Genevieve (Jenny) Sapp
Our Mom was born in Winston-Salem on June 22, 1935. She lived almost her entire life there, until moving to nearby Lexington in December 2001. In 1956 she married the love of her life, our father, Oliver Sapp, Jr. They were together until his death in January 1978.
The true love in her life was children. For over 30 years she kept other people’s children while they had to work. Many of those parents called her an angel, because they knew their kids were safe and happy with her. Among those children were her six grandchildren, and one great grandchild. She loved them more than anything in this world. They miss her tea and Kool Aid. They say nobody can make it as good as their Grandma.
Her hobbies included gardening, yard sales, animals, playing games with the grandkids, and just being with family. She was a long time fan of the Oak Ridge Boys. Following their concerts allowed her, along with friends, to travel much of the eastern United States. Most recently she had become a big fan of Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
On March 1, 2003, God gained another angel, as we lost our beloved mother. We will never forget her. She will be in our hearts forever.
Greg Sapp, Karen Noga, and Mildred Sapp
Kenneth Saunders
Kenneth Saunders was born in Rural Hall, NC in 1925 and was educated in Winston-Salem public schools. He served three years in the U.S. Navy, and was a survivor of the sinking of the destroyer escort, the Samuel B. Roberts, in a battle at Leyte Gulf in October 1944.
He continued his education at VPI in Blacksburg, VA, graduating in 1951. He was employed at AT&T for thirty six years.
Kenneth was married to Eloise Briggs in 1953. She survives him along with two daughters and one son.
He enjoyed traveling to the reunions of the survivors of his ship, and to other places in the U.S.
His death was April 12, 2003. He is buried in the family plot at Pfafftown Christian Church Cemetery in Pfafftown, NC.
Susan Saunders
Born Susan M. Conion on 8/7/60, she became Mrs. Susan Saunders on 11/30/85. Susan was a very loving and caring wife, and an excellent teacher. Teaching was her life. It was what she loved to do and she was very good at it. She was named Teacher of the Year twice in her 11 years as a Kindergarten teacher at Clyde Campbell Elementary School in Hickory, NC.
She loved to sail our boat, visit lighthouses and travel when we could. She made greeting cards, stitched and made quilts and wall hangings for the house. Susan was a quiet person and never wanted the spotlight although she did things for other people that have touched many lives. To name a few, the children she taught and some she didn’t, as well as many parents and other teachers. Many of these things have only come to light since she passed away.
She gave of her time and knowledge and good deeds to help others. She shared her love with others, but none as much as her husband, who is so thankful to have been able to be with her, even though the time was short. She shared her love and that love will be carried on by those who still keep her love to this day.
Susan was a tall, beautiful woman who as attacked by cancer on her 40th birthday. It finally took her from us the day before her 44th birthday. Cancer struck her down, but she did not go without a three-year battle that can only inspire us to find a cure for this nasty, hateful, horrible, gross disease. If there is a God, and I believe there is, I pray others will not have to suffer from this gross disease and that we may find a cure soon.
Thank God part of Susan lives on today in the children she taught, and in the hearts of those she loved, and who loved her!
Bryan Saunders, husband
Shane Scott
The day I started living was the day that you were born.
Now my joy has faded, for there was no time to warn
That my soul, my life, my every thing, would so suddenly be torn.
I learned so much from you, my child, the good things and the bad,
You were the perfect gift from God this mother ever had.
Our souls embraced, my baby Shane and me
It’s the only way this union could have ever come to be.
Now my soul is aching for the better part is free.
I know that you’re in heaven now, a place I long to see
For I know that you’ll be at those gates, waiting for me.
Then once again these bonded souls forever can be free.
I miss you and I love you so,
Mommie
Robert Carlton Sharpe, Sr.
Robert was a big man. He was 6’6” and weighed 270 pounds. He sometimes had a gruff exterior, but it didn’t take long to find out that the big man had a big heart. He loved his family and had lots of friends. Everyone knew they could depend on him. He was a man of his word, and he would do anything to help anybody.
He proudly earned his HVAC degree from Catawba Valley Community College when he was 50 years old. In 2002, he retired from Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, NC, where he worked as a heating and air-conditioning technician in the maintenance department. Robert could fix anything. He could repair an air conditioner, unclog a sink, fix an electrical outlet or replace the transmission in a car. If it was mechanical, he could make it work again.
During NASCAR season, he spent Sunday afternoons in front of the TV. He listened to country music and loved to read. He did the crossword puzzle in the newspaper every day. Robert was a very smart man. He stayed in tune with what was going on in our country and the world, and was always ready to give you his opinion on it.
Robert was a volunteer firefighter with Icard Township Fire and Rescue in Hildebran, NC. He took his responsibilities seriously and carried his fire gear with him everywhere in case of a call. He never hesitated to respond, no matter what time of day or night. December 13, 2003, at the fire department’s annual Christmas dinner, Robert was awarded Firefighter of the Year for 2003. Unfortunately, he never knew he won the award. He died the night before the dinner.
At the end of August 2003, we discovered Robert had a malignant brain tumor. He had a wonderful attitude about his illness and never felt sorry for himself. The doctors said he had a good chance for recovery, but he had a series of unexpected setbacks after surgery. He died December 12, 2003, at age 63.
Robert and I were married 17 years. Even though he is gone from our day-to-day lives, his spirit lives on in my heart, and in the lives of everyone he knew.
Jeffery T. (Jeff) Shaw
Jeff was a big man. He stood 6’ 3” and weighed 230 lbs, yet he was a gentle giant. He was a Christian man and very active in his church. He taught 3 and 4 year olds in Sunday School, was an usher, and was an active member of the Baptist Men’s group.
Jeff loved to help others in any way he could. He had a huge loving heart. His hobbies were fishing, hunting and guns.
He loved to read and loving being outside. He told me that nature was one of God’s most precious and beautiful gifts to man.
Jeff was employed with Progress Energy for 19 ½ years. He was an I&C tech and had done scheduling for the past 3 years. He liked his job, and was good at it.
He was a loving husband, wonderful father, and the best “grampie” a child could have. He is so very much missed by all.
Kelly Shannon Shea
When the Duke University Medical Center had a remembrance event, we were asked for one word that would describe Kelly. It was difficult to come up with one word that would encompass what we wanted to say. Lots of words come to mind.
Courageous: Kelly’s courage was beyond belief for a 15 year old to face what she did, and at the same time she was trying to bring us comfort. She always fought, never complained.
Brave: she was able to face this challenge, even though there were a lot of lost battles.
Strong: Kelly always put on a positive face and did what was necessary to fight the brain tumor. She even had the strength to tell us what she wanted at her funeral when she was taken off the medication.
Determined: She was determined to beat the cancer, to advance through school, and to enjoy life.
Loving: Kelly was always thinking of others. Right after coming out of the brain biopsy surgery, she knew that day was an event. It took a little while to remember, but she recalled it was our anniversary. She wanted us to go out and celebrate, even though she was in intensive care.
Friendly: She was very outgoing and friendly with everyone. She introduced us to a lot of new friends through her ordeal.
Caring: She often tried to put others in front of her needs, even during her last year. She wanted everyone to continue living, even though she was being challenged.
The list goes on and it was hard to come up with just one word. What was the one word we chose?
Genuine. Kelly was Kelly. She was outgoing, friendly strong, brave, and demonstrated many other great characteristics that people would love to have. To sum up the impact that Kelly had on us with one word, it is genuine. We can never understand the pain and emotions that she went through. Her bravery and courage were more than we could imagine. But through her sixteen years of life, she was genuine.
Roger Shelton
Roger Shelton was born on January 12, 1947, in Mount Airy, NC and received his formal education in public schools there. He was converted October 29, 1964, and was soon called to minister as an Officer in The Salvation Army. He was commissioned from the College for Officer Training in Atlanta, June 8, 1968.
In 1969 he married Ann Paul, also an officer, and they served in several appointments in the North and South Carolina Division. Ann was promoted to Glory (died) October 27, 1994, after 25 years of marriage.
On November 2, 1996, Roger was married to Barbara Barton. Their first appointment together was Salisbury, NC. After Roger’s health declined, he needed hospitalization and was soon put on the list to receive a heart transplant. Roger was in a coma from May 14th until the Lord provided a heart on July 1st. After receiving a heart, Roger stayed in the hospital recovering for several months. He was an inspiration to all he met.
Roger and Barbara retired from The Salvation Army due to Roger’s health. He had been a faithful servant to the Lord that he loved. Roger developed a melanoma in the base of his left ear and endured five operations, including massive neck surgery and the entire removal of his eardrum and his ear canal. After months of suffering and pain, Roger went to be with his Lord on May 31, 2003. He was only 56 years old, but his life was a true witness of his faith and his love of his fellowman. Roger loved the Lord, his family, and his church. He was an avid North Carolina Tar Heel fan. He also collected Coca Cola sports bottles and other Coke collectibles.
Roger would have been so happy to realize that he could be a donor. The generous gift of a heart for him gave him three extra years to spend with his wife, Barbara. He also is survived by his children Alysia, Jonathan, Daniel, Maggie, and Dedie, and grandchildren, Hannah and Elijah.
Roger’s life was one of faithfulness. He took advantage of every opportunity to serve others and declare the love of Christ to all to whom he ministered.
“I have fought long and hard for my Lord, and through it all I have kept true to Him. And now the time has come for me to stop fighting and rest.” II Timothy 4:7, the Living Bible.
David Lynn Shook
David Lynn Shook was born 7/15/440 in Catawba County, the son of Nellie James Shook and the late Arthur Henry Shook. A member of Westview United Methodist Church in Hickory, David graduated from Hickory High School, then went on to NC State University in Raleigh, earning a degree in the School of Engineering.
Upon graduation, he accepted a position with Ford Motor Company in Michigan as an engineer, and later became a cost estimator. He retired after 31 years with Ford Motor Company. He was an artist, designer, built model cars, was a racecar owner, driver and instructor of Formula One racecars. While driving, he won many races and trophies, winning his last race at age 62.
David served on the board of directors of the Waterford Hills Racing Club since 1982. In 1989 he became a trustee of the Road Racing Club and served as president from 1990-1991. He received the President’s trophy in 1991 for outstanding service. He was a board member of the Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club (parent club) for the last eight years. At his death he was serving as vice-president of the club.
David leaves his mother, three sisters and two brothers-in-law, four nieces, four nephews, a number of great nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends in Hickory, as well as Michigan.
Harvey Sinclair, Jr.
Harvey was a miracle child in our lives. He was never sad or mad, and was one of a kind. He never met a stranger and made you speak to him, even if you didn’t want to speak. He was loved by everyone.
He was awarded the name “Master Harvey Sinclair, Jr.” in the year 2003 when he became well known at the last school he attended. He was not afraid to tell of his heart condition to the kids in his class, and was an open-minded child.
Harvey was very smart in school, as well as at home. He would challenge anyone in any sports, no matter what. His hobbies were basketball, wrestling, baseball, football, and most of all, Sega, Game Boy, Nintendo, and many more.
He got a chance to fly to Disney World in 2000, a gift from the Make a Wish Foundation.
Harvey served Christ and was one of His chosen ones. He is absent from the body, but present with the Lord. His memory will live on forever, and his heart will be with us forever.
He did get to meet his donor’s family last year during February, and we thank God for them.
Harvey will truly be missed, but not forgotten.
Maggie Leigh Sinclair
Maggie was seventeen years old when a fatal car accident took her from us, just two weeks before her high school graduation.
She was very much loved by her brother, Nick, her parents and grandparents. Maggie was very close to her grandparents and visited as often as her busy schedule would allow.
Although a very social person with many friends, she spent most of her free time with her best friend, Crystal. The two were inseparable.
Sweet, thoughtful, and kindhearted, she was beautiful inside and out, and just beginning to experience life. Her captivating smile had a lasting effect on people. She had a way of making them feel warm and happy.
Maggie worked part time as a hostess at the local Applebee’s Restaurant. It was a perfect fit for her outgoing personality, and she loved her job and many friends there. She was a member of the Spanish Honor Society and planned to attend a local technical school after graduation, before going on to a university.
Maggie is missed by all whose lives she touched.
Gordon David Sinnott
My husband was born 8/14/36 in Philadelphia, PA to Paul and Gertrude Sinnott. He grew up in south Jersey with 2 brothers, Jim and Dennis, and a sister, Tina. Gordon served in the US Army with part of his tour in Germany.
We met in Lantana FL on the east coast 12 miles south of Palm Beach. He has 3 children., two sons, David and Dennis, and one daughter, Dolores. We also have a daughter-in-law, Becki, son-in-law Chad, and 4 grandchildren, Justin, Dezarae and Dylan. Our 4th grandchild was born 9/10/03, Carley Dawn. He was so looking forward to this baby. He would always say “our baby Dolores is having a baby.”
Some of his most favorite times were spent with our family on the beach and lots of camping trips in FL before we moved to NC in 1976. At that time we bought 10 acres of land in Davidson County. This was a dream come true for him. In l977 we began to clear our land and later named it “Sinnott’s Forest.” He was very pleased, as we had some many wonderful memories of Sinnott’s Forest, with birthdays, the grandchildren, lots of cookouts, bonfires with our family reunions and special friends. Not to mention he loved our Halloween costume parties in the fall and Easter egg hunts in the spring.
Thanksgiving and Christmas were his favorite holidays. We always had Thanksgiving dinner with our family here, and then headed south to spend Thanksgiving with his mother and sister, and my sister and her family, then took in the Turkey Rod Run show at Dayton Beach, which he always looked forward to.
Christmas was always his very special family get together time, as we always put our tree up on Christmas Eve. Everyone helped decorate with all the interesting ornaments we collected or the children made. Many were given to us by friends and family. Each ornament brought back special memories, a special time that we always looked forward to.
We were both raised Catholic and enjoyed our involvement with our church and priest. We were ushers and greeters and belonged to the Prime Time Social Group. We often planned outings and car pooled for them.
Gordon was in the automobile industry all his life. He loved working with them in every phase, from fixing, buying, selling, and restoring. His latest hobby was buying and restoring his ’46 Ford truck. He dearly loved all the time spent on it, as well as all our road trips and car and truck shows. He belonged to the “Old Ford Truck Club” and often helped with them. He was crazy about NASCAR racing.
He loved working on our land and in the yard. He helped me plan and create a butterfly garden. He was very fond of all the birds we attracted to Sinnott’s Forest, but the humming birds were his favorite.
The last several years we really enjoyed traveling here and yonder, as much as possible. He loved taking photos of lighthouses, sunrises, and sunsets. We loved being together. I have so many wonderful memories of 43 years of being together with a wonderful person, and my very best friend.
Carol Sinnott
Eden Grace Sitter
In our church every baby receives a blessing shortly after they are born. In Eden’s blessing, her father said that Eden would be loved by everyone who meets her. At the time, I marveled at these words, because in life, every person encounters someone who does not treat them lovingly.
As we got to know Eden through her three short months here on earth, it became clear to us how these words would be true. She is very social for her age. She laughs and baby talks with anyone that comes near her. She has a beautiful smile, a sparkle in her eyes. A beautiful glow radiates from her. It is impossible not to become immediately smitten by her.
I speak of Eden as if she is still alive, because she is. We are not able to see her, or hold her right now, but we know for sure her life goes on. Waiting to see Eden again is a huge test of patience for us, but at least we know that our separation is not forever.
Her short life has impacted us more than anything else ever has before. Because of Eden we feel more love for God and more love for each other. What a wonderful gift she has brought to our lives.
Ronald Howard Skeen
Ronald was the 4th of 5 children born to Whitson and Agnes Skeen. He grew up with his siblings on a farm in southern Davidson County. He was married in 1957, blessed with a son and later a granddaughter.
He was a truck driver both local and long distance for 20 some years, and later worked for the DOT. But his love of the farm always remained. He was able to obtain his own acreage where he raised Angus beef cattle and his greatest love, saddle bred horses. He loved being outdoors, raising and riding horses, and was thrilled when his son and granddaughter inherited his love of animals, especially the horses.
Ronald always enjoyed being with friends, meeting people, telling a descriptive tale, and remembering the past. The tales sometimes got taller as they were retold and past adventures more dramatic, but that was Ronald. He was always willing to help a friend, neighbor or anyone, and so happy to do it.
Ronald was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather, and yes, father-in-law and friend. May he always know how much he will be missed, remembered, and loved by friends and family.
Mark W. Skinner
Mark was a good person. He worked for C. C. Magnum. He loved the outdoors. He had a big heart when it came to helping others. Over the years he would put others needs ahead of his own.
He started going to church faithfully January 2003 up to his being called by our Lord. Whenever there was a service, he expected his family to be there. He would get upset when no one made an effort to come get us. He would find another nearby service and go to that one, just for his family to hear the word.
Mark became a support line for men in prison over the years. He would write to them and encourage them to keep their chin up. He had a vision of putting a newsletter out for patients that have similar illnesses and to open up an office full of information that is hard for someone to get.
Harley Reid Smith
Harley Reid Smith was born 7/29/43 in Iredell County to Harley Reynolds Smith and Dorothy Richardson Smith. He had one sister, Mary Lou Smith Curry. After high school, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served from 1962 – 1966, stationed in Germany. He married Sandra Leonard and had a son, Harley Reid Smith II. Sandra died shortly thereafter, and in 1970, he married Rosemary Miller. They had a daughter, Cynthia Ree in 1971. Harley Reid had three grandsons: Jesse McLean Smith (8), Devan Reid Burris (6), and Cameron Ronald Burris (9 mos).
Harley Reid worked at PPG, Pilot Freight Carriers, and most recently at Tubular Textiles. He truly enjoyed hunting from the time he was little. His father also taught him how to trap as a method of hunting. He enjoyed all types of hunting, such as squirrel, rabbit, dove, and deer. He also enjoyed using different methods such as bow, a muzzle loader, and rifle. When fall arrived, he would be hunting something all of the time. He also enjoyed fishing in the spring and summer. He mostly enjoyed taking Devan fishing on the Childress Farm.
Harley Reid loved John Deere tractors. He began restoring and repairing tractors in the early 1970’s. At his death he was working on a tractor for his grandson. He loved spending time with his grandsons. His last passion was playing the guitar and banjo. He learned to play the guitar when he lived in Germany and bought his first guitar there. His favorite song to play was Greensleeves. His favorite genre of music was bluegrass. He will be missed immensely.
Helen Vanessa Smith
Ms Helen Vanessa Smith departed this life on October 13, 2003. She was the first female to be licensed to preach at Loyal Baptist Church in Danville VA. She loved to do crafts, work with children, and was the editor of “The Loyal Word,” a church newsletter. She did volunteer work in the church office and loved to preach God’s word.
To quote part of her favorite song–
This morning when I rose, I didn’t have no doubt
I know the Lord will take care of me
I know the Lord will provide for me
And I know he’ll lead and guide me all the way.
James Norman (Jimmy) Smith
James Norman (Jimmy) Smith was my baby brother and my best friend. Although we did not get to see each other as often as we liked, we talked on the phone just about every day. God blessed me with the opportunity to talk to him one last time the day he was tragically killed in an automobile accident. He was checking on me as usual, and we got to say we loved each other and goodbye before God took his angel home for a bigger job. He was always keeping in touch with me. But that was his nature. He was a genuine loving, giving, caring brother, son, father, and friend. He loved his daughter, family and friends very much. This picture of him reveals this, as he is holding a friend’s newborn, which was very special to him.
People were always telling me that he would just stop by and ask if they needed their yard raked, or he would fix things for people. He loved to repair things, as he was a very well liked and respected Maintenance Engineer at Mount Aire Farms of North Carolina. He received Employee of the Month and Most Valuable Employee awards. He was dependable. If he told you something, you could count on it. He was a thinker, he would always say “well, just think about it” when we were discussing things, just like our older brother who also loved him very much. Jimmy and I have always loved, admired and respected our older brother who is a lawyer with a wonderful family.
Jimmy’s hobbies included his fish aquarium, plants, music, dancing, sports, cooking and getting together with friends and family. Anywhere would brighten up when he arrived with that smile, laugh and cheerful attitude. A very special memory of mine is that we always had a standing date to go dancing or to see horror movies together. We always enjoyed doing the same things, were very much alike and we shared an extremely special connection that everyone noticed.
He loved to watch his daughter (whom he shared with his childhood sweetheart) play softball. She is very athletically inclined and intelligent like him. She also looks just like him. In addition, he set the precedence for my fiancée who gets this look on his face when he gets into playing his banjo, and Jimmy would always say “he’s got his face on!” This inspired and encouraged him in a lot of ways. We still say this when he’s getting into it. He has dedicated songs in memory of Jimmy, when his Bluegrass band plays. Jimmy and all of us shared a wonderful faith, trust and love in God. Therefore, I know he is in heaven with our mom and dad, and we will see them again one day.
I also know he is very proud that he is still giving to and helping people, as he did when we donated to the NC Eye Bank with wonderful results. He was able to help two people have sight, and that is God’s blessing through my baby brother. The thing no one will forget is that Jimmy always had a smile or even a laugh, and was never negative about things. This is in loving memory of my baby brother, best friend, and now my guardian angel.
Susie Rebecca “Birdie” Sorie
Susie simply saw things differently. Facing the impossible she would see solutions others could not imagine. She saw promise in everything and everybody. She faced life head on – leading with her heart, full throttle, her hair blowing out behind. Her license plate said it all – LIVNLRG. She never held back when it came to sharing her love and letting others know how much she valued them. She blazed through our lives, leaving behind so many who stand in awe of her beauty and her spirit.
For over 20 years the “doctor was in,” as she held hands with her clients for their manicures. Susie’s gift of gab and her amazing insight into the heart gave her an advantage in the work place as well as among her friends and family. She loved beautiful things and sharing her nest for an evening of fine dining around her table or her favorite place – her stunning garden. Her home and hearth were open to all, and she made everyone feel special by the way she loved them.
The gift of a view of life through her soul would have been the ultimate gift, but her lifetime of precious memories was all she could leave us. Memories of her as a cheer leader and softball player at Enfield Academy, her semester abroad from NC State, celebrating her 20th birthday in Paris, and snow skiing in Germany and Italy – her shop in Raleigh, the thrill of attending the big rodeo in Cheyenne, or the Harley Davidson rally at Myrtle Beach. Wading through Beech Swamp with her brothers, sunning in Mexico, or the islands. Or her fun stories at family reunions, or quiet evenings at home, feeding the swans.
Susie was definitely not your basic one-dimension woman. In her 43 years, she embraced everything God had to offer, even the pain of knowing the last four years her life might be cut short. She never slowed down. She refused to put herself in the position of being less than the active woman she had always been.
She protected those close to her, and found the courage to continue to bring new people into her life, while holding her old friends and family close. A country girl, she loved Wynonna Judd’s soulful music, which spoke to her heart.
Susie was a Christian since her youth and a richly spiritual woman whose unconditional love gave encouragement to many. Her family and friends are forever grateful that God put her in our lives for the years we knew and loved her. May the gift of her eyes continue to light up the world!
Hayward Allen Spinks
Hayward Spinks, son of the late James Edward Spinks, Sr., and Elizabeth Spinks received his education in the Wake County Public Schools. He attended White Oak Baptist Church in Apex, NC during his adolescent years. He was very helpful to me, Berma, during the 17 years of our marriage, as he would be a part of my ministry in any church where I served as Pastor in the Central North Carolina area. I pastored Rose Hill and Blacknall Chapel Churches, and was supply pastor at Thompson Chapel and Mt Herman in Goldston.
Hayward served in the US Army. He acquired certificates in Bible Study and Culinary Arts. He became a landscape professional.
He was very artistic and we are very proud of his caring spirit. He loved people and was very gentleman-like. He knew how to treat a lady. We cherish his memory.
Gregory Austin Stadler
Daphnie Dee (DD) Stallings
Daphnie Dee (DD) Stallings, daughter of Dewitt and Ethel Stallings and mother of Noah DeRyan Feaster, was often referred to as someone that had been here before in a previous life because of her wisdom. She never wanted to work through all the steps to anything, but often wanted to start at the top. She started walking at 6 months 3 weeks old.
DD joined First Baptist Church when she became an adult, and was married there. She also attended University Park Church in Charlotte, NC regularly. She enjoyed reading, watching TV, traveling, walking and bicycling with her son, and talking on the phone. She was an angel sent by God to teach us how to love unconditionally, as He loves us, and I know we will meet again in heaven.
She lived a hurried life, and I now wonder if it was because her life was predestined to be short, and she was rushing to fulfill her hopes and dreams. She had a beautiful spirit, was a beautiful person and had profound love for her family and close friends.
DD had purchased a home in Charlotte for her and her son, but she had a plan to buy a bigger house after we (her parents) retired, so we could all live together, and she could take care of us in our old age. Her dream was to relocate back to Wilmington, NC after her son finished his high school education.
Following her own graduation from high school, she attended Miller Motte Business College in Wilmington, NC for 2 years, earning an Associate Degree in Business Education. After the birth of her son, she began taking night classes affiliated with Montreat College in Montreat, NC where she earned an Associate in Science Degree on May 20, 2001, and upon graduation on December 31, 2002, she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. She held positions at Under Writers Lab, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, First Citizens Bank, Raleigh, NC, and Bank of America, Charlotte, NC.
Rickie Stephens
I lost my 18 year old mentally handicapped son in a tragic automobile accident in October 2003. Rickie was always happy and such a joy. He loved to bowl and won trophies for his bowling. He liked to shoot pool, play basketball and football, and he loved the beach.
Making an organ donor decision was hard at a difficult time, but it is one that I take comfort in. A part of my son lives on while helping someone else. Rickie loved everyone, and always wanted to do things for others. I know that he would be happy with this decision.
Angela Stephens
David Reginald Stevens
David Reginald Stevens was born in Stokes County in the northern part of the Piedmont, North Carolina. Growing up he worked hard in his father’s tobacco fields. He married Linda Reid on 12/15/62 and worked at R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in Winston-Salem, and later in Tobaccoville for a total of 34 years, and was never late to work a day in all those years. He went to Poland for RJR and worked installing cigarette machines for a month in 1990.
David had two children, Vincent David Stevens and Marsha Stevens Marshall. He had three grandchildren, Logan David Stevens, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Marshall, and Landon Samuel Stevens. He also had three step-grandchildren, Matthew, Brittany and Kristin Marshall.
He was a people person and never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone. He and Linda owned a place at Holden Beach, NC, where he enjoyed going to just get away, relax and fish when his health permitted. He also enjoyed his grandchildren and loved to do things for and with them.
David was a very active person as long as his health permitted. He was a born again Christian and did not mind telling everyone what the Lord had done for him. He was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, brother-in-law, and friend. He was a very special person who could always make you laugh. He will be greatly missed.
Carolyn Stewart
I have so many wonderful memories of Carolyn that I would not know where to begin, so I’ll just say that she was always there if you needed a friend. She would listen to people expound on their problems for hours. She was always sympathetic to others needs, and wiling to help.
She was foremost a Christian lady, and a wonderful wife and mother. She also touched the lives of all those that she worked with, and loved her job at State Farm Claims office.
If anyone ever wanted a pattern to live by, she would have been a very good choice.
Sherrill L. Stewart, husband
Bryon Stone
My son, Bryon Stone (top in photo) lost his life due to a gunshot wound to the head. I know he loved life and had many friends.
His favorite hobbies were playing basketball, skate boarding and speed skating. He loved restoring old cars and building models. He also loved to draw – he was a very talented young man.
Bryon has a 5 year-old son named Kalub Kyle with whom he loved playing games and helping with his homework. Between his friends and mine, there were over 360 people at his funeral. His friends call me Mom. His friends still keep in touch with me, for which I am grateful.
He had a sister named Tina Marie who died on the same day, and their funerals were held on the same day. She was also a donor.
At least I know they are together again, and I get some peace of mind, knowing that. Thanks to our God, we know Bryon is no longer in pain and is looking down on us, helping us. Thank you so much for asking us to be a part of this (donation process). We will be forever grateful for the lives you have helped because of our beloved son.
Sheila Sebastian, mother
Valeria Louise Stout
Valeria Louise Stout was born 9/2/46 to Harry James and Annie Pearl Stout of Gary, West Virginia. She was the oldest of four children. After the sudden death of our mother at the early age of 30, Valeria took on the responsibility at the age of 9 of raising her younger siblings.
Valeria attended Gary District High School and also attended the first female Job Corp in the 60’s where she completed nurse’s aide training. She used her skills throughout her life taking care of older people and young children.
She traveled a lot. She lived in several states – Florida, North Carolina, New York, Maryland, Ohio, Alabama, and shared many great stories with us. Her passion was reading and collecting pictures of children – anybody’s baby – she had to have their picture.
Her family was her life, and she took her job very seriously. She loved us very much and we loved her dearly. Valeria was the best sister in the world, and I wouldn’t trade anything for the years we had together. We could always depend on her.
The last years of her life she was taking care of our brother’s grandchildren, ages 2, 3, and 5. The 3 year old suddenly went blind. He is still having tests, and may have surgery. I know Valeria would want me to donate her tissues and eyes to help others.
That is the type person she was – always giving.
Rosemary Stout, sister
Barbara Chambers Szosz
Barbara was born in Bryn Mawr, PA and at age 10 moved to Lima, Ohio. She attended Miami University of Oxford, Ohio, and was a member of the Delta, Delta, Delta sorority. She became a United Airlines stewardess, worked for Pan American airlines, and later became a Certified Travel Consultant.
Barbara was a Neil Diamond fan, and attended his concerts when she had the chance. Both Lauren Bacall and Katharine Hepburn were her role models. She loved seeing a movie, and afterwards discussing it with friends. Traveling was one of her favorite things to do, especially going on cruises and especially while celebrating her birthday. Enjoying great food and cocktails was also a favorite. Her drink of choice was scotch.
She was an advocate of supporting the disadvantaged and wild life, dogs and cats in particular. During her first marriage, she adopted two boys and was a foster parent to a native Indian boy and a Mexican American girl.
Barbara excelled at being a mother, wife and friend. Being a people person, she thrived on the camaraderie of friends. Phoning regularly and remembering their birthdays was a necessity.
She disliked driving and would take the least congested, but longer routes to her destinations. She was very particular about her appearance. Doing her makeup and hair, and selecting her clothes were always an important part of her daily routine. She was a classy lady, beautiful inside and out.
Being determined and strong willed, she was able to overcome most obstacles in life. However, she was unable to conquer her smoking addiction. Barbara died of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), but the corneas of her sparkling green eyes are helping someone overcome their loss of sight.
Gary Szosz, husband
