Kermit Daniel Barley
My husband was a very loving, caring man. He loved life and he loved people. He was a wonderful husband, father and paw paw. Kermit served his country for four years in the US Navy. He worked at the only job he had for 36 years after getting out of the Navy. He was very committed to his profession and to his family. He was very active in his church and the Men’s organization of his church. Everyone looked up to him for professional advice and he went that extra mile to help anyone out that needed help.
At his funeral, the staff at the funeral home said that on family night they had never seen so many people show up for his viewing. That said a lot for him. We had so many people come from out of town and out of state to pay their respects. My husband fought a valiant fight against cancer. His life was cut so short. I lost my best friend and my companion, but I rest at night knowing that he is in a better place now and is not suffering from this dreadful disease.
Nellie B. Barnard
Shortly after Mom passed, I received a letter from a high school friend. In this letter, she described mother so beautifully I felt I had to share. She wrote, “I have memories of your Mom’s smile, so soft and tender and unassuming. I saw her as a sweet spirited, soft spoken, humble and meek lady. It was obvious, even in her understated manner; she was without hesitation proud of her family. I also sensed in you, your brother, and father a deep, deep love for and devotion to your Mom. You know that meant the world to her!”
Born December 14, 1937, Nellie Brown Barnard grew up on a farm in Guntersville, Alabama. The middle child of Claude and Jessie Brown, she casually joked about being the namesake of her father’s favorite mule, old Nell. She had a wonderful, yet mischievous sense of humor. Mom and Dad were high school sweethearts and remained soul mates for over 47 years. She worked 37 years for the government and retired in 1994 as a budget analyst. At that point, she devoted much of her time to lakeside living, gardening, and grandchildren. Affectionately referred to as “Gran-Gran” by her three grandchildren this perfectionist excelled in every project she attempted whether it was decorating the house, making elderberry jelly, or sewing elaborate school costumes. Her hobbies included cooking, bowling, sewing, planning high school reunions, Marshettes (a part of the local Shrine club), watching the Atlanta Braves, and most importantly, family!
After two and a half weeks at Duke University Hospital, the sweetest woman I have ever known lost a swift, fierce battle to brain cancer at the age of 66. She fought to the very end and stayed optimistic for the family, never once thinking of herself. When I arrived home, I found the following letter accompanied by a homemade CD at the foot of my bed. It read, “Dear Mama, I’m writing and making this the day she silently left us, I miss her as much as anyone and these songs remind and comfort me the way she would right now. She would hold me and tell me I’m silly for crying because tears won’t fix anything. I smile when I think of all the things she did for me and taught me such as…do not pick on dogs bigger than you (or anything else for that matter), accept things I cannot change, the difference between being asleep and resting your eyes, the beauty of a simple breakfast, how easily love can be given, how being able to swim is a good thing, how getting your way is best done silently (but is difficult and one must practice), how rolling a steel hoop with a wire could be so much fun! She taught me that being a beautiful girl isn’t enough, you must also be strong and independent. Life without her will be difficult, however with my memories she will always be there and she will never be forgotten. You both have loved me unconditionally and I cannot tell you how much I have loved ya’ll. Be strong and I will too. —Elizabeth
I had never known the depth of my mother’s love for me until I had a child of my own. I now think that possibly I never knew or understood the deep depth of my love for her until her death. I thank God for the love I have for her and her for me, what a treasure!
Jennifer April Barnett
The life of Jennifer Barnett, born on September 10, 1980, a Virgo – which was her only tattoo on her forearm - a mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grand-daughter and friend to all those who knew her. She was born in Watertown, NY, but lived in Florida since she was 2 months old, before moving to North Carolina just 2 years ago.
Jennifer had a hearing problem all of her life that did not stop her academically or socially. She was a good student throughout her school years and was currently a student at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC, studying business and physical therapy.
Jennifer enjoyed many sports during her youth, baseball, soccer and cheerleading the most. She enjoyed the outdoors and being around many friends. Her friends all agree that when Jen was around, she brought smiles to the room and did not like sitting still.
Jennifer had attended classes with Barbizon Beauty Academy where she learned to apply herself with confidence and a positive attitude, although at only 4’10” tall, she stood out in a crowd, she was the loud and bubbly one. Jen loved to dress up too, putting on makeup, twirling her long brown hair and flashing those big brown eyes to strut her stuff wherever she was going.
At 17 years old Jennifer became a mother to a bouncing baby boy she named Doniven. She liked odd names or just the spelling to be different. Doniven looks just like his mother, and has developed a lot of her passion for life.
Jennifer had a deep love for reading, whether it was a romance novel or history book, especially poetry by Edgar Allen Poe, or art history by Vincent Van Gogh or Greek mythology, the Renaissance or ladies of court during the 1400’s. Her dream was to marry her knight in shining armor in a dress like that of Guinevere and ride off in the sunset on a black stallion.
Jen also collected things like Volkswagen bug cars, green froggys, and shot glasses from every state she could. She has many pictures of Marilyn Monroe, since she admired her life. Ironically though, the last year of Jennifer’s life was broken-hearted and confused. Jen was engaged to a man named Dean and dreamed of running off to Vegas to get married in the little white chapel. However, on November 14th, 2003, Dean died from a fall. She was devastated to say the least. We all encouraged her to live on as best she could, but nothing fills an empty heart. Jennifer had celebrated her son’s 7th birthday with us on November 13, 2004, just a couple of friends, but she was there. She planned to go to the site the next day, November 14, 2004 to honor Dean. She planned to say goodbye.
Now, we all know that she has joined Dean and rode out on that black stallion, together forever.
James M. Beaumont, III
He was raised in western New York state and moved to North Carolina in 1993. In New York state, his hobby was raising rabbits for show and he enjoyed taking his family to the rabbit shows. He loved meeting people and making friends. He was an easy person to talk to and always willing to talk to anyone he met. When we had family get-togethers he and his brothers and sisters would tell some wild stories of what they did when they were growing up.
He was so proud of his family and would always brag about his daughters. He loved his grandchildren and they loved their papa because he spoiled them. He would always try to get us what we wanted by working extra hours if that’s what it took. He would always think of others before himself. He would always pray for family and friends.
He was dedicated to his job as a digitizer and was loved by everyone. If someone asked him to do something he would try and get it done real quick. He is greatly missed by co-workers and family because he was such a loving and caring husband, father and friend.
Adam BensonOur son Adam was the typical All-American boy. Honor student, 3-letter athlete (wrestling, cross-country, and track), devoted to his church and family, friendly, and well-liked by everyone He was a loving son and good big brother to his four sisters. Adam had been accepted to East Carolina University and while returning home from freshman orientation was tragically killed in a one vehicle car accident. When the call came to ask if we were interested in tissue and eye donation, we did not hesitate.
Adam had a dream of becoming a doctor and we knew that is what he would have wanted. His senior year of high school was filled with observations of the medical community. He volunteered at a local hospital last summer. Through his allied health class at school he had the opportunity to observe surgery, shadow a doctor, and ride in an ambulance, among many other things. Everything reinforced his dream to become a doctor. Although those dreams will never be realized, it is our hope that his gift will help give someone a better quality of life.
Earl Dean Blackburn
December 7, 1939 – July 13, 2004
Earl Dean Blackburn of Winston-Salem, NC, was born December 7, 1939. He lived most of his life in Forsyth County, NC. Dean graduated from Griffith High School and attended Forsyth Technical Community College. He worked 30 years for the Water and Sewer Engineering Department of the City of Winston-Salem. He was a member of the Linville Forest Church of Christ, Kernersville, NC. He was married in 1974 to Brenda Day. Their marriage was a close and loving relationship, each one dedicated to the other.
Dean had a wide range of interests, taking great interest in current events and politics; he cared deeply about America. He enjoyed gospel singing, particularly the Gaithers. He enjoyed NASCAR racing and was an ardent fan of the late Dale Earnhardt, Sr. He was interested in people and enjoyed talking with everyone. His love of God and his dedication and love for his wife and family were hallmarks of his life. He was a loving, giving person in life and in death.
In January, 2004, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He endured and fought the disease with courage and faith in God. He passed on to eternity July 13, 2004.
Keith Blackwell
How do you write a few little paragraphs about the love of your life, your soul mate, the father of your children, and the one you are supposed to spend your entire grown up life with? Keith was taken so suddenly, without warning or preparedness by us that it left our family in shrouds of sadness and darkness. As the weeks turned into months after his death, a light finally came into our lives. This light came from knowing that Keith’s kind and loving spirit remains a part of this world through the lives he touched by donating his corneas and his organs. We feel so blessed to be living in a country where people can truly make a difference in someone’s life. We also know that by choosing to be a donor before his death shows everyone that Keith was truly a remarkable and unselfish human being. He was a man who always put his love and needs for his family first in every decision he ever made. He must have known that being a donor and helping others in their time of need would help us to continue to go on. We love and miss him dearly. —Love, Trish, Racheal and Elizabeth
Eddie was a wonderful son who died and was taken from us suddenly. He was God’s gift to us for 43 years and we thank Him every day for this gift and bringing him into our lives. Before his last flight home, he left us with a loving daughter-in-law and two beautiful granddaughters. His children were the true joy of his life. He also gave the gift of life to those that received his organs and corneas. He will always live in our hearts and all the wonderful memories we shared will be with us. —Love, Mom and Dad.
Eddie was a kind, gentle man that we all can learn from. Be kind to one another, gentle with the elderly and patient with our children. Do something each day that you’ll be remembered for tomorrow. Whether it was a kind word, a gentle touch or a patient look, he was kind enough to help anyone that needed it. He was gentle enough to wipe a tear from his daughters’ eye when they had hurt feelings and patient enough to wait on our grandparents while they took their sweet time doing what they had to do, without saying a cross word. His family meant the world to him and he meant the world to his family. We love and miss him. Thank you Lord for sharing him with us. —Love, Kathy
Now, past and always when I think of my brother, I think of life. He embraced life body and soul. Eddie was full of life and life was full of Eddie. To say he was the life of the party would be an understatement. Eddie brought joy, laughter and humor into our lives. Keith Edward Blackwell is, was and always will be the life of the Blackwell family. To his little sister, he will always be what defines life. —Love, Donna
Brother
-kind soul
-giving nature even to the end
-loving husband, father, uncle, son and brother
-unforgettable laugh
-forever in our hearts
—Love, Pam
George Haworth Blair
October 21, 1964 – January 6, 2004
George Haworth Blair was a loving and faithful follower of Christ for 39 years. He was the son of George Darrell Blair (deceased) and Marjorie Haworth Blair; the father of Zachary Ryan Blair and Seth Haworth Blair; the grandson of Cecil Ellwood Haworth (deceased) and Esta Bedford Haworth (deceased); the brother of John Ellwood Blair; the brother-in-law of Claudia Lenz Blair; the uncle of Stephanie Marie Blair; the nephew of Henry and Nancy Blair, Howard and Patricia Haworth, Richard and Beverly Kemp; the fiancé of Becky Frazier.
We remember George for his great love for his family, his strong faith in God, his deep appreciation for the Quaker faith, his lifelong relationship with High Point Friends Meeting, his affirming, encouraging style as a teacher, coach, and commissioner in the High Point Little League, his leadership in Boy Scouts, his devotion to his work, his enjoyment of God’s natural creation, camping and backpacking, his fellowship at the Elks Lodge and his blessed friendship with all of us.
Let us thank God for the life of George Blair and be faithful in prayer for his family.
Vickey Bolton
Our Mother
What words can you use to describe a woman who gave everything she was to everyone she knew? Vickey Bolton did just that! It didn’t matter who you were she always greeted you with a smile on her face and a sparkle in her eyes. Although through the past 15 years she battled Lupus she did not let it tear her down. The last few years of her life she overcame a lot of hurdles. Yet she always found a way of looking at the brighter side of things. She knew what she had to look forward to in this life. She had a husband whom she was there for and whom she loved. She had 2 children, 2 step-children, 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild – all who loved her more than imaginable and all who lit up when they knew that they could spend just a little bit of time with their “MeMa”. She gave so much to her family and her friends and for that she will always be remembered.
As the days go by since we lost her it was comforting to know that because of her wish to donate a part of her that two people gained sight. Even after she has passed she still is able to be everything to everyone she comes in contact with. She always will to those who knew her, those who loved her…Our mother Vickey Bolton!
William Donald (Donnie) Borden
Donnie was a talented person by nature and enjoyed creative writing, poetry and abstract drawings. He received an Editor’s Choice Award in 2003 and 2004 and has had two of his poems published in a book.
His other passion was that of videography. He captured many hours on film and edited his own videos. In addition, he was an accomplished skateboarder. He will be remembered for his quick wit and caring nature.
A loving son, brother, uncle and friend, he will be greatly missed by all. I thank God for giving me 24 wonderful years with my son and I will cherish our memories always.
In loving memory of Donnie,
Letia Borden
Sam Henry Branch
Sam Henry Branch was born in April 1948 to the late Sam Branch and Fonnie Branch. He was the youngest of three siblings – his older brother, Lubie Branch and older sisters, Carolyn Branch and Ann Hansley. He lived all his life in Pink Hill in Duplin County. He did not finish school, but he had far more intelligence that any school could teach him. He was skilled at agriculture from the field to the factories, auto mechanics and he was best known as the Turkey Man through his 28 years as a turkey loader for Laughlin Turkey Company. Sam Branch never married. Even though he did not have any biological children, he was more than an uncle to his nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He raised them with just enough discipline, trust and freedom to ensure that they created their own personality and became productive citizens in this world. He used to tell his sisters and brother that they did not have any children because all the children were his.
Sam Branch was a giver and never really asked for anything back. Even after death he gave what he could to anyone who could use what was given. He left behind lots of fond memories and laughter and sadness because he was the glue and voice of reason to keep the family together during tough times. He never went to the doctors or hospital until just 4 years before his death.
In closing, Sam Henry Branch’s life was full of tests, trials and tribulation, but he proved that even though we may have to work through obstacles to get to the other side, it can be done. Sam will live forever within his family and will be missed and loved forever.
Carolyn Branch, Sister
Milton Brendle
Milton was a man that deeply loved his family, especially his wife of almost 58 years. He had 3 children that he was very proud of and 5 grandchildren.
Milton also had a great love of gardening. He never used a hoe to remove weeds – they always had to be removed by hand. He always raised enough vegetables to give to family and friends.
Milton enjoyed his grandchildren, just sitting around and joking and picking with them.
Milton enjoyed his place at the beach. He especially loved walking on the beach and looking for seashells. He was known to be gone so long that his wife would send the beach patrol looking for him.
Milton also loved car racing and playing golf.
Martin Breuer
Martin was the last surviving brother in our set of identical triplets. Through all that he endured, he was a comfort and a joy to his brothers, his mother, and I.
They went to God at different times but now they are together again, playing golf as they did. —Dad and Mom
Elbert Ray Bryant
Elbert Ray Bryant, 68, passed away suddenly Sunday, December 5, 2004. He loved nothing more in life than his family. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Martha Farmer Bryant; four daughters; two sons-in-law; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother; and two sisters. One of his favorite pastimes was sharing stories of his boyhood years with his nieces and nephews, especially when the stories involved the antics of his siblings!
Elbert Ray retired from Georgia-Pacific after 32 years of service. Most of his time with G-P was spent in land management. After retirement, he started his own logger safety consulting business. He was also employed with a local funeral home.
Elbert Ray loved his community and rendered a lifetime of community service. He was currently serving as a deacon and as men’s ministries coordinator at Askewville
Assembly of God, a town commissioner of Askewville, and he was a member of the Windsor Lions Club. He was a former Bertie County commissioner, former mayor and former police chief of Askewville. He was a charter member of the Askewville Fire Department, Askewville Lions Club, Askewville Elementary School PTA and Bertie County Rescue Squad. He formerly served as District Governor of District 31-J of the Lions Club, was a past president of the North Carolina Lions Association and was a former Board member of the North Carolina Eye and Human Tissue Bank. He thoroughly lived the Lions Club motto: We Serve. A few months before his death he received his 40-year perfect attendance pin from the Lions Club!
One of Elbert Ray’s favorite pastimes was traveling with his family. Probably his most memorable trip was a three-week excursion across the country with his wife and one of their daughters. It was on this trip that he fulfilled a life-long desire to see the giant Redwoods of California. He also loved the Atlanta Braves baseball team and would travel to Atlanta once a year to attend one of their home series of games.
Elbert was loved dearly by a countless number of people. Even his family didn’t realize how many people’s lives he had touched until his death. Our prayer is that whoever received his eyes has the same wonderful outlook on life as he did.
James (Curtis) Bryant III
Our son and brother Curtis was a very giving and happy young man who lost his life at the very early age of eighteen.
Curtis was the kind of young man who always found the good in everyone he met. He was very full of laughter and never worried about anything. When you thought you were at the lowest point, he would talk to you and make you forget whatever it was and make you laugh and happy. Now that he is gone from this earth and onto a better place, I am proud to say it was his mission to continue to help others. Reading was a true love of his. He was #1 in sales at Advance Auto Parts. He was very well liked by his customers because he knew so much about trucks, motorcycles and cars. He had a lot of knowledge about building motors because of all the books he read and he also had a lot of hands-on experience with his own 4X4 GMC 1/2 ton truck that he built from the frame up. He loved to take his truck and play in mud – the more mud the more fun he had. He also had a 4-wheeler and a dirt bike that he spent a lot of time in the mud also. His true love was his motorcycle Suzuki GSX-R100 that he loved to ride in the wind.
He also liked to hunt deer, turkey, all kinds of wildlife and fish at the Outer Banks where he could take his truck on the beach to relax and enjoy life’s beauty. As a result of his selfless act of kindness, he gave a part of himself so that others could see all the beauty as he once did.
Curtis, We will always love you,
Mama and Dad
Abel and Ashley
Ronald Buff
Ronald was a good Christian husband, father and grandfather. He loved all of us very much.
He drove a truck for Corning Cable. He loved life and the outdoors. His hobbies were collecting old things, and fixing up old cars and trucks.
Terry Burns
Jeremiah Byers
Jeremiah Byers was energetic, outgoing and a lover of people. This devotion was evidenced by the time and care he spent in nurturing youth through his church and the county’s recreation programs. He also spent much time in care for the needs of the elderly and sick in the area.
A devout Christian, he was active in many areas of his church ministries. He was especially devoted to leading the choir in the singing of shaped notes which is becoming distinct.
A retired military man, he was employed for many years by the N.C. Department of Corrections.
