

stable and solid, and truthfully I didn’t know

dispatchers on the floor of the center’s new 5,000-square-foot facility.

Taylor is the assistant director for the Martin

what I was getting myself into when I started

County Regional Telecommunications Center

here,” Taylor said. “But I felt it was a good

“My job is to make sure we are all following

on Prison Camp Road in Williamston. Taylor

career to get into. Turns out I have a pretty

the proper protocols and providing good

oversees a staff of locally-sourced dispatchers

good knack for it, I guess.”

customer service to everybody in Martin

who are the front lines of communication when there is any type of emergency.

“One of our goals is to put a face on 911

Taylor said his perception of the job

County, as well as getting new training

changed since his beginning in November

opportunities for our staff so we have new

2014.

ways of helping the community,” he said.

because, even myself when I started here,

“When I first started, like a lot of people,

On any day, any type of 911 phone call

I didn’t know much about it,” said Taylor, a

you think when you’re dialing 911 you’re getting

can come in to the center. Taylor said the

Colerain native. “You see the police or other

the nearest police officer or emergency

main thing is to be professional at all times

emergency response, but not many people

service,” he said. “When I was younger I may

and not be emotional, which can be difficult

know dispatchers even exist.”

have misdialed it a couple of times and got a

because oftentimes callers end up knowing

deputy showing up at the house. I never really

the dispatchers.

Taylor was the assistant manager of a

24

911 Dispatcher “You have to have the mindset

quickly as possible.

of this person on the line is

“The caller is not really thinking

having the worst day of their life,

(clearly) so you have to find that

whether it’s an emergency to

thing that breaks through to

you or not,” he said. “What I like

them,” Taylor said.

the woman through CPR and

Cooper (Williamston) and Timmie

they ended up saving the baby’s

Modlin (Jamesville).

life.

Modlin

“The child was not breathing

also

serves

as

addressing specialist.

but by the time Tobin was

Jason Steward of Williamston

to do – and how I have trained

The misconception is that

finished, he was breathing before

is the director of the Martin

the people with me – is to take

dispatchers are not sending help,

the EMS arrived on scene,” Taylor

County center.

yourself out of the equation and

Taylor said.

said. “We are all CPR trained, and

not get emotionally attached.

Recently, a call came in from

that lady’s willingness to follow

Focus on getting them help and

someone who said his mother

our instructions is what I think

remain calm.”

had passed out on the floor.

saved that child’s life.”

It can be challenging, Taylor

“I

walked

him

Steward has been pleased with Taylor’s work thus far.

“I am so proud of Zach’s accomplishments

with

Martin

through

Regardless of the seriousness

says, because the dispatchers are

instructions on what to do while

of the call, the dispatcher has to

said. “He was promoted to

from Martin County (some were

Vickie

stay calm and professional.

assistant director March 1 after

born and raised here) and he said

someone

Taylor

“How important is ours as the

he has seen firsthand coworkers

said. “He keeps hearing me

first voice? If you’re at nine and

struggle to maintain composure

asking questions and is thinking

they’re at nine when they call in,

work and shown progress on

so they can help callers they

nothing’s happening, but I kept

nothing will get accomplished

several high priority projects

know (friends or family).

(Davis)

is

from

dispatching

EMS,”

County

Communications,”

he

serving as a shift leader.

“Zach

has

already

began

calling him by name and letting

yelling back and forth,” Taylor

such as quality assurance and

The dispatchers’ job is to find

him know EMS was already on

stressed. “We have to maintain

performance auditing, which help

some way to break through to

the way and that us talking wasn’t

a calm demeanor. At times it’s

ensure every caller receives a

the caller to obtain information,

going to delay their response.

going to be like pulling teeth to

high level of professional service.

get the smallest bit of detail.”

His attention to detail and

which can be difficult.

“Sometimes

them

“I am trying to help him help hearing

her until EMS got there. We are

Taylor’s co-workers include

commitment to high standards

their name is enough for them to

like first, first responders,” he

shift leaders Davis (Hamilton),

has and will continue that we

snap out of it and hear what you

added.

Phillip

provide quality service to all

Loftus

(Williamston),

have to say,” Taylor said. “You are

Taylor and the staff have

Keith Holliday (Farm Life/Griffins

the first voice they hear, and for

protocols for more than 100

Township) and Sherry Baker (Oak

some that’s hard to grasp.”

citizens of Martin County.”

Jim Green is Interim Editor of

emergency situations that arise

City)

telecommunicators

the Martin County Enterprise &

The first thing a dispatcher

– everything from a cough to

Chelsea Dickerson (Jamesville),

Weekly Herald and a Staff Writer

tries to ascertain is the caller’s

locked keys in a car to a gunshot

Wright

for Eastern North Carolina Living.

address.

wound.

“If we don’t know where you

Taylor didn’t need long to

are, you can tell us everything

put his job into perspective. The

that went on from Monday to

worst call he has received came

Saturday and why you’re there

on Thanksgiving Day just three

and calling, but if we don’t have

weeks after he had started.

an address, we can’t help you,” Taylor said.

Grass),

Kirsten

A man called and said his wife “We

asked

him

what

out the caller’s chief complaint,

happened and he told us,” Taylor

and then he or she determines

said. “I consoled him and asked

whether the caller needs police,

him if there was anything I could

fire or EMS in their situation.

do and he said no. It really put

The

(Bear

was dead.

The dispatcher tries to find

center

(Computer

and

uses

Aided

a

CAD

Dispatch)

system to map out the best route to the caller.

Dispatchers must remain calm in order to get the caller help as

my job into perspective as to what I’d gotten myself into.”

A year and a half ago, a call came in that an infant had died.

Taylor’s

shift

partner,

Tobin

Wright, took the call and walked

25

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E dgecombe

County

The very def inition of The Greatest Generation Story by John H. Walker

HERO.

the history of the world as we know it.

cleaning up,” he said.

He remembered the 300-foot-long LST

Four letters.

Price went off to war at age 17, enlisting

Small word.

in the U.S. Navy on July 1, 1943, and being

After moving close to the beach, dropping

Huge meaning.

assigned to LST (Landing Ship Tank) 285,

its door and unloading its troops, the LST had

While each man would duck his respective

where he served as a helmsman — or the

to wait for a rise on the tide to head back out

person responsible for steering the vessel.

and pick up another load.

head in embarrassment at being called a hero, Edgecombe County is home to a couple of men who have been called just that.

On June 6, 1944, better known as D-Day,

as being open and the men as easy targets.

“There was no place to hide,” he recalled

he helped ferry troops and military equipment

In August 1945, after the Normandy

And they’ve earned it.

from troop and equipment ships to Omaha

invasion, he went on to take part in the

Both Irvin “Buck” Price of Tarboro and

Beach. In all, Price said he made three round

invasion of the southern coast of France,

trips that day.

which resulted in the Allies breaking the so-

Norfleet Lane “Fleet” Sugg of Pinetops are part of America’s “Greatest Generation” and

28

each took part in events that are seminal in

“We were busy loading and unloading and

called “Atlantic Wall,” an extensive system of

Now, with an estimated 250,000 “veterans still alive out of the more

V eterans

than 16 million who served in World War II, it is significant to have a veteran in your community.

Edgecombe County has two.

”

coastal defense and fortifications built

on Sept. 18, 1945, following Japan’s

by Nazi Germany between 1942 and

surrender and the end of hostilities.

1944.

Price was discharged on March 20, 1946, as a seaman first class.

While he has played down his role in

Like Price, Sugg shuns the hero label.

“It was what we were trained to do and told to do. That’s what you did,” he said.

the war, and despite his protestations,

Sugg often reflects on his service at

Price has been recognized for his

various veteran-related events, such as

efforts.

the monthly flag-raising ceremonies on

In commemoration of the 70th

the Town Common or at the reopening

Anniversary of D-Day in June 2014, he

of the Edgecombe County Veterans

was one of eight Americans chosen to

Military Museum.

re-live that battle on the beaches in Normandy.

And on Feb. 8, 2017, French Consul General Louis de Corail presented the Legion of Honor medal to Price and two other World War II veterans during a ceremony at the State Capitol.

The Legion of Honor is the highest honor that can be awarded by France.

In August 2019, he and his son, Dean, were part of a group who was in Normandy for the 75th anniversary of the battle.

In a story in Welcome to Tarboro

“There was no glory in it (service), and certainly not for those many who never came back," he said.

Now, with an estimated 250,000 veterans still alive out of the more than 16 million who served in World War II, it is significant to have a veteran in your community.

Edgecombe County has two.

And yes, they are heroes.

John H. Walker is a Staff Writer for the Rocky Mount Telegram and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

magazine, Price said, “They (French) were so appreciative and gracious.”

Sugg is a Navy veteran who served 22 months in the Pacific Theater during World War II, primarily on the USS Sabine, which was a heavily armed tanker. While his duty station was the engine room, he manned a 20mm anti-aircraft gun when the call to battle stations sounded.

Sugg saw battle action in late 1944 with the Third Fleet in the Philippines, later participated in the invasion of Okinawa and anchored in Tokyo Bay

29

G ates

County

Boone Guides Children’s Lives Story by Gene Motley Contributed Photos

J

ust a country girl out to ‘make the best better.’

That’s what Keli Boone says of herself,

paying homage to her rural upbringing.

But the call to work in 4-H full-time was too great and with some mentoring and a bit of prodding from then-county Extension Director Reba Green, Boone went all-in.

first in the program, to becoming a program assistant, to now.”

Hands on learning is a key component of the 4-H program. It builds confidence,

The Gates County product has been with

“I feel like I’ve grown as a person,” Boone

resilience, compassion and independence in

the North Carolina Cooperative Extension

said. “I feel like the program we have here in

its participants. Young 4-Hers learn to grow

Service for eight years as of this summer, the

Gates County has a strong foundation and the

from failure, express their ideas and use their

last five as the county’s 4-H Coordinator.

kids are getting the things they need to make

influence to drive positive outcomes.

Prior to serving full-time in Extension,

them the contributing citizens to our county

Boone is especially proud of the county’s

Boone split time between coaching her alma

they need to be. It feels good to come home

4-H embryology program, where youngsters

mater Gates County High School Lady Red

and give back.

learn to use an incubator with the goal of

Barons girl’s basketball team and her 4-H

“Reba pretty much bleeds green and white

successfully incubating avian, or chicken,

work. She was also one of the school’s athletic

(the 4-H colors),” Boone admits. “I learned

embryos (growing inside fertile eggs) through

trainers.

so many valuable lessons from when I was

the hatching process. This project can teach

30

M entor basic biology and life science to

service projects and I want the people

students.

to understand these kids enjoy giving

“I’ve got chickens running around in my back yard now,” she joked.

back; so, maybe we can get some more of our youth to come back or even stay

Food enrichment is another one of

here in the county. It’s nothing I started,

the projects Boone is proud on helping

but want to continue (Reba’s) tradition,

implement in the 4-H program. She

but put my own spin on things because

even found a way to combine the two,

these are great programs.”

and produced highly successful results.

One of Boone’s students is Gates County High’s Ariana Matthews. The 16-year-old, who also plays on the basketball team and runs track, got introduced to 4-H through her brother.

She attended a retreat and afterward wanted to become more involved.

“She wanted to do more and she wanted to do better,” said Boone. “For me, seeing her wanting to press on inspired me to keep going.”

So for her junior year of high school, Matthews learned to grill chicken, and after a few trial-and-error attempts, became so proficient as a gourmet chef, she won the state 4-H grilling competition.

From there she went on to compete on the national level in 2018 where she placed fourth-best nationally among 4-Hers from all across America.

“This project was about more than cooking and chickens,” said Boone. “It’s about

preparation,

decision-making

and the life skills you need to be a

Boone says everyone in the Gates Extension office is involved in some way with the 4-H program, and it’s also expanding.

“The horticulture agent helps them learn about soil, gardening, and that sort of thing, and now through North Carolina A&T State University we’ve sent five kids from Gates County to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama; some who’d never been on a plane before, but they had an awesome time.”

Because of social distancing brought on by the pandemic of COVID-19 this winter and spring, Boone has had to take a number of 4-H projects virtual.

“Even though they’re not in school, they still need to have their minds working,” she noted. “We’re doing ‘Challenges’ they can compete online on Facebook to let them know we’re all adjusting but we’re still here.”

Boone wants her 4-H legacy to be like the one she experienced: making it about the children.

contributing citizen in the community. I

“I want them to be learning, to be

want my kids to be seen, I want them

gaining, and knowing they can make

to know they’re here for the community,

an impact,” she said. “Let’s show what

and develop a passion for giving back.”

these kids here in Gates County have to

Boone says that spirit begins with

offer. It makes the county great, and it

teaching the kids about regard and

makes 4H great. After all, our motto is:

recognition of the contributions they

To make the best better.”

can make to their community.

“We have some solid programs here,” she acknowledged. “I’m real big on

Gene Motley is a retired Sports Editor and Staff Writer and contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

I want them to be learning, to be gaining, and “ knowing they can make an impact. Let’s show what these kids here in Gates County have to offer. It makes the county great, and it makes 4H great.

”

- Keli Boone

31

B eaufort

County

Heroes: Everyday People, Doing Ordinary Things, Extraordinarily Story by Deborah Griffin Contributed Photos

B

arbie Hagen is full of contrasts.

their highest potential possible.”

Delicate and demure, she packs a

“Barbie is the perfect blend of caring for

powerful punch - taking on the tall order of

her students, yet at the same time, holding

helping even toughest seventh-grader love

them to high standards,” added Hodges, who

math.

retired in 2015 after 32 years at the school, 20

“She is a tiny little woman, but she has a big presence,” said Pam Hodges, the retired Bath Middle School principal who hired her.

Hagen loves her students, but doesn’t play favorites.

of them as principal.

Hodges said Hagen is not all algorithms and formulas.

“Her patience and willingness to listen, and offer advice, go well beyond the classroom.

“I have high academic expectations,” she

The students adore her. I don’t know if you

said. “I do my best to push students to reach

know anything about middle school kids - but

32

they typically do not like adults too much,” she added.

At first glance, Hagen may seem far from home.

“People first see my Asian features,” Hagen said.

“The next thing they hear is my southern accent,” she added. “It’s amazing to see people’s expressions when they meet me for the first time.”

Hagen, half Asian and half Caucasian, is right at home in eastern North Carolina.

T eacher She moved to Martin County with her sister and their parents, when she was 10 years old. Her father, a sergeant in the United States Army, wanted to be closer to his family.

“My younger sister and I were the only Asian students in Jamesville,” she said. “Because the Army would relocate us often, I was used to moving to new areas

I want my students to “know that they are truly loved. All children deserve unconditional love. You never know what is going on in their lives.

”

- BARBIE HAGEN

and making new friends.”

But it wasn’t always easy.

“Did other students make fun of me because of my Asian decent? Absolutely – but, after they got to know me as a person, they just saw me as one of them,” she added.

This may be one of the reasons for her unwavering compassion.

“I

want

my

students

to

know that they are truly loved,” she said. “All children deserve unconditional love. You never know what is going on in their lives.”

Hagen recalls receiving that kind of love from her teachers.

She was born in Taegu (now known as Daegu), South Korea.

She

attended

Kindergarten

through second-grade at an Army base in West Germany, then Jamesville schools from thirdgrade though high school, where she graduated as Valedictorian in 1987.

“I

had

some

wonderful

teachers,” she said. “They helped mold me into the person I am today.”

One of her favorites, was (retired) business and typing teacher Joyce Hardison.

“What made her so special was she truly connected with her students,” Hagen said. “She made me realize you must first connect with students - then you can teach content.”

Yet, arithmetic is not Hagen’s highest priority.

“I [first] teach students to be the best people they can be,” she said. “Then I start teaching math.

Math is very important, but being a respectful, kind, caring and thoughtful citizen will carry you further in life.”

Hagen met her husband of 28 years, Craig, while they were students at Jamesville High, but they did not date until after a year after they graduated.

They have two boys, Blake and Brody.

Blake

attends

Campbell

University and Brody, Northeast Regional School of Biotechnology and Agriscience (NERSBA) in Jamesville.

Craig

is

currently

senior

minister at St. Clair’s Church of Christ in Bath.

“Many of the children go to the same church where her husband preaches,” said Hodges. “Barbie is a Christian, and lives by Christian standards. They see her living out those Christian principals. They see a person that loves them yet expects a lot from them. They don’t want to disappoint her. She is just a treasure.”

Hagen takes her teaching beyond simple instruction.

“Students feel comfortable coming to me with their concerns.

33

I [hope to] guide them in the right direction,” she said.

Hodges

each other.”

age group, so I can make a difference in the

She uses her gift of photography to make remembers

seeing

Hagen

transform students’ lives early on.

others feel special, according to Hodges.

“Several

years

ago,

she

started

lives of our youth.

“Teaching middle school can be tough at times and I think it takes a special person to

“I could immediately see what a fantastic

photographing school events for yearbook,”

teacher she was. Kids who never liked math -

said Hodges. “She shares her photos with

Her inspiration is otherworldly.

end up loving it because of her,” she said.

parents, and on Facebook and makes sure

“Jesus Christ is my hero,” she said. “I try

Hagen said she enjoys the process of watching students grasp abstraction.

they get in the annual.

“Sometimes, the things you remember

“I love it when I have a student who

most about a teacher, are not necessarily

struggles with a concept, and all of a sudden

things she taught - but that they were at your

- their eyes light up and everything starts

football games, basketball games and softball

clicking and making sense – and they finally

games, cheering you on,” Hodges added.

piece everything together,” she said. “Then, I love it when those strugglers become tutors.”

Hodges said it is not just children that love Hagen.

Hagen has been a teacher for 20 years, 12 at Bath Middle.

Growing up she knew she wanted a job helping people.

connect with kids at that age,” she added.

my best to live a Christian life that is pleasing to Him. I pray that my students will see Him through my actions and words.”

Her biggest frustration with teaching is standardized testing.

“I would love to just teach my students. I know my kids know more than what one test shows at the end of the year,” she laments.

“I love it when [former students] come back to give me a hug and let me know how

“She makes such a positive impression

“I will never forget when my guidance

they are doing. When students come back

on the students, parents and her coworkers,”

counselor, Ruby Modlin, encouraged me

and tell you they’ve missed you, and they

she said. “You take that with you at the end of

to apply for the N.C. Teaching Fellows,” she

have used what you taught them - it makes

school year and keep it with you throughout

said. “I was so excited when I received a full

your heart smile,” she said.

life.”

scholarship to become a teacher. Money was

Her goal, “Is to make a difference in the

tight in our family. Now, I [would have] a way

life of every student that walks into my

to get my college education.

classroom,” she continued.

Hagen said she does no more than her coworkers do.

“We all work hard and do the best we

“I feel like this is what God has led me

Deborah Griffin is a Staff Writer for The

can daily,” she said. “We are a family at Bath

to do,” she added. “He gave me this gift of

Daily Reflector in Greenville and Eastern North

Elementary School. We support and help

teaching, and the ability to connect with this

Carolina Living.

34

35

B ertie

County

“A Pat On The Back For One Is A Pat On The Back For Many.”

Story by Gene Motley Photos by Gene Motley & Contributed o Ann Jordan’s participation in Relay For

J

family,” she said. “My husband has gone out

Jordan is quick to point out this has been a

Life of Bertie County began around the

to cook a pig for our team. We had a Health

team effort ever since the late Artie Johnson –

time of the event’s beginnings and from there

Department team, then after I retired there

the unofficial ‘father of Bertie County Relay for

it became a family affair.

was the Friends of Relay team. My daughters

Life’ – assembled the first Relay committee.

“My daughter Heather was in middle

worked with college Relay teams at Chapel

“The committee that’s there now, most

school and she was on a fund-raising team,

Hill and UNC-Wilmington, my mother helps

of us have been there the entire time,” she

so I stayed out there and helped her,” Jordan

me out, and after my father’s diagnosis he

added. “There’s no one hero, the heroes are

recounted. “It was back during the nineties

took a lap every year for 10 years.”

the committee. It’s not just one person, but a

and I did small odd jobs like running errands and things of that sort.”

Now in it’s 27th year.

whole conglomerate of people.

Relay For Life of Bertie County has

“We’ve been doing it so long together

A retired health-care worker, Jordan

raised over $4 million in the fight against

and each person has their specific task and

saw that early participation then involved

cancer since it began in 1993. The small, but

the chairs of each committee – Survivors,

everyone in the Jordan clan. The family then

diligently working group is made up of staff

Luminaries, Kid’s Walk – we just have so many

heeded a call to pitch in and contribute.

and volunteers from all across the county. It is

people who have stepped up to the plate,” she

also recognized as one of the top fundraising

added.

“My younger daughter, Candace, has participated and since then it’s been the whole

36

events in the nation.

As chairperson of the Planning Committee,

V olunteer Jordan works with not only fund-raising

many folks have been affected by this

groups, but also businesses within the

disease in so many ways.”

With all the uncertainty surrounding

county. have

COVID-19, there’s one big certainty

a lot of huge businesses,” Jordan

when Relay For Life takes place this fall:

noted. “Perdue (Farms of Lewiston-

everyone who participates from staff

Woodville, who have raised $150,000

to volunteers, to walkers, and everyone

to date) has been a strong point for

else making a contribution, they will be

us, and continues to do that; but, it’s

trying to win the fight.

“Bertie

County

doesn’t

our Mom-&-Pop businesses that keep

“I’m not naive to feel that we’re

us going. It’s the churches and schools

going to solve the world’s problems

also coming together.”

just looking at what’s going on right appears

now,” she acknowledged. “We have

before the Bertie County Board of

to just want to have our family and

Commissioners where annually she’s

friends and citizens to want to have a

Every

year

Jordan

presented an American Cancer Society Relay for Life Proclamation.

In 2019 she shared a framed certificate of a national award for the 2018 Relay for Life of Bertie County for raising local contributions of $226,782 or roughly $10.66 per capita. For that year Bertie County was No. 1 in eastern North Carolina and No. 2 in the United States in fund-raising.

“Usually

the

Commissioners

make a declaration for the month of May as ‘Relay For Life Month’ and give a donation to our Purple Ribbon

better quality of life. And if that means less suffering from cancer, then let’s try to find that cure or that medicine that’s going to help.

“We need to remember that whatever little bit we can do financially to help them it’s going to come back two-fold to us because we’re trying to not be that one-in-five who has that diagnosis because we want them to all have the best quality of life possible.”

“ Relay For Life of Bertie County has raised over $4 million in the fight against cancer since it began in 1993. ”

campaign,” Jordan explained; though for this year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 event has been moved to October. “The town of Windsor has been there for us. The late mayor Bob Spivey was instrumental in getting us going when we had the bus

Jordan feels those who contribute

that came through and took a group to

to Relay for Life will continue to fight

Washington after the dedication of the

for cancer patients, especially those

new hospital.”

now the most at risk of serious illness

Despite its size, Jordan says Bertie

from the COVID-19 virus.

also does such an outstanding job in

“Even though we are postponing

fund-raising because of the ‘heart’ of

Relay For Life of Bertie County, let’s

those who contribute in every way for

show our unwavering support for the

the cause.

mission by continuing to participate

“That really says it: heart,” she

virtually – by fundraising and help bring

declared. “There’s just been so many

hope to those who need it most,” she

people who’ve been affected by cancer.

maintains.

It’s hard to meet anybody who hasn’t

Gene Motley is a retired Sports Editor

waited for that diagnosis, or been a

and Staff Writer and contributor to

caregiver to a relative or a friend. So

Eastern North Carolina Living.

37

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39

N orthampton County

Bryant Always Wanted To Help, Nursing Fit That Bill Perfectly Story by Thadd White Photos by Patrick Bryant

T

he exact career was in the air – but the

first earned her Certified Nursing Assistant

parts of every career, and nursing is no

sentiment was never in doubt.

certification and then returned to school to

different.

Jennafer Bryant knew at an early age

earn an Associate degree in nursing.

“The best part is knowing you are helping

what she wanted from a career – be that as a

She decided to earn her degree after

people,” she said. “When people say thank

teacher, pediatrician, nurse or any other career

working with great nurses during her time

you or you see a positive change in someone’s

She wanted to help people and use her life to

as a CNA. She credited Jamie Burns for

health, you know you are making a difference.

make the lives of others better.

encouraging her and set her on the way to

“When I was a child I thought I wanted to be a teacher or a pediatrician,” Bryant recalled.

“I learned as I got older that wasn’t for me,

becoming a nurse.

The pathway she followed has been one she has never regretted.

“We all have bad days, but one person saying thank you or one person making a change to better their health can make your day,” she added.

but the sentiment – always wanting to do

“I always wanted to help people and

something to help other people – was in line

nursing gives me the chance to do that,”

with nursing.”

Bryant said. “I feel like I’m a compassionate

“The worst part of it is when things happen

person and being a nurse gives me a sense of

that are out of your control no matter what

purpose.”

you do,” she said. “Sometimes you can’t

After

graduating

from

Northampton

County High School – East, Bryant went on to Roanoke-Chowan Community College. She

40

Bryant said there are good parts of tough

The flip side is when Bryant can’t do what she feels compelled to do – help.

change the outcome, but you can’t and you

have to learn how to handle that.”

There are also some parts of the job that are just plain fun. During her time working at a wound care center, Bryant said she enjoyed

N urse at times – being a listening ear to those with whom she works.

“You do all of that by relationship building,” she said.

treating the wounds and learning about their

Looking back, nursing has been a blessing,

treatment. It was also at that job she worked

but it has been somewhat different than

for the late Cindy Ertle, who she called one of

Bryant thought.

the inspirations in her nursing career.

“It is more difficult than I imagined in

She said another part of medicine she

the sense that you take care of people with

has enjoyed is her time in the emergency

a variety of personalities and backgrounds,”

department. During that time, Bryant said

she said. “All people don’t come in from the

she worked with “wonderful nurses” who

same place. Everyone isn’t educated about

helped shape her career.

their health at the same level. You have to

Bryant said the best part of emergency medicine was being able to take someone who is hurting or having a bad time and making a positive change for them.

“Someone comes in and is not happy

learn to explain things differently to each person.”

Bryant said she knew nurses were often considered everyday heroes, but shunned the label herself.

because they’re not feeling well or something

“I don’t feel like a hero,” she said. “I think

is wrong, and you see a change and know you

I’m just doing what I can to help people. I have

are helping,” she said.

worked with nurses – learned from nurses –

Bryant’s career in medicine has covered not only emergency medicine and wound healing, but also mental health. She is currently an Occupational Health Nurse at

who are heroes; who provide inspiration to others.”

For herself, Bryant said she will continue to do her best to help others every day.

Nucor in neighboring Hertford County. She

She is married to Patrick Bryant, and the

began that job as a contract employee and

couple reside in Northampton County with

now works for Nucor.

their three children – Mackenzie, 11, Laura, 8,

Her daily work includes pre-employment

and Logan, 1.

physicals, worker’s compensation claims,

Thadd White is Editor of Eastern North

pulmonary function testing, hearing testing,

Carolina Living and the Bertie Ledger-Advance.

“ I feel like I’m a compassionate person and being a nurse gives me a sense of purpose.

- Jennafer Bryant

vision screenings and first aid.

“I basically take care of our employees from when they arrive and continue through their career,” Bryant said.

She said her current job is a different type of nursing, but it is something she enjoys doing every day.

“I’m a people person,” she said. “I feel where I work, we work as a team. We are heavily focuses on safety and occupational health.

“The best part to me is keeping my teammates safe, and helping find better ways to manage health care by being proactive,” she added.

Bryant said her job now involved being an educational nurse, doing research and –

41

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H alifax

County

Morris Finds Hometown Police Work Is Excellent Fit Story by Thadd White Photos by Thadd White & Contributed

M

arcus Morris is at home. In more ways than one.

The Scotland Neck Police Officer says he has found his niche, and found it at home – both in his hometown and at his hometown agency.

He took a job with the Halifax County

There was nothing that would deter him

Sheriff’s Office, and began attending Basic

on his second trip through school – including a

Law Enforcement Training at nearby Halifax

shoulder injury which he refused to let stop him

Community College.

from completing the course.

Unfortunately, the trip through BLET didn’t go as smoothly as Morris would have hoped.

“I was determined to go all the way,” he said.

“This is what I want to do. It taught me I had a

Growing up in Halifax County, Morris said he

“I went through BLET twice,” he said. “The

drive I didn’t even know I had. When I tapped

knew as a child he was interested in becoming a

first time I was young and energetic, but I didn’t

into that drive, I moved from adolescent to

police officer, but had no idea it would actually

take it seriously.

adulthood.”

happen.

“When I actually had a set back and had

Morris credited both his mother and his

Fast forward past his graduation at

to do it again, it truly humbled me,” Morris

father for being key reasons for him completing

Southeast Halifax High School, and Morris was

continued. “It taught me that what you don’t

his work in BLET and becoming a police officer.

working for the department of corrections and

cherish – what you take for granted – can be

considering his future.

snatched as fast as you got it.”

44

His father, George Morris Jr., was a key reason he not only completed BLET, but is

P olice Officer currently continuing his education.

“My father definitely had an impact,” he

laugh when they are together at the Halifax County Courthouse.

said. “My father’s final wish was for me to

In 2018, Morris made the decision to take a

complete my education. He felt that was what

job with the Scotland Neck Police Department

would get me further in life. He said it was

and began a new role in law enforcement. By

something no one could take away from you.”

last year, he had already been named Officer

Morris listened to his father’s advice and

of the Year.

completed BLET, but he didn’t stop there. In

The work of a deputy sheriff is quite

August, he will complete his Associate Degree

different than that of a police officer, Morris

in Criminal Justice at Halifax Community

said. When working for the sheriff’s office, he

College and will enroll soon after to begin work

was mostly involved in serving civil papers and

towards his bachelor’s degree.

making sure people were in court.

His mother, Bernice Morris, was also

That changed when he became a police

someone who pushed him to take education

officer and his duties include traffic and

seriously, and guided him toward church.

working narcotics.

“In high school, I wanted to hang out and

“Thanks to Chief (John Tippett) and the

party like everyone else,” he said. “Instead, I

community itself, I can be the police officer

was home reading books. When you’re a child

I always wanted to be. I can learn the things

it doesn’t feel good, but when you become an

to develop into the officer I want to become,”

adult you know it is for your good.”

Morris said.

Morris said he was thankful for his parents’ influence.

“As an adult, I’m so grateful for the strictness they instilled in me,” he said. “I am grateful my parents did what they did. They kept me out of jail or a graveyard and I’m grateful.”

While admitting he enjoys all of his job, Morris said he really enjoys working traffic and narcotics.

“Working traffic – that’s my baby,” he said.

“That’s my pride and joy. I love it.

“When I first got here, I didn’t know

Still, like most young people, Morris said

anything about traffic,” he added. “I didn’t even

he had a lot to learn when he began his career

know how to stop a car, and I was nervous

in law enforcement. He started at the Halifax

about it.”

County Sheriff’s Office in 2014, and said he

Morris said Scotland Neck Police Sgt.

was fortunate enough to quickly find a mentor.

Marvin Hilliard showed him the ropes in traffic

“When I started, I didn’t know anything,”

and it “took off from there.”

Morris mused. “I seriously didn’t know

He said narcotics was also something he

anything. Thankfully Deputy Charlie Copeland

enjoyed working, and something he hopes to

took me under his wing and taught me.”

get better at during his career.

Morris said he and Copeland still talk and

While those are the key elements of his job,

“ It’s about giving back to the community at the end of the day,. Many people, especially youth, see law enforcement in a negative way. I want to step up and show them a different side of law enforcement.

”

- Officer Marcus Morris 45

he also loves being involved in the community – and finds his work at the police department gives him ample opportunity to do just that.

“Kids are my passion,” he said. “I love what I do with the kids.”

Morris said he works often with the Scotland Neck Leadership Academy, something Chief Tippett has encouraged.

“I’ve had success mentoring,” he said.

In fact, the Scotland Neck Leadership Academy has honored him for his mentoring. But, Morris doesn’t do it for the accolades.

“It’s about giving back to the community at the end of the day,” he said. “Many people, especially youth, see law enforcement in a negative way. I want to step up and show them a different side of law enforcement. I can’t do my job unless I know my community.”

Morris also finds an outlet in painting, drawing and music.

“They are a big escape for me,” he said. “I get

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outside of Officer Morris and just become Marcus.”

While he knows how hard the work is, and the dedication required, Morris said he isn’t sure about the word hero.

“Hero? That’s a strong word,” he said. “It means something to the individual who calls you that, and it is not something to take lightly or take for granted.”

Morris said he felt it was important for a person to do all they can to meet the needs of citizens whether it may be great or small because it is

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important to those who call on you.

“If someone considers you that, be the example of it,” he said. “Be what they’re looking up to you to be.”

As he looks both back at what he’s accomplished and forward to his future, Morris said it he had one simple phrase that helped him: Walk by faith, not by sight.

“That’s all I can do,” he said. “If I look at what I see around me, I could lose it. It’s a personal inspiration, that helps me keep my enthusiasm up.

“Everyone is placed on Earth for a purpose,” he added. “I know mine is law enforcement. When you lay your head down at night, if you know you did everything you could to handle the situation in front of you, that’s all you can ask for.”

Thadd White is Editor of Eastern North Carolina Living and the Bertie Ledger-Advance.

46

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O F F I C E R

D O W N

Story by Sarah Hodges Stalls

One definition of the word hero is one who shows great courage.

Law enforcement officers exhibit indescribable amounts of courage every single day. What follows is our way of paying tribute to those in the Eastern Living region who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Officer Down Memorial Page, www.odmp.org, memorializes officers from across the country and from all walks of law enforcement.

Thanks to their efforts, these officers will forever be remembered.

Eastern Living magazine remembers each officer who has been lost in our region.

Beaufort County Chief Harvey Lee Dellinger Washington Police Department

Windsor Police Chief Patrick H. White End of Watch – Feb. 10, 1929

End of Watch – Sept. 25, 1926

White was shot and killed as he took a

Dellinger was shot at close range and

suspect to the police department after

killed after responding to a home on East

breaking up an illegal dice game. The

Second Street. Dellinger was survived by

“ringleader” of the game produced a gun

his wife and son.

Windsor Police Chief Mark A. Conner End of Watch – Oct. 24, 1910 Conner was killed by a teen he attempted to arrest. The shooting occurred at the suspects home near Sandy Point.

Deputy Sheriff Dewey L. Swain End of Watch – July 5, 1978

and fired – striking White in the chest.

Colerain Police Chief John Watson Brown End of Watch – Feb. 21, 1939 Brown was killed in an automobile crash just after a tornado came through a rural area near Green’s Crossroads. His car collided with a bus which had stopped for a downed tree.

Deputy Sheriff Calvin Donald Cherry End of Watch – Aug. 2, 1979

Swain was shot and killed when he and another

Cherry was shot and killed while searching a

deputy attempted to serve commitment papers

home for an inmate who escaped from the

on a man in Colerain. He was struck by a shotgun blast as he got out of his patrol car.

48

Bertie County

local jail a day before.

Edgecombe County Deputy David Lee’Sean Manning End of Watch – March 11, 2018 Manning was killed in an automobile crash which occurred between Tarboro and Pinetops while Manning was in pursuit of a possible drunk driver.

Deputy Thomas Alan Cone End of Watch – Jan. 25, 1990 Cone was killed when his patrol car was hit head on by a drunk driver on U.S. 64 Alternate near Tarboro. The drunk driver also hit another officer ahead of Cone

Nash County Investigator Warren Basco “Sneak” Lewis, III, End of Watch – June 9, 2011 Lewis, who was also a sworn Deputy United States Marshall, was shot and killed while serving a murder warrant with the Eastern North Carolina Fugitive Task Force.

Deputy Sheriff Russell E. Gilliam End of Watch – Oct. 11, 1975 Gilliam was killed after beings struck by a dump truck while directing traffic on U.S. 264 for a Boy Scout Jamboree.

and a nurse behind him.

Tarboro Police Officers Matt Ransom Gwatney & Plummer Ray Riggan End of Watch – March 3, 1917 Officers Gwatney and Riggan were shot and killed while searching a house for illegal whiskey. The police chief was also wounded, but

Rocky Mount Senior Police Officer Christopher James Driver End of Watch – June 23, 2018 Driver was killed, while on duty, in a vehicle crash on South Church Street. Around 10:30 p.m., his vehicle struck a tree-trimming truck that was left parked in his travel lane.

survived, when the homeowner fired The officers are buried side by side at the

Rocky Mount Police Officer Alan Christopher Silver

Greenwood Cemetery in Tarboro.

End of Watch – May 2, 2007

upon the three.

Silver succumbed to injuries sustained in

Gates County

an automobile accident, which occurred during his response to a robbery call.

Deputy W. Vernon Eason End of Watch – May 5, 1925

Spring Hope Police Chief James Stallings

Eason was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest a man at a

Stallings died days after being shot while

dance hall on a minor offense. The suspect reportedly fled into

attempting to serve a warrant on a man for

the Great Dismal Swamp, pursued by more than 600 men. He

probation violations. He was taken home,

was captured the following day.

treated by a doctor and then driven to

End of Watch – Sept. 21, 1910

Richmond where he died.

49

Halifax County End of Watch – March 2, 1969

Roanoke Rapids Police Sgt. Calvin Edward Daniel

Goodwin was killed on duty when his

End of Watch – March 27, 1983

patrol car was struck by a train at a railroad

Daniel suffered a fatal heart attack while

crossing on a rural road near Halifax.

performing CPR on a man who had also

Deputy William McKinley Goodwin

suffered a heart attack.

Deputy Lofton Iry Floyd Floyd, along with the sheriff and another

Roanoke Rapids Police Lt. Willard Edward Vaughan

deputy, were trying to serve a warrant on a

End of Watch – May 9, 1977

mental patient. Floyd was fatally struck by a

Vaughan was shot and killed while

shotgun blast from the suspect’s home.

responding to a silent alarm at a

End of Watch – July 24, 1956

Deputy William Albert Pope End of Watch – April 3, 1940

convenient store. One of two suspects opened fire at close range.

Pope was shot and killed as he served a bench warrant on a suspect who reportedly fled from the Halifax County Recorder’s Office before paying a $25 fine.

Roanoke Rapids Police Patrolman Clifton L. Massey End of Watch – Nov. 21, 1946

Deputy James Edward Perry, Sr. End of Watch – Jan. 25, 1931 Perry was shot and killed while he and another deputy tried to serve a search

While on his dinner break, Massey was shot and killed after being attacked by two brothers in a pool hall. Massey was disarmed in the attack and would be shot with his own weapon.

warrant on a man they believed was making illegal whiskey.

Deputy Charlie Marion Hawkins End of Watch – Feb. 27, 1916

Scotland Neck Police Chief Andrew Paul Moore End of Watch – Feb. 16, 1936 A person who had been arrested multiple times on minor charges murdered Moore. The shooter reportedly had been drinking and told others he was going to murder Moore and the sheriff.

warrant on a man for attempting to leave the state without paying for his rooming. Armed with a shotgun, the suspect fired after telling Hawkins not to come closer, but Hawkins continued to approach.

Enfield Police Lieutenant Tonya Doreen Gillikin

Scotland Neck Police Chief Charles Wells Dunn

End of Watch – March 15, 1999

End of Watch – March 7, 1910

Gillikin, the first female law enforcement officer

Dunn was mortally wounded by a man

to be murdered in North Carolina, was shot and

who had just shot a state senator and state assemblyman on the town’s Main Street, reportedly over a letter the senator claimed he never received from the shooter.

50

Hawkins was killed while attempting to serve a

killed after she and another officer stopped a vehicle believed to have been used in a robbery in nearby Scotland Neck earlier that night.

Hertford County

Martin County Deputy Sheriff Charles Douglas “Charlie” Brown, Jr.

Deputy Paul Herman Futrell End of Watch – Sept. 18, 1992

End of Watch – Dec. 8, 2009

Futrell was shot and killed while

Brown and several other officers

attempting to resolve a domestic

responded to reports of a man walking

disturbance call involving a child.

down the street firing a long-gun.

During a confrontation with the suspect, Brown was shot, one bullet hitting him under his arm where body armor did not protect.

Hyde County

Sheriff Jerry Vernon Beach End of Watch – Oct. 12, 1992 Beach, a trained hostage negotiator, was shot and killed while responding to an officer needs assistance call at

Deputy Dennis Simmons

a bank in Oak City. Beach was shot

End of Watch – March 16, 1975

after opening his coat to show the

Deputy Archie T. Wahab

suspect he was unarmed during an

End of Watch – April 16, 1975

attempt to get hostages released.

one terrible month in 1975, both to heart attacks in

Williamston Police Chief William R. White

the line of duty.

End of Watch – Aug. 15, 1911

Simmons suffered a fatal heart attack while struggling

White was ambushed, shot and killed

with a suspect on March 16. One month to the day

by a man he had arrested for selling

later, Wahab suffered a fatal heart attack while in the

liquor without a license weeks prior.

process of making an arrest.

He survived long enough to identify

Hyde County’s Sheriff’s Office lost two deputies in

the suspect, who was arrested by the county sheriff.

NC Department of Public Safety Prison Guard Ernest B. Hux End of Watch – Aug. 30, 1934 Hux was accidentally shot and killed by a fellow guard during an attempted break out by five convicts at Caledonia Prison Farm in Halifax County.

Sergeant Meggan Lee Callahan End of Watch – April 26, 2017 Callahan was killed after being assaulted at the Bertie

Prison Guard A.D. Spivey End of Watch – Aug. 20, 1928 Spivey was shot and killed during the escape of seven inmates from Caledonia Prison Farm in Halifax County.

Correctional Institution in Windsor, Bertie County.

51

Northampton County Rich Square Police Chief Joseph E. White End of Watch – July 16, 2000 White was shot and killed with his own service weapon while investigating a possible gas drive off at a local station.

Three years later, a suspect was arrested in Louisiana for his murder.

NC Highway Patrol

North Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper Bobby Gene Demuth, Jr. End of Watch – Sept. 8, 2012 Demuth was struck and killed by a driver on U.S. 64 in the Nash County town of Spring Hope. He was attempting to deploy spike strips during a pursuit.

Patrolman Guy Thomas Davis, Jr. End of Watch – Sept. 2, 1975 Davis, a Bertie County-based trooper, was shot and killed in Williamston after stopping a vehicle he did not know had just robbed a bank in nearby Jamesville.

Patrolman Clyde Brown Avent End of Watch – Dec. 12, 1949 Avent was struck and killed while conducting a checkpoint near the intersection of North Church and Thomas streets in Rocky Mount.

Patrolman Ralph W. Arnold End of Watch – Sept. 17, 1936 Arnold, a charter member of the patrol, was killed in a motorcycle accident while on patrol near Roanoke Rapids in Halifax County.

Visit the Officer Down Memorial Page, www.odmp.org, to learn more about how to support their mission and read the stories of heroic men and women from all over the country.

52

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The Heroes of Ocracoke S tory & P hotos

56

by

C onnie L einbach

H

urricane Dorian may be the biggest

to visitors until Dec. 6 when a stretch of N.C.

life (and the Ocracoke ponies all survived), but

milestone in Ocracoke’s history at

12 at the north end of the island was washed

life on Ocracoke had been changed.

this point, bigger even than the demise of

away and was repaved.

The drinking water was shut off for two

Blackbeard in 1718, because the devastation

As Dorian’s eye brushed Ocracoke, around

days because water breached the water

Dorian wreaked caused a deep trauma —

7:45 a tsunami-like surge of Pamlico Sound

plant, which heretofore had never happened.

physical, mental and economic.

water engulfed the island, destroying or

Electricity was out from Thursday night until

damaging vehicles, homes and businesses.

Monday evening Sept. 9.

The storm brought the highest floodwaters in the island’s history - a 7.4-foot storm surge

Many older, historic buildings built low to

The island’s three electricians jumped into

as registered at the ferry terminal at 8:30 a.m.

the ground received unprecedented water

high gear checking every meter on the island

Friday, Sept. 6, 2019. The previous record was

and while houses built higher up fared better,

to see if the floodwaters had infiltrated. Those

Hurricane Matthew in 2016 with a storm surge

ground-floor closets were flooded. No one

damaged meters had to be pulled before the

of 4.7 feet.

was spared some kind of damage.

electricity was restored to prevent fires.

Before that, the storm of 1944, which,

Often after storms, the floodwaters come

Islanders,

while there’s no official record of the height,

back at high tide, but with Dorian once the

construction

“the water was over the lighthouse fence,” as

water receded, that was it.

organizations active in disasters have worked

was Dorian, says Ocracoke’s Fire chief Albert

Fortunately, there was no loss of human

electricians, companies

HVAC and

and

voluntary

nonstop ever since to rebuild the island.

O’Neal.

Dorian officially made landfall at 8:35 a.m. in Hatteras as a category 1 hurricane, but Ocracoke reportedly sustained the most damage of any United States place in the massive storm’s path.

From the resulting damage, the Hyde County Commissioners kept the island closed

Dozens of people from various state, federal and volunteer agencies descended on the island to help with this new scenario for which there was no playbook.

57

As Dorian slowly moved northeast that morning, as soon as they dared the stillwhipping winds, islanders ventured out into the floodwaters to rescue others.

While his own home off Loop Road was flooded, O’Neal and his wife, Theresa, waded in chest-deep water to O’Neal’s parents’ home, which is in front of his.

mode, something he prepares for before

In the days after the event, stories of heroic

every hurricane.

rescues came to light.

Spencer has a beach towing business and

Dellanira Romero told how her stepdad,

the night before Dorian, he took his truck, boat

Elias, made three trips during the flooding with

and trailer to the firehouse in anticipation of

a kayak to pull his family to safety -herself and

making rescues the next day.

her two children, her sister and mom - to a

“People started calling me,” he said about

house across the street.

stranded folks that morning. He figures he

“He put on chest waders and just went out

Then O’Neal waded about a half mile

rescued about eight islanders, some of whom

into the water,” she said. “He said at one point

down Lighthouse Road to get his skiff at the

had scrambled into their attics to escape the

he felt his heart was beating so, so fast because

Island Inn.

water.

he was scared about the responsibility of

“I got momma and daddy, then Nicole

He and O’Neal brought several rescuees

(his niece) and her two kids and then (sister)

to the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department,

Islander Kelley Shinn stayed in touch with

Stephanie,” O’Neal related a few days later.

which became the command center for relief

Trudy Austin and Jude Wheeler, who lives on

efforts led by Hyde County.

Sunset Drive.

He took the group to the Ocracoke

taking care of us.”

Volunteer Fire Department on Irvin Garrish

Between working on their own houses,

“She told me the worst was coming.

Highway where they awaited the touchdown

islanders pitched in to help at the “fire mart,”

I noticed there was water all the way up,

of a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter to take

which soon filled with all manner of supplies

coming into my house, and within maybe 10

O’Neal’s parents off the island.

and comestibles donated from all over.

minutes, water was in my over my ankles,”

Then he and Brian Kissell went off in the boat to rescue others.

“About 15 or 16 total,” O’Neal said. “I didn’t know a lot of them.”

O’Neal was among several islanders in boats and kayaks rescuing people.

Jesse Spencer was among those in rescue

58

Dozens of people from various state, federal and volunteer agencies descended on the island to help with this new scenario for which there was no playbook.

All over the island that morning people posted messages, photos and videos of the flooding and islanders wading into the water.

Wheeler says, who was one of those islanders who scrambled into their attics.

Then Shinn called again to say that someone was coming to rescue her, and Wheeler emerged to see Rob King, one of the island sheriff deputies, there with a kayak.

“And he put me in the kayak. It was a two-

cottage right back.’”

They grabbed keys, dry clothes and medicines.

“You gotta remember, now, Trudy can’t swim,” Tolson said. “So, we kicked through the door and went down three steps and we were up to our necks. And she said, ‘I can’t swim, Tammy.’ “And I said, ‘Well, guess what? You will not die today on my watch if it’s the last thing.’

“So, I grabbed her shoulder, and I went going and she kept saying she couldn’t feel her feet a couple times. So, I just took her, and we just waded over, and we made it. person. And he was going to take me to the

Lighthouse Road to their rental cottage in

fire station. Well, the current was so intense

back.

he could hardly paddle.”

King eventually got to the WOVV

As the water rose, Austin saw a new side to her sister.

community radio studio about a block up

Tolson said the rising water blocked the

the street where Wheeler got dried and later

doors from the outside. Tolson took charge

made it back to her house.

and relates the following:

Trudy Austin, who told her story to N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper who visited the island twice, said Shinn called her just before she and her sister, Tammy Tolson, both native islanders, made a fast getaway out of their house on

“We both looked at each other and said, ‘This isn’t good.’”

They ran to the front door which had glass in the lower half.

“I looked at it and said, ‘We’re going to our

“Trudy always said that she would never go down on the Titanic with me. After this, she said she would go anywhere with me,” she said.

“She turned into Wonder Woman that day!” Trudy said afterwards.

Connie Leinbach is the Editor and coPublisher with Peter Vankevich of the Ocracoke Observer, an award-winning publication online at www.ocracokeobserver.com where awardwinning coverage of Hurricane Dorian can be found.

800-776-8566 | www.visitmartincounty.com 59

Grandma’s

Kitchen Sylvia Hughes with her grandmother, Bertie Dameron.

This issue of Eastern Living is about heroes.

I think most men felt threatened by any woman

I guess we all have people in our lives that made

who had a brain.

a tremendous difference in the way we turned out.

Not so my dad. I remember him telling me, not

Our attitudes, thinking and general outlook on life

once but many, many times, “You are one of the

was changed because of them. We may have felt

smartest people I know. You can do anything you

gratitude for having those people in our lives but

set your mind to do. Never let anyone tell you that

never thought of them as heroes.

you can’t do something because you are a woman.

As I thought back over my life, I remembered many people who played important roles in my life.

My dad was one of those people. I was born in 1940. During World War II, women played different roles than ever before. They worked outside the home by replacing the men who were called into service for their country. Other women were trained as pilots so they could deliver airplanes to the places they were needed for the war. Even though they were often better pilots than the men, they were not allowed to be part of the Air Force.

It seems they were only tolerated to fill roles needed and when the war was over, their service

It is not true. Ignore them and do it anyway.”

Because his words were ingrained, I have always ignored those who said, “you can’t” and kept on going. I have never turned down an opportunity to try a completely different career path, a new hobby or a new travel experience.

Now that I am older, I still try new things.

I am so grateful for a dad who was a so far ahead of his time. My life has been fuller because of him.

Not only mine, but my mom’s was too. He encouraged her in anything she wanted to try. She was the first female to be head of a department at a very large plant near our home. He did as much

was simply dismissed. We seldom hear about the

of the housework and cooking as the two of us. He

part they played in the war.

set an example that is hard to beat.

As I grew into my teens, attitudes about women

My dad’s favorite things were my mom’s

had not changed much. Many had entered the work

homemade rolls and her homemade biscuits. I am

force, but not in management and certainly not at

not going to give you her yeast roll recipe because it

a decent salary. Most men considered themselves

is old and calls for letting the bread rise three times.

more intelligent than women and tended to laugh

Her biscuit recipe was in her head. So I am going to

them off if they attempted intelligent conversation.

give you a couple of other recipes my dad loved.

Sylvia Hughes is a retired newspaper editor and columnist residing in Windsor. In addition to three sons, she has a gaggle of grandchildren, many of whom love cooking with her just as she did with her mother and grandmother.

60

Mrs Lyle’s Spoonbread y) (This is good but recipe is funn

1 cup white cornmeal 2 cups boiling water ¾ teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons butter 4 eggs 1 cup whole milk es.

Preheat oven to 400 degre wly, Pour the cornmeal slo o the stirring all the time, int thick boiling water until mixture is and and smooth. Add the salt re mo butter in chunks. Stir some

ck. In until it is smooth and sli d milk another bowl, beat eggs an until that mixture foams. at Butter large casserole, be until the two mixtures together into smooth and pour them casserole.

45 Bake between 30 and ed in minutes or until a knife insert and the middle comes out clean . the top is gorgeously brown

Shoney’s Strawberry Pie

add 3 Remove from stove and lo. Mix tablespoons strawberry jel well Bake pie shell and cool. in pie Put strawberries evenly es and pour liquid over berri ell sh d an ar Mix and boil until cle Chill until ready to serve. starch rn co d an r ga su r, te wa , thick 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 4 tablespoons cornstarch 1 pint strawberries, whole strawberry jello

61

62

63

biography

Story by Thadd White Photos by Thadd White & Contributed

Many people remember that day in elementary school when the teacher asked, “what do you want to be when you grow up.�

For many, those career dreams as children faded as they went on to do many other things in life.

NOT SO FOR

64

John Holley

“I wanted to be a cop since I was in the first grade,” the Bertie County Sheriff said.

spent as the county’s sheriff.

While counties

he

of the Bertie County Sheriff –

– serving as a patrol deputy,

rural

overseeing 911 Dispatch, Sheriff

narcotics officer, detective, chief

have

Holley said his job comes down

deputy and now sheriff.

admits

sometimes

And, now more than 30 years

struggles, the sheriff said he is

into that chosen profession, he

proud of his home county and

has never regretted his choice.

pleased to serve its citizens.

to something simple.

During his rise through the

“My role is to protect and

ranks, he met officers who he

serve the citizens of Bertie

believes helped him along the

County and to be there when

way. He credits retired Bertie

they call or need me,” he said.

County Sheriff J. Wallace Perry

“I love it. It’s the only thing

“The most rewarding part of

I know,” Sheriff Holley said. “I

being in law enforcement – and

love Bertie County. I still say it’s

in my time as sheriff - has been

Like most sheriffs, Holley’s

and former deputies Milton

the best county in the state. I’m

serving the citizens of Bertie

career began as a deputy. He has

Morris, Donald Cowan and Steve

not just saying that because I’m

County,” he said. “I have really

since worked through the ranks

Johnson for their tutelage.

supposed to; I believe it with all

enjoyed being the Sheriff of

my heart.”

Bertie County.”

In January, Holley celebrated

While the role of sheriff has

38 years in law enforcement, the

many duties, including managing

past decade of which has been

a large staff and – in the case

“

My role is to protect and serve the citizens of Bertie County and to be there when they call or need me.

65

under his watch.

In addition to his duties, Sheriff

Holley finished Basic Law

Holley has been a fixture in the

Enforcement Training at Martin

community – serving with teen

Community College and attended

court, helping with Relay For Life

the Sheriff’s Leadership Academy

and attending most every major

upon being named Sheriff.

function in the county. He was

He is married to Floretta

also one of the people recognized

Holley, and the couple has two

by the Windsor/Bertie County

sons – Ron and John III – and two

Chamber of Commerce for his

grandchildren – Jailyn and Jalaya.

law enforcement service.

He lives in Merry Hill, where he

When he was appointed, He said their lessons include one he’s always remembered.

“You may not always have

stepped down after announcing his plan not to seek re-election.

Holley was then appointed to

everything you need, but you do do have,” he said.

Sheriff Holley is the only active officer who was on duty when

the

infamous

Be-Lo

1993. He said the case still haunts him, and is one of many he will never be able to forget.

Another

of

those

cases

involved a young man in Aulander killed in his car where he was asleep when a gun fight started.

The third case he said stands being killed when he was asleep

fulfill that term, and sought

on the couch in the living room.

election later that year.

“I have many cases that will

“I was thankful for the support

always be with me,” he said.

the commissioners gave me in

“These are the first three that

appointing me,” he said. “The

come to mind.”

election was even better. I can’t

the ranks, Holley became Chief

say how much I appreciate the trust of our citizens.”

Deputy in Bertie County upon

In the decade-plus since his

the election of then-Sheriff Greg

elevation to sheriff, Holley said

Atkins. He said Atkins taught

he is proud to have seen the

him how to involve people in

crime rate decrease in Bertie

decision-making.

County, and is pleased with the

“He was never the kind to just

number of murder and breaking

make decisions without getting

and entering cases his office has

input,” Sheriff Holley said. “He

solved.

truly taught me how people should work together.”

In

66

February

2010,

The county has also been recognized as one of the top 10

Atkins

career, Sheriff Holley said he is

County Sheriff. He admits it has

grateful for the opportunity to

presented unique challenges in

serve and proud of what he has accomplished.

When

contemplating

the

word hero, he paused and gave it thought.

“Hero? I think I would say yes.

I view all of the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office as heroes. We have a lot of hard-working individuals who sometimes aren’t appreciated for what they do, but we keep working tirelessly.”

It

is

the

same

tireless

dedication their leader has shown his entire career – and one he continues to model as he heads towards four decades of service.

out is a young man in Woodard

Working his way through

As he looks back over his

American to serve as Bertie

been recognized as one of the top 10 safest counties in North Carolina under his watch.

murders occurred in Windsor in

was born and raised.

Holley became the first African

“ The county has also

the best you can with what you

in Bertie County.

safest counties in North Carolina

his tenure, but said he believes

Thadd White is Editor of Eastern

all people can and will come

North Carolina Living and the Bertie

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County: Washington Marker ID: B-29 Original Date Cast: 1951

MARKER TEXT CHARLES PETTIGREW First Bishop-elect of Episcopal Church in N.C., 1794. St. David’s Church, erected 1803 at his expense, and his home are 1/2 mile southeast.

MARK IT! Title To Begin Here

C

Rabore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam Information courtesy of the voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources ea rebum.

Stet clita kasd gubergren, no

harles Pettigrew,

remained in Granville County

one of the founders

where he became a student

of the Episcopal Diocese of

of Presbyterian minister

North Carolina, was born in

Henry Patillo. Five years later,

Pennsylvania in 1743. His

Pettigrew took a position

parents moved to Virginia,

as headmaster of Edenton

then North Carolina, and

Academy, a principally Anglican

eventually South Carolina

institution.

where Pettigrew’s father,

Pettigrew’s service at the

James, developed a medical

Edenton Academy had a

practice. Pettigrew himself

profound effect on his religious

N.C. 94 at St. David Road in Creswell REFERENCES Samuel A. Ashe, ed., Biographical History of North Carolina, VI (1907) Dictionary of American Biography, XIV, 515-516 Sarah M. Lemmon, “Genesis of the Protestant Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, 17011823,” North Carolina Historical Review (October 1951): 426-462 Sarah M. Lemmon, Parson Pettigrew of the “Old Church”, 1744-1807 (1970) Sarah M. Lemmon, ed., The Pettigrew Papers, 2 vols. (1971 and 1988) William S. Powell, ed., Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, V, 76-77—sketch by Sarah M. Lemmon

68

convictions. Abandoning Presbyterianism, Pettigrew sailed in 1774 to England in order to study under the Anglican Bishop of London. He was ordained a priest under the Bishop of Rochester the following year and returned to North Carolina shortly before the outbreak of the American Revolution. Pettigrew then became rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Edenton.

As an Anglican Pettigrew’s loyalties during the Revolution remain questionable. Although he delivered several patriotic sermons, the local citizenry evidently believed that he had Tory leanings. The Blount family managed to have him drafted into the militia despite a state law against the impressments of the clergy. Pettigrew served during the summer of 1780, but escaped fighting in the Battle of Camden that August after paying for a substitute, Zachariah Carter, to serve in his stead.

After the war, Pettigrew was a member of the Episcopalian Church, the American form of Anglicanism. From 1790 to 1794 he helped develop the Episcopalian Diocese of North Carolina. At the first official convention held in Tarboro, the five Episcopalian ministers present elected Pettigrew bishop of the proposed diocese.

However, Pettigrew, for reasons known only to him, did not attend the two consecutive meetings of the convention,

and thus was never consecrated into his position.

Pettigrew dabbled in agriculture, education, and medicine in addition to his religious career. He owned two plantations in Tyrell County, and at the time of his death held thirty-four slaves. Pettigrew also aided his neighbor James Collins, Sr. in the Lake Company.

Serving on the first board of trustees for the University of North Carolina, Pettigrew lectured against the absence of religious doctrine in the school’s curriculum. He also became known as a country physician, possibly having received some medical knowledge from his father.

Burying whatever animosity existed with the Blount family, Pettigrew married Mary Polly Blount of Mulberry Hill in the late 1770s. Mary died in childbirth in 1786. Eight years later, he married Mary Lockhart.

His first marriage produced two children, John and Ebenezer who were both among the inaugural class at the University of North Carolina. Pettigrew died on April 8, 1807, and was buried at Mulberry Hill Cemetery beside his first wife. In 1831, his son Ebenezer moved the remains to the family cemetery at Bonanza Plantation near Lake Phelps. Charles’s grandson, James Johnston Pettigrew served as a brigadier general in the Confederate army and was killed in July 1863 at Gettysburg.

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PARTING SHOTS Thadd White at Boone’s Mill in Northampton County

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.

- Joseph Campbell Veterans, nurses, teachers, police officers,

Nearly every person we interviewed

You’ll also meet some of the most heroic

EMTs, firemen… the list of everyday heroes in

shunned the label of hero personally, instead

folks from one of the state’s worst national

our communities goes on and on.

accepting that moniker on behalf to the

disasters. Connie Leinbach’s story of those

We – like you - are thankful for those

people they represent. They each wanted

on Ocracoke Island who risked everything

who give their all to save our lives, teach our

you – our readers – to know they didn’t think

to save others is heartwarming and, at

children and keep us safe. That’s why this

they were the hero, but just representatives of

times, overwhelming as you remember the

edition is a special one to us. We wanted to

many who do the same things every day.

devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian.

celebrate the unsung heroes in our 12 counties – and this is our attempt to do just that.

We talked to people in all walks of life who have become everyday heroes in their communities. They give of their time, they risk their own lives and safety and they make the places we call home better.

it’s not false humbleness. They are truly just doing what they feel called to do – be that running into a burning building or facing a classroom full of youngsters.

When we began doing our research, we wanted to include as many types of people as we could – showcasing heroes from every

They each wanted you

walk of life. We soon learned it couldn’t be

– our readers – to know

take the first step in recognizing the “Heroes

they

didn’t

think

they

done in one magazine, but we wanted to Among Us.”

We hope you enjoy the heroes you’ll learn about in this edition, and let us know some of your own for the next time we visit this theme – something we most certainly intend to do.

When our next issue hits the street in two months, we’ll dip into our past as we use a former departmental idea – Our Town – as our theme. You’ll learn about individual towns in all 12 counties – their history, their lifestyle and their people.

Until then, remember… all who wander

In addition to the 12 individuals you will

are not lost. Continue joining us as we

meet in this magazine, you will have the

wander through Beaufort, Bertie, Edgecombe,

opportunity to read about some of the many

Gates,

representatives of many

law enforcement officers who made the

Nash, Northampton, Tyrrell and Washington

ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe. We are

counties.

who do the same things

thankful to the Officer Down Memorial Page

Thadd White is Editor of Eastern Living

every day.

for allowing us to use their information and

Magazine, the Bertie Ledger-Advance and the

images to share information with you.

Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald.

were the hero, but just

70

With these 12 people and so many more,

Halifax,

Hertford,

Hyde,

Martin,

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