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The North Carolina Eye Bank takes great pride in our ability
to share the gift of sight with thousands of people every
year through corneal transplant, research and education. This
gift does not come without a price. We must remember that
for each grateful recipient of a transplanted cornea or medical
breakthrough achieved, there is a family who is struggling
with the loss of a loved one. These are the stories and remembrances
of their family members - and the faces of donation.
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The 2002 Faces of Donation
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Cheyenne Marie Coffey
Cheyenne was born September 22, 1986. She was born with
six fingers and six toes on each hand and foot. She was
very special.
We discovered at age five that Cheyenne had a rare kidney
disease called Bardet Biedl Syndrome. This is an hereditary
disease. They told us at that time that she would probably
have kidney failure in her teenage years.
Her kidney failure occurred earlier at age nine. She was
put on dialysis at that time, and was on dialysis until
she passed away at age fifteen.
Cheyenne was a very sweet child, and was always delightful.
She had a way about her that everybody loved. She had
an effect on everybody she met, and will be missed by
everyone that knew her.
When she passed away March 2, 2002, there were so many
people at her visitation, that some people had to leave
because the line was so long, and they could not get inside
the funeral home. The funeral director said he had never
seen so many people at someone's visitation.
Cheyenne loved her church and her God. She would say her
blessing no matter where she was, wherever she was having
anything to eat, even in the car.
This verse in Proverbs 22:1 reminds me of Cheyenne. A
good name is rather to be chosen than great riches |
John Collett
John and I were married for 49 years, and on February
21st, (just a few short weeks following his death),
we would have been married 50 years.
At the time we got married in Denver, Colorado, John
was in the service. We last visited Denver a couple
of years ago, while on vacation. John loved to travel
and we traveled extensively across the country.
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Lora Collins
Our mother was a great woman with the prettiest brown
eyes. She was a great mother, wife, and the greatest
grandmother in the world.
For as long as we have known our mother, she was sick
. For nineteen years she suffered with a crippling disease
called Lupus. She went from walking to a wheelchair,
back to walking, and then bed ridden, but she believed
in God strongly, and said "He will let me walk
again some day."
Our mother was a strong and determined woman. When the
disease got her down she'd say she wasn't going to worry,
and was sure she'd be strong enough to go again - and
she would.
To those people who got the gift of sight from our mother,
we'd like to say we hope you live a long and prosperous
life - she would have wanted that for you. |
Lindon Gregory Couch
L. Greg Couch was the epitome of unselfishness and
kindness. He always looked for the good in people. I
hope that the person(s) receiving this gift of sight
truly has the "gift of sight" that Greg had.
He loved his family, God, friends, and all the wonderful
things God made for this world.
His best gift to others was the ability to always make
them feel at ease, and comfortable He was always able
to smile, even when he was so sick. That smile was mirrored
back by the people around him, who considered themselves
to be better people because they had the opportunity
to know him.
Fly fishing was his favorite sport, especially fishing
the streams of the western United States. Although he
loved playing golf, it never was his "best"
sport. His sense of humor was evident in everything
he attempted, and accomplished.
Greg was a wonderful person, and a real "gift"
to me from God |
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Stevie Courtner
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| Sarah
Cox
Born in Louisville, Kentucky, it seemed Sarah
Cox was meant to bring smiles to peoples faces. She
had a natural ability to entertain, and also to console
the saddened.
Sarah enjoyed being around her two older brothers, Beau
and Logan Woods, as much as possible, and her younger
brother, Hunter.
Everyone could see Sarah's ability to write - her poems,
essays, and tutoring skills were superb for her age.
Everyone knew she would play an essential role in the
academic world, as a teacher, doctor, veterinarian,
nurse, counselor or writer - what ever she chose to
do would have enlightened the world. She didn't need
to grow old in order to brighten our world - that was
clear in the inspiration she gave and the number of
people she touched with her blessed smile and caring
ways.
Sarah loved the environment and animals, and was passionate
about caring for her pets. She had an emotional connection
with them. Her own pets consisted of two snakes and
three dogs. She loved to take her younger brother, Hunter,
on nature hikes, to look for animals, bugs, snakes and
turtles.
Her life was ended unexpectedly and abruptly at the
age of fourteen, her freshman year in high school. Sarah
did so much for her friends and family during her short
life that her time here was - and still is - infinite.
The joy and inspirational power she so clearly executed
in her daily life continues on in each of her friends
and family, and we, through her, will remember that
passion for life she showed us. |
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Cathy Creech
My mom loved life. She embraced it with all her heart.
I am so proud of her, and thankful that I could have
her as my mother.
My wish for the recipient(s) of her eyes is that they
will see the world and all God's creations the way that
she did.
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Curtis (Curt) Harold Creech, Jr.
Curt was born in Smithfield, North Carolina, the oldest
son of Harold and Sue Horne Creech. As a child he loved
books, and at age five was a whiz at playing Monopoly.
Because his dad was a Chamber of Commerce executive, Curt
became interested in towns and cities, and in the second
grade began reading the World Almanac every year. He collected
information and quoted trivia about the world's largest
cities, and wrote his own books on the subject when he
was in elementary school.
His favorite sports figure was Bart Starr, quarterback
for the Green Bay Packers. Curt played catcher on his
little league baseball team. In high school he played
tight end for the J. H. Rose High School Rampants. He
attended East Carolina University and majored in business,
although Philosophy and Logic were his favorite courses.
Curt obtained his real estate broker's license when
he was nineteen years old, and eventually established
his own business as a real estate appraiser. He was
appointed a Town Commissioner of Manteo in 1995, and
was elected to serve a second term. Upon his death,
the town of Manteo established a scholarship in his
memory to be awarded to a high school student who plans
to major in community or public service.
In June 2002, he was awarded Manteo Citizen of the
Year award posthumously. The Dare County Tourism Board
named the board room of the new Dare County Tourism
Center in his honor.
Curt enjoyed living near the seashore, and loved the
people of Manteo and Dare County. |
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James (Jake) Herman Creech, Jr.
Jake was raised on a farm in Johnston County,
the oldest of four boys. He died on September 14, 2002,
our 39th wedding anniversary.
We have three daughters and two grandsons. Jake and
I traveled a lot when the children were young. We took
them to Yellow Stone Park, the Grand Canyon, Disney
World, etc. Of course, they are all grown now, and away
from home.
Our middle daughter has a dog, Lady, which she would
bring over to the house a couple times a week to stay
with Jake. When it was too hot to walk Lady, he would
put her in the truck and ride her around.
Jake was a very active person. He played tennis every
morning at the Senior Citizen Center. He loved to bicycle.
Had a Kayak. Went hiking. In fact, he was on a hike
at Umpstead Park with a group of thirty people when
he passed away.
Jake's best feature was his beautiful blue eyes. He
used to say "get me any color shirt you want to,
as long as it is blue."
May the gift of his eyes bring the joy to someone of
all the beautiful things in life |
| Edith Lee Callam Crews
My Mom passed away January 22nd. I can't imagine anyone
not being a donor. I pray she's with my Dad, Charles
David Crews, Jr., now. They both adored their only grandchild,
Michael.
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Shawn David Cronk
Shawn was a loving father to our son, and the greatest
husband I could ever ask for. I've never met a man who
had so much love to give.
He was also a very driven soldier in the Army for nineteen
years. He loved serving his country, and would volunteer
himself for any assignment he could.
Shawn had the most beautiful blue eyes, and I know the
persons who received them are very blessed. We miss him
terribly, and know that he is watching over us daily.
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| Nanette
Crowe
To us, our mother, Nanette, was a rare gem,
with sparkling blue eyes and a radiant smile that would
light up any room.
She was born in Scotland and it was there she met David
while he was stationed in the US Air Force. They were
married for forty-four years and raised three girls
along the way.
He eventually retired in North Carolina. She devoted
her time to the children's nursery of her church, a
job she enjoyed tremendously.
The loves of her life were her husband, girls, and grandchildren,
but her true passion was sewing. She would often give
away her latest creation.
We know she would be content if in heaven she is sewing
the littlest angel's britches with her most loving stitches...that's
our mother, our friend, our strength, our inspiration.
We love you mom, and are so proud of you and your decision
to be an organ donor. |
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Benny Damron
Benny was a very caring and loving husband, father, and
grandfather, who treasured his wife and children very
much.
Nothing could put a huge smile on his face like his grandsons,
Johnnie and Joey. He would take them to races and to the
go-cart track, and have camp fires with his boys. That
was their special time together - as he would say, it
was their "man time." When looking at his grandsons,
you could see the love in his eyes.
Benny could look at you without saying a word, and his
eyes would say "I love you." If you were having
problems, he would put his arms around you and say "ah,
it'll be all right," and give you a hug that would
make you feel so warm and secure.
May you rest in peace, Benny. We know, deep down, you
are happy, because you are with loved ones.
Your family loves and misses you very much. |
Marsha Jo Ann Davenport
Thank you for helping us to share memories of Marsha.
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James Oscar Davis
James Oscar Davis was a loving husband, a loving father,
and a loyal friend.
He believed in fair treatment of all, and tried during
his lifetime to live up to that goal.
He farmed the land of his forefathers, and tried to
make the community a good place to raise his two daughters,
two granddaughters, and two great grandsons.
"Grandie" helped neighbors in times of need,
and cared for their well being, even in death, by donating
his eyes for research.
His memory is held in the hearts of many. |
| Marcus Tanner Davis
Tanner was born September 5, 1984, and lived his whole
life in Eden, North Carolina. At a very early age, people
noticed his natural talent to play ball - football,
basketball, baseball, golf, etc. He was a very active
child and teenager, with amazing athletic ability. A
four-wheeler accident ended his life here on earth on
June 25, 2002.
Tanner's life and death impacted more people than he
would have ever believed. He was a very loyal person,
sweet and kind. A "free spirit" is how some
would have described him, and now his spirit is free.
He is in God's hands now, happier than ever! His family
is just waiting for the day they will all see him again.
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Rev. H. Wayne Deaton
Wayne Deaton loved the Lord with all his heart and life.AS
a minister, his life goal was to help lead people out
of spiritual blindness into a relationship with Jesus
Christ. In my opinion, it is an amazing testiony of his
faithfulness that his donation will help bring sight to
someone in need.
He was a big man with a tender heart - an extraordinary
husband, dad, brother and granddad. As a pastor his love
was spread among all he met and those to whom he ministered.
He is missed but not forgotten.
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| Dorothy Donald
Dorothy's "gift of sight" upon her death was
consistent with her generosity during life. She was
self reliant and private, honest and hard working. She
was gracious and hospitable to both friends and family.
She loved and doted on her little dogs, Gidget, Kildaire,
and MacDuff.
Dorothy spearheaded construction of a Habitat for Humanity
Home in her community. She volunteered her time and
energy for teens, and made it possible for a niece to
go to college.
She was a good neighbor and a great friend, and was
always there for advice, comfort and support. Devoted
to her church, she worked tirelessly for their needs.
She was strong in her faith, and trusted in God.
Dorothy was well respected and loved in life; she is
loved and missed in death. She will be loved, missed,
and remembered forever.
She was my sister. |
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Stephen Dube
Stephen was the youngest of our four children.
His relationship with his sister, Becky, and brothers,
Brad and Kerry, was extremely close. They were
inseparable.
His smile would light up a room, and his eyes
told you everything wonderful about him. He wanted
to graduate high school so badly.
We knew Stephen had many friends. When he passed
away, close to 300 friends and family paid their
respect and bid him farewell. We celebrated his
16th birthday five days after his passing, and
were amazed at the stories by his friends of Stephen's
love and devotion to them.
Many told stories that made us laugh, while others
shed tears of how their lives had been touched
by Stephen, and would never be the same.
As his parents, we know how very special Stephen
is, and has always been. He brought joy unspeakable
and love that can never be measured.
The void in our lives will never be filled, but
the precious memories of our son, Stephen, will
remain forever in our hearts.
Thank you, Stephen, for being our son |
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