March 2025
Randall Scott Godwin, March 15, 2025
Sept. 15, 1969-March 15, 2025
Randall Scott Godwin, Tempy Ann Branch, son of Randall and Patsy Daughtridge Godwin; and older brother of Sean Godwin; died at 55 on March 15, 2025, at home in Graham, North Carolina. Scott was born Sept. 15, 1969. He is the grandson of the late Narvin and Mavis Godwin. Scott was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America through the First Baptist Church of Graham, where he was a member. Scott attended the 15th World Scout Jubilee in Alberta, Canada. He earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Scott loved and cherished his family. He is buried in Graham Memorial Park in Graham, North Carolina.
Tempy Ann Stancil Hill » Millard Lee Hill » Mavis Hill Godwin
Betty Carol Baker Reason, March 31, 2025
July 29, 1946-March 31, 2025
Betty Baker Reason, Arnettie Branch, wife of Douglas Reason; mother of Douglas Mike Reason, and his wife Cristal of the Arnettie Branch; Betty “Missy” Webb, and her husband Herschel; Angela Hoffman, and her husband Rodney; and sister of Edgar Baker, and his wife Regina; died at 79, in Carteret General Hospital in Morehead City, North Carolina. Betty was born July 29, 1946. She is the daughter of the late Edgar Hines and Margaret Mae Baker; and great-grandmother of the late Brycen Corbett. She is the grandmother of Dale Batchelor, and his wife Macyna; Daniel Batchelor; Zachary Reason; Emily Reason; Carly Reason; Mark Reason, and his wife Amy; Douglas “Mikey” Reason; Krysten Patton, and her husband Mark; Charles Morris; and Jonathan Corbett, and his wife Lissi. She is the great-grandmother to 13. She is buried in Macclesfield Cemetery in Macclesfield, North Carolina.
Arnettie Stancil Hill » Wilbert Hill » Marvelene Hill Murph Carico
April 2025
Ollie Ray Starling, April 11, 2025
Dec. 1, 1983-April 11, 2025
Ollie Ray Starling, Tempy Ann Branch, son of Jeffrey Ray Starling; nephew of Reg Mosley, and his wife Lisa; and cousin of Joey Mosley; died at 41 on April 11, 2025, in Kenly, North Carolina. Ollie was born Dec. 1, 1983. He is the son of the late Lisa Kay Starling.
Tempy Ann Stancil Hill » Delia Hill Bailey » Rector Bailey » Joan Kay Boykin
Kenny Earl Narron Jr., April 21, 2025
July 18, 1979 — April 21, 2025
Kenny Earl Narron Jr., Tempy Ann Branch,son of Kenny Earl Narron Sr. and Tammy Anderson; grandson of Pat Narron and brother of Kyle Narron, died at 45 on April 21, 2025, in Hopewell, Virginia. Kenny was born July 18, 1979, in Hopewell. He is the grandson of the late James Earl Narron. He was an amazing bowler. He had been named the Commonwealth Games Athlete of the year in 1996, had bowled numerous 300 games and toured on the Regional PBA Tour. He is buried in Sunset Memorial Park in Chester, Virginia.
Tempy Ann Stancil Hill » George Preston Hill » Neta Lee Hill Narron Godwin » Pat Narron
James Alvin Stancil Jr., April 24, 2025
Oct. 14, 1946-April 24, 2025
James Alvin Stancil Jr., father of Tish Stancil Summerlin, husband Steve of the Arnettie Branch, died at 78 on April 28, 2025, in Wilson. He is the husband of Catherine Perry Stancil and father of Kelly Stancil Barnes, husband Billy; and Lee Anne Edwards, husband Justin. He was born October 14, 1946. He is the son of the late Alvin and Peggy Stancil; brother of the late Joan Thompson, Danny Stancil and Steve Stancil; and uncle of Alvin Thompson. He is the grandfather of Brooke Meador and Sage Meador.
Arnettie Stancil Hill » Wilbert Hill » Sharon Teresa Hill Turnage » Steven Allen Summerlin
May 2025
Andrew Richard Gallant, May 11, 2025
Sept. 16, 1984-May 11, 2025
Andrew Richard Gallant, Henry Branch, son of Rich and Kathy Pope Gallant; and brother of Mary-Marshall Gallant Kunicki, and her husband David; died unexpectedly of a heart attack at 40 on May 11, 2025, in Mexico City where he has lived for three years. He was born on Sept. 16, 1984, in Wilson, North Carolina. Andrew, who went by Andy and Drew, launched many successful coffee ventures in both the U.S. and Mexico, including in Puerto Vallarta and most recently in Mexico City. His dedication was evident in his process: he would travel directly to the coffee fields to personally select his beans, bring them to his roaster, and craft his own brand. He owned his own roaster and roasted his own beans. He shared his adventures with his faithful cocker spaniel, Patrick, who was always by his side. Andy also held immense love for his late Papa, Marshall Pope.
Henry Stancil » Agnes Stancil Pope » Marshall Barnes Pope
William "Bill" Henry Batts, May 19, 2025
July 3, 1937-May 19, 2025
William "Bill" Henry Batts Jr., George Ira Branch, husband of Jacqueline "Jackie" Lewis Batts; father of David Henry Batts, and his wife Lea; and brother of James "Jim" Ralph Batts, and his wife Kathy; died at 87 on May 19, 2025, in High Point, North Carolina. Bill was born on July 3, 1937, in Wilson, North Carolina. He is the eldest child of the late William and Eva Vazelle Stancil Batts - Vazelle later married Francis Nixon Jessup; and the father of the late Claire Suzanne Batts Green and William Timothy Batts. He is the grandfather of Parker Batts, Henry Batts, Eva Batts and Nick Batts. After graduating high school, Bill received an appointment to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He earned a bachelor's degree and was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy in 1959. He also attended the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he earned a master's degree in mechanical engineering. Bill retired from the Navy as a commander in 1980 and returned to North Carolina. He and Jackie, who both grew up in Wilson, married on June 6, 2007. Bill will be buried at sea by the Navy.
George Ira Stancil » Eva Vazelle Stancil Batts Jessup
Johnnie Gene Lucas, May 27, 2025
July 13, 1939-May 27, 2025
Johnnie Gene Lucas, Samuel Branch, husband of 63 years to Pearl Marie Boykin Lucas; and father of Deborah Marie Lucas Ballance, husband Gerald; died at 85 on May 27, 2025, in Wilson, North Carolina. Johnnie was born July 13, 1939, in Wayne County, North Carolina. He is the only child of the late Vernon and Feddie Scott Lucas. He is the grandfather of Ann Marie Ballance McPherson, husband Chris; and Bryant Ballance; and great-grandfather of Dorothy Marie McPherson. Johnnie was a carpenter for Stephenson Millwork for over 40 years. He was a member of Unity Free Will Baptist Church. Johnnie is buried in Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Wilson, North Carolina.
Samuel Stancil » Annie Stancil Boykin » Marie Boykin Lucas
June 2025
Debra Ann Hill Walston, June 21, 2025
Aug. 14, 1955-June 21, 2025
Debra Hill Walston, Arnettie Branch, of Wilson, died at 69 on June 21, 2025, while visiting Charleston, South Carolina. Debra and Donald celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on the day she passed away. Debra was co-owner of A-1 Mobile Home Parts and Service and was an active member at Tabernacle Baptist Church, and she loved spending time with her “Baby” miniature dachshund, Seth. Surviving is her husband, Donald R. Walston; daughter, Cindy Walston; son Bobby Walston; sisters Linda White; Karen Taylor; Sharon Turnage, and her husband Carlton; Elizabeth Boyette, and her husband James Head; and Sandra Phillips; special friend and beach buddy, Debbie Viverette (Roger) of Wilson; numerous nieces and nephews. Debra was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbert and Mayzell Boykin Hill of Johnston County; sisters, Marvelene Carico and Imogene Murphy; and brother, William Hill. The funeral was at 10 a.m. June 28 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, conducted by Pastor Joe Shakour. She is buried in Maplewood Cemetery in Wilson.
Arnettie Stancil Hill » Wilbert Hill
Michael "Troy" Willis, June 23, 2025
Dec. 1, 1968-June 23, 2025
Michael "Troy" Willis, Tempy Ann Branch, son of Patricia Ann Renfrow Willis; brother of Laurie Willis Jordan, and her husband Howard; and Ryan Scott Willis, and his husband Rodney Harkey; died at 56 on June 23, 2025. Troy was born Dec. 1, 1968. He is the son of the late Michael Jay Willis. Troy grew up in Virginia Beach and Currituck and then headed to UNC Chapel Hill, Atlanta ultimately returning to Virginia Beach. Troy was deeply devoted to giving back to those who experienced domestic abuse and older adults in nursing homes, which brought joy not only to his own life but to those around them. Troy was a beloved son, brother, grandson, cherished friend, and a bright light and large presence to this world.
Tempy Ann Stancil Hill » Millard Lee Hill » Beatrice LaRue Hill Renfrow » Patricia Ann Renfrow Willis
Thomas "Tommy" Arthur Hill, June 27, 2025
June 14, 1961-June 27, 2025
Thomas Arthur "Tommy" Hill, Tempy Ann Branch, brother of Gilda "Sis" Hill Cooke, died at 64 on June 27, 2025, at his home in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Tommy was born June 14, 1961, in Surry County, North Carolina. He is the son of the late George Leon and Violet Marie Thomas Hill; and brother of the late Tony Ray Hill and Albert Hill. Tommy was no stranger, always making friends, he loved the lord, devoted Christian. He loved to go fishing and play golf.
Tempy Ann Stancil Hill » George Preston Hill » George Leon Hill
Rebecca Ann "Becky" Pedigo Stancil, June 27, 2025
April 8, 1954-June 27, 2025
Rebecca Ann "Becky" Pedigo Stancil, Henry Branch, mother of Chad Stancil; and sister of Robert Pedigo and Richard Pedigo; died at 71, on June 27, 2025, at home in Clifton Forge, Virginia. Becky was born April 8, 1954, in Covington, Virginia. She is the daughter of the late Lloyd and Lucille Catherine Clark Pedigo; and mother of the late Nathan Alan Stancil. She was a manager at Stop-In in Clifton Forge for many years, and a lifelong member of First Christian Church in Covington. She loved her cat Gretchen. She was a manager at Stop-In in Clifton Forge for many years. She is buried in Alleghany Memorial Park, Low Moor, Virginia.
Henry Stancil » James Oscar Stancil » Henry Rudolph Stancil » Stephen Jerome Stancil
August 2025
Vivian Elizabeth Pope, Aug. 22, 2025
April 24, 1954-Aug. 22, 2025
Vivian "Libby" Elizabeth Pope, Henry Branch, wife of Jackie Pope for 53 years; mother of Cathi Pope, and fiancee Randy Driver; and sister of Myra Pope Bridgers, and husband Ricky; died at 71 at her home with her family by her side on Aug. 22, 2025. Libby was born April 24, 1954, in Johnston County, North Carolina. She is the daughter of the late Charles and Betty Lou Hare Pope; and sister of the late Frances Pope Patterson. She is the grandmother of Kaycee Roberson. Libby was a teacher for 30 years. Libby's devotion to family and her warmth left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Libby was a devoted member of Piney Grove OFWB Church. She is buried in the Dixon Family Cemetery, Piney Grove Church Road, Kenly, NC 27542.
Henry Stancil » Agnes Stancil Pope » Charles Ray Pope
Marie Boykin Lucas, Aug. 27, 2025
Aug. 20, 1939-Aug. 27, 2025
Marie Boykin Lucas, Samuel Branch, mother of Deborah Marie Lucas Ballance, husband Gerald; died at 86 on Aug. 27, 2025, in Wilson, North Carolina. Marie was born Aug. 20, 1939, in Wilson County, North Carolina. She is the youngest child of the late Hillard and Annie Stancil Boykin; widow of Johnnie Gene Lucas; sister of the late James Ray Boykin, James Carl "Bud" Boykin and Anne Mae Boykin. She is the grandmother of Ann Marie Ballance McPherson, husband Chris; and Bryant Ballance; and great-grandfather of Dorothy Marie McPherson. She graduated from Wilson School of Nursing and went on to work as a registered nurse for more than 40 years at Woodard-Herring Hospital, Carolina General and Wilson Memorial Hospital. She and her husband were members of Unity Free Will Baptist Church. Marie is buried in Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Wilson, North Carolina.
Samuel Stancil » Annie Stancil Boykin
September 2025
Vickie Jean Bailey, Sept. 3, 2025
April 1, 1944-Sept. 3, 2025
Vickie Jean Bailey, Tempy Ann Branch, mother of Johnny Bailey, Sandra Bailey, Ann Wagner and Renee Toton; and sister of Joey Sullivan and Jan; Patricia Goodwin, and W.N.; died at 81 on Sept. 3, 2025, at her home in Middlesex, North Carolina. Vickie was born April 1, 1944, in Wilson County. She is the widow of the late Johnnie Fletcher Bailey; daughter of the late Robert Benjamin Sullivan and Lou Mettie Crocker Sullivan and sister of the late Billy Sullivan. She is the grandmother of Justin, Cash and Olivia and great-grandmother of Giavanna, Blayden, and Jax. She was a member of Mount Zion Original Free Will Baptist Church. She is buried in the Mount Zion O.F.W.B. Church Cemetery.
Tempy Ann Stancil Hill » Delia Hill Bailey
October 2025
Janie Cleo Hill Joyner, Oct. 2, 2025
June 6, 1941-Oct. 2, 2025
Janie Hill Joyner, Tempy Ann Branch, mother of Dean Joyner and Staci Joyner, died at 84 on Oct. 2, 2025, in Wilson, North Carolina. Janie was born June 6, 1941, in Wilson, North Carolina. Janie was born June 6, 1941, in Wilson. She is the daughter of the late Resley Hill and Randy Edwards Hill; widow of Larry Joyner Jr.; and sister of the late Ethel Grey Hill Hayes, Kenneth Ray Hill; Lynwood Hill and Jackie Earl Hill Sr. She is buried in Maplewood Cemetery in Wilson.
Tempy Ann Stancil Hill » Edgar Resley Hill
Samantha Lee Pipkin, Oct. 10, 2025
June 10, 1966-October 10, 2025
Samantha Lee Pipkin, Samuel Branch, daughter of Lisa Pipkin; younger sister of George T. Pipkin; aunt of Danielle Pipkin; niece of Alice Pipkin Parker and first cousin to Jessica Rama Hazelett; died at 59 on Oct. 10, 2025, in Chesapeake, Virginia. Samantha was born June 10, 1966, in Virginia. She is daughter of the late George Dallas Pipkin Jr. She was a purchasing agent at AMSEC. She was an outdoor enthusiast who loved animals, photography, fishing, birdwatching and stargazing. Samantha especially loved her cherished fur babies Chloe and Maggie.
Samuel Stancil » Freeman Elbert Stancil » Thelma Stancil Pipkin
November 2025
Sammy Jay Price, Nov. 6, 2025
Sept. 28, 1946 - Nov. 6, 2025
Sammy Jay Price, Tempy Ann Branch, husband of 56 years to Winnie Price; and father of Amy Price Beasley, and husband Stacy; Brent Price, and wife Elizabeth; died at 79 on Nov. 6, 2025, in Kenly, North Carolina. Sammy was born Sept. 28, 1946, in Wilson, North Carolina. He is the son of the late Jimmie and Alice Stancil Price; and brother of the late Doug Henry Price Sr. He is the grandfather of Savannah Beasley; Emily Beasley Cox, and husband Daniel; Peyton Price; and Luke Price. Sammy grew up attending Bethany Missionary Baptist Church. After graduating high school in 1964, he was drafted by the U.S. Army where he served two years as a Sergeant in Germany. He worked over 30 years for Carolina Telephone. He is buried in the Bethany Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Kenly.
Tempy Ann Stancil Hill » Ronia Hill Stancil » Alice Stancil Price
December 2025
Donna Jean Bowes, Dec. 2, 2025
July 27, 1953 - Dec. 2, 2025
Donna Jean Hamel Bowes, Josiah Branch, wife of 50 years to husband Skip; mother of Carla Bowes and Darren Williams, and their son Connor; Jeff and Jenna Bowes, and their children Nicolas, Casey, Heather and Dustin; and Jason and Christy Livingston, and their children Christian, Alex, and Sophia; and sister of MaryEllen Martin, Rose Harrington, and Joyce LaPierre; died at 72 on December 2, 2025, after a long battle with cancer in Palm Bay, Florida. She was born July 27, 1953, in Lynn, Massachusetts. She is the daughter of the late Anthony and Lillian Deveney Hamel and sister of the late Robert Hamel Sr. She married Clayton “Skip” Bowes on July 12, 1975, and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary together before her passing. After retiring from the New Hampshire DOT she moved to Palm Bay, Florida with her husband to enjoy sunshine, beaches, visits from family and friends, and many trips together. She will be especially remembered and missed for her loving and generous spirit, her heartfelt advocacy of anyone she cared about, and her mischievous sense of humor.
Josiah Stancil » Herbert Andrew Stancil » Patricia Ann Stancil Reed
Denise Vick Renfrow, Dec. 7, 2025
Aug. 30, 1941 - Dec. 7, 2025
Denise Vick Renfrow, George Ira Branch, wife of 61 years to James G. Renfrow; mother of Meredith Braswell; and Katherine Williams, husband Steve; and sister of Barbara Vick Boyles, husband Lew; died at 84 on Dec. 7, 2025. Denise was born Aug. 30, 1941. She is the daughter of the late Arie and Alma Lee Boykin Vick. She is the grandmother of Thomas Strother; Rachel Strother Hayes, husband Eric; Abigail Williams; Katrina Williams; and Will Braswell. She is buried in the Spring Hill Presbyterian Church cemetery in Lucama, North Carolina.
George Ira Stancil » Rachel Stancil Renfrow » James Graydon Renfrow Jr.
Floyd Dennis "Hambone" Bridgers
May 11, 1939 - Dec. 30, 2025
Floyd Dennis "Hambone" Bridgers, Henry Branch, father of Ricky Bridgers, wife Myra Pope Bridgers, died at 86 on Dec. 30, 2025, in Kenly, North Carolina. He was born May 11, 1939. Hambone is the son of the late Joseph and Bessie Bridgers; and widower of Joyce Keen Bridgers. He is the grandfather of Thad Bridgers, wife Lauren; and Anna Bridgers, fiance Landon Hux; and great-grandfather of Ellie Mae Bridgers. Hambone worked at Ralston Purina in Wilson for 37 years. Hambone loved the outdoors and especially fishing. He is buried in Kenly Cemetery in Kenly, North Carolina.
Henry Stancil » Agnes Stancil Pope » Charles Ray Pope