Mark vanBree
My husband, Mark vanBree, was the most exceptional of men. Devoted spouse of eleven years, loving father of two beautiful daughters, talented Urological Surgeon, Christian, cyclist, my best friend.
Mark put his own unique touch on everything, and always excelled. He was a success at everything, never a halfway person. But the true essence of Mark is in the details.
Mark loved a strong cappuccino, the smell of coffee, rosemary and garlic, eating the perfectly “pink in the middle” seared tuna, raspberries, dark chocolate, chipolata peppers, lamb, Indian food, dark beer, and port.
Hugging and smooching were his specialties. He rubbed feet better than anyone! Stories of his childhood were always told and exaggerated. He recently taught himself to play the acoustic guitar, and serenaded the girls in the tub. Boy, could he play the game of Trouble!
A true Steriophile, Mark listened to albums on his vintage turntable – mostly classical. He cycled many miles throughout North Carolina and California. Riding his bike in the fall, with the wind in his face and his nirvana.
Collector of fine antiques and oil paintings – drawn to landscapes and Audubon bird prints. Tiger maple was his “thing.” Then there were clocks and watches – he loved to hear the chime of a tall case clock. And boy, did he like to feel an Oriental rug under his feet!
Brilliantly intelligent on all subjects, he helped so many during his career as a Urologist. He went bananas over Japanese red maples and white birch trees. Adored driving through New England and northern California.
But Mark was happiest of all at home on the couch snuggling as a family, and reading his Bible. We love him so much and miss him even more. There will forever be a void in our lives.
This picture was taken three hours before he died.
Becky vanBree
Sara Denise Vereen
Sara was the youngest of three daughters born to Dewey and Hattie Vereen. Anita and Angela are her big sisters. She was born December 26, 1985, with ten years separating her from Angela’s birth date.
Sara had the advantage of learning various singing and dancing techniques early in life. Her sisters included her in many of their favorite pastimes, and Sara caught on quickly. Although she downplayed her singing ability, she had a really beautiful singing voice, and performed special music at the church she attended.
She truly enjoyed dancing and was a member of the dance troupe at Whiteville High School. I have sweet memories of the many times she tried to show me how to do the intricate dance steps she learned through the years. Her Mom lost the use of her legs due to MS, and unfortunately was not able to accompany Sara to school activities, but she loved her mother dearly.
Sara was an avid volleyball player. She was on the school’s team through her junior year. She worked part time at a Dairy Queen. She was president of the local branch of the YMCA, and FOCUS.
She promoted peace and unity. She will be missed and was greatly loved, but is in the arms of Jesus where we will join her someday at God’s appointed time. She would have wanted to help someone receive sight.
