Audrey Canady
Our daughter Audrey was an angel and a gift from God that can never be replaced. She was a very artistic, gifted, unique little girl who was full of life and loved life. We couldn’t keep up with her – she would give you out finding things to do from sunup to sundown. She was excited about anything that interested her and was a leader in the first grade. On music day, the teacher allowed her to “get the class started”. The other kids were too shy, scared, or lacked the imagination to try, but not her. She was an amazing child, who always wanted us to do things together as a family. She was the life of every party. Even her teacher said “You couldn’t help but get attached to her”. She loved her coach pitch baseball team and one coach as well as her father practiced extensively with her. He called her “his baby” and would say “Just wait to see her next year”. She could knock the cover off a baseball!
She loved music and dancing. She was very creative. She loved to color all the time. She was just identified as gifted/talented at her school. She was very smart and could catch on to most anything she tried. She loved animals, especially her dog “Jinny”. She loved to hunt with her cousin Tyler everyday after school. Audrey will never be forgotten and will always be missed.
David Cherry
As I sit at my computer reminiscing about the memories I’d like to share about my brother, my heart breaks at the loss of such a kind, easygoing individual who endured almost insurmountable obstacles along life’s journey. David’s life was a constant struggle with health problems. His life began August 15, 1949 in Bertie County, a rural farming area in North Carolina. He was raised on a farm and upon graduating from high school, he attended the University of North Carolina where he received his degree in economics. Not wanting to live in a big city, he settled in Ahoskie, North Carolina and began a twenty-nine year career at the local newspaper. He loved the state of North Carolina – he was a true Tarheel.
David never married but he devoted much time to the things he enjoyed in life. He collected coins, was an avid reader, and was very knowledgeable on many subjects,
especially history and astrology. Whenever I visited, he always enjoyed taking car rides through the countryside. He loved to explore and was always on the hunt for “hidden treasures” with his metal detector. We shared the love of a challenging crossword puzzle, and in his last months of life we talked by phone daily always comparing our answers to the daily newspaper puzzle. How I miss those conversations!
David’s greatest attribute was his appreciation for and contentment with a simple lifestyle. He had a wonderful sense of humor which helped him endure the challenges of poor health. Unfortunately, his health condition was complicated. He waged a battle with health problems from age eighteen on but always remained optimistic. David joked that the hospital kept a room reserved in his name. He was diagnosed with kidney failure in 1988 and was placed on dialysis for five years. He received a transplant in 1993 but struggled with complications associated with the transplant medications. He succumbed to cancer caused by these drugs on February 28, 2004. As David’s closest living family member, myself a kidney recipient, I did not hesitate to donate David’s corneas. I know that is what he would have wanted. We both knew firsthand how important organ donation is. I hope to eventually meet the recipients of David’s corneas. Because of David’s gift, I know that a part of him still remains which brings me great comfort.
Robert Chilcote
My husband retired from the military after 23 years and from the Postal Service after 16 years. He tried to help as many people as he could and was a romantic at heart I believe. I had to go in the hospital for surgery and when I was taken back to my room a dozen roses were delivered to the room from my husband. When he called to check on me I was telling him how pretty they were. He asked me how many were delivered and I said a dozen. He asked me to count them which I did and there were only eleven. He then told me that was because “The first rose was already there”! If that’s not romantic, I don’t know what is, but he was just like that.
He loved steam engines (a big railroad fan, especially nickel plate) and he loved photography. He was a ham radio operator (his call sign was WA4FLR, which has been retired now). He enjoyed the old barbershop quartet style of music but also enjoyed gospel and country. He was called Bobby Lee by family and friends from his hometown of Bedford, Ohio. Bob, as he was called here at his home in Fayetteville, North Carolina, was born on August 23, 1940. He was 63 years old.
He loved all his children, but especially his grandchildren. He had two daughters who he adopted when they were babies and if, by chance, they read this, he told me many times how much he missed being with them when they were growing up and loved them with all his heart. Bob was a good and kind man. He fought a good fight but his battle is done. No amount of words can express how much I love and miss him.
Tommy Gene Christian, Sr.
He was a husband, a father, a son and a brother. He gave a lot of his free time in service to the Randolph County Sheriff’s office. We are very proud of his service. He lived his life doing things he loved. He was an Elvis fan, and I am sure he was looking for John Wayne when he hit heaven’s doors. He enjoyed his music and he loved to hunt, although in his more than 20 years of hunting, he never killed a thing. This was not merely a coincidence! He had a kind heart and just seemed to enjoy being in the woods close to nature. In his death, he was not selfish. Though his disease had taken advantage of his body, he still had something to give to the world. In his death, he gave someone else sight!! We are proud of Tommy Gene Christian, Sr., our father, our son and our brother, for this wonderful gift he chose to give as he left this world.
Mary ClarkI will never forget when Mary was informed she had cancer. She accepted it with grace and was very brave. She only lived 15 months after it was found.
She was a great lady, wife, mother and grandmother. She was a very young 53, and I miss her even after these 10 months. I will always love her, and thank God for our 31 years together.
Larry Darnell Cobb
Larry Darnell Cobb arrived December 19, 1955 and departed February 1, 2004. Larry was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was employed with Wal-Mart Transportation as a truck driver. His employment provided him the opportunity to travel and visit different areas of the country. He enjoyed traveling both nationally and abroad. His intentions were to visit every state within the nation and wherever he could internationally.
Larry was an unselfishly loving individual who always greeted you with a smile. Generosity was his greatest asset. He enjoyed working in his church where he served in the capacity of deacon. He was an avid golf player who participated in many tournaments on some of the most well-known golf courses. Larry demonstrated a genuine gift of love for his family and friends. His most pleasurable moments were times spent with them and other guests in his home.
Sandra Cochran
On June 1, 2004, I lost my mom, Sandra Cochran. She was only 63 years old. She was the kindest person I have ever known. My sister always said she was the heart of the family. There is not a day that has gone by that I don’t miss her.
My mom truly believed in organ donation. I’m sure she would be thrilled to know her eyes were able to be used. She had the most beautiful cornflower blue eyes. It helps me some to know that because of her someone else may be able to see.
Her loving daughters, Terri Cochran and Donna Sellers
Linda Grey Coffey
Linda Grey Coffey was born in 1948 to Paul and Mildred Dickens in Whiteville, NC and her name says a lot about her. She was a unique person. In 1966, while in college at UNC Greensboro, she met an interesting young man by the name of Jim Coffey. Three years later they were married and ventured out to New Mexico. They lived in Texas for a while and then headed back to North Carolina because they missed the trees and their families. They settled in Cary and had a little girl named Leslie in 1977. She was quite a handful at first, but turned out just fine. Shortly after, they moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee and had another child, this time a little boy named Matthew, in 1979. He was a sweet baby and also turned out all right. The family stayed in Tennessee for 8 years.
During that time Grey tried her hand at real estate but found that trying to get people to buy a house they didn’t want just wasn’t her thing. She tried to match the people to the house. She tried to find a perfect fit but her superiors weren’t too happy with that, they just wanted her to sell. But she finally started a career in insurance and it stuck. She liked helping people through what were always difficult or confusing times and she always went above and beyond what she had to and enjoyed every minute of it. I guess that’s exactly how, after starting off at the bottom, she ended up way at the top as Assistant Vice President and Manager of Personal Lines at BB&T Insurance in Raleigh, North Carolina, which is where the family finally settled.
Outside of work, Grey was always a people person as well. At the grocery store she knew all the cashiers and the names of their kids. Anybody who met her even just once remembered her fondly because she loved to talk and to listen. When her kids grew into teenagers, even their friends liked her and talked to her as a friend. She never forgot a birthday and definitely never forgot a face.
At home, she was always very close with her husband and kids as well as her extended family on both sides. She was the planner, bringing everyone together for Thanksgiving or the annual family week at the beach, where 16 or more people of all ages had fun during the ongoing 20-year tradition. And when bad times arrived, she was everyone’s rock, taking care of the details and comforting where she could. At home and at work she was always the listener and the nicest, most caring person you’d ever met.
She loved the outdoors, whether it was the beach or the mountains or just the lake behind her house. She loved hiking in the mountains and reading a good book at the beach and even braved several family tent-camping trips. She also loved convertibles. Sometimes, she’d even ride with the top down in 55-degree weather. She loved music of all kinds from Rod Stewart to Macy Gray and really loved to dance.
She was good at everything she did because she always gave it her best and put her heart in it no matter what it was. She believed in doing things right and she truly believed in being kind to people as much as you can, whenever you can. She would have loved the fact that she was able to help someone, even after her death. That would have pleased her to no end. She was a much beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, mother-in-law, friend, co-worker, boss and so very much more. She is, and will always be, terribly missed.
LaToya Cook
LaToya was 25 years old when she went home to be with the Lord. LaToya was a very special person. She had love and respect for all people and life itself. She had many talents. She was a dancer, singer, actress, A student in school and loved to draw. We love and miss her, so do all her many friends. She left behind a smart, intelligent daughter that someday will possess the same skills and power LaToya was blessed by God with. LaToya attended St. Mark Baptist Church since the age of 5 years old until God took her home.
Garland Dean Cooke, Jr.
GENUINE.
That was Dean Cooke.
In the course of our lives, we are very lucky to know a few genuine people. If you knew Dean Cooke or knew of him, he personified the word “genuine”. Lovingly called “Deano”, he was the first of two sons born to Garland and Joyce who raised him to be a gentle spirit, a kind hearted person, a respectful and loving son. He was a great brother to Cale, the best dad you could have to Ashley, and a wonderful uncle to Kasey, Cody and Erin and loved his sister-in-law Michelle like a sister.
Dean loved God, his family and friends, was a computer whiz, and had a passion for sports all his life. He played all sports in high school and was conference baseball player of the year, also voted male athlete of the year his senior year, 1980.
He settled on golf as his sport of choice and played when he could until his sickness limited his tee times and tournament competition. He always had a positive outlook about everything.
Dean was the Computer Data Manager for Shepherd Electric in Goldsboro, NC and worked until one week before he passed away on January 1, 2004. He was a champ to the end, a trouper to say the least.
“Genuine”, that was Garland Dean Cooke, Jr.
October 22, 1961 – January 1, 2004
Adam Cornell
Adam was a fine, energetic, good looking, ethical, gifted young man of 21 when he was called home to his maker. Even though Adam died tragically in a single car accident on his way to work, he still lives on in the memories of his father, Chuck, his mother, Mary, his younger brother, Chuck, and his older sisters, Marci and Jen.
Adam was a kind hearted, ethical young man, who would do anything to help a friend or even a stranger. Adam would have been happy to know that his organ donations have helped give others the gift of life or sight.
Adam was a proud, patriotic young American that was making preparations to join the National Guard unit in Raleigh, NC before his life was cut short on July 17, 2004.
Adam enjoyed life to the fullest. He was an excellent baseball player, who also played on many all-star teams. He loved to “playfully” torment his mother, his brother and sisters, and his dog “Fred”. Adam loved to share time with his many friends, who also miss him as much as his family misses him.
Adam loved to tinker with the stereo equipment in his car. We truly think that his goal may have been to have a car stereo system in his car that was more powerful than the car’s engine.
Adam had a tremendous work ethic that anyone would have been proud of. Adam was a quick thinker who could figure anything out. We have had the opportunity to speak to Adam’s coworkers and supervisors since his passing, and Adam was as well thought of in his work life as he was in his personal life.
We hope that Adam knows how much he is truly loved and missed by all those who have been touched by him in his life. He was truly a hero to all of us.
Judith A. Cornell
Judith was a warm, loving person who seemed to relate to all she met. I don’t believe a kinder person existed. She graduated from the University of Utah with a B.A. and a M.A and was elected into Phi Beta Kappa. She taught university and high school senior English until she had to stop due to illness. Later, she tutored some high school students who were having learning problems. All went on to colleges and did well. She seemed to have an ability to get to the root of the problem and solve it.
Judy loved to read and strongly urged others to do likewise. She formed two reading groups – one in Birmingham, AL and another in western North Carolina. Both continue to this day. She also loved to travel, and she especially enjoyed going to the ocean once a year. Trips such as these allowed her to meet other interesting people and to learn about other parts of this world. We lived in Salt Lake City and camped throughout the western part of the US and Canada. Then we moved to Birmingham, AL and this allowed us to visit the eastern part of the US. Finally, as we approached retirement, we designed and built our home in western North Carolina in a recreational complex called Land Harbor. Here she met many wonderful people who were also retired and who shared many of the same experiences. Unfortunately, her life was cut short, but I know she died happy and fulfilled with many pleasant memories.
Eric David Crane
Spiked Hair, Cheesy Grin and Goals
A miracle child from the very moment of conception,
To an incredible young man at his heavenly reception
All within 17 short years he lived a lifetime of praises; How can this be summarized in just a few short phrases?
He worked hard from the start and was never a weenie,
Always a happy child despite the battles of a preemie.
Even started school at the very young age of only four;
Excelling past others who were aged a whole year more.
He enjoyed French club, Drama Club, Beta Club, and Band;
Played many sports and in Power Tumbling took a real stand.
But even as a national winner and power tumbler devout,
An honor roll student he continued every year throughout.
His outward and easygoing nature could easily gain a friend;
His non-judgmental and caring heart held loyalty to the end.
So many friends shared his laughter, fun and harmless pranks;
JROTC shared his discipline and he quickly rose thru the ranks.
Uniquely though remembered for spiked hair and cheesy grin;
He always set incredible goals, staying focused on ideals within.
His greatest dream was Air Force, flying jets with great speed;
His acceptance to the
Academy an accomplishment indeed!
In memory of his contributions to a program he went full mile,
The JROTC rappel tower proudly holds his infectious smile.
On a bronze plaque bearing words with great pride transcend:
“Cadet Captain Eric David Crane – a Leader and Friend”.
Memorial recognition award and scholarship educational tool.
Parking spot is painted and Band uniform retired at school,
So many contributions continuing although he has passed,
One can only wonder, is he still saving his best for his very last?
From a miracle child at the very moment of conception;
Into the incredible young man at his heavenly reception.
It took him 17 short years to earn a lifetime of praises;
It simply cannot be summarized in just a few short phrases!
Written by Belinda Crane
“In loving memory of my son”
Eric David Crane
12/20/86 - 4/9/04
John Allen Crites, Sr.
John was a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps until June, 1980. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. During his years in the service he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (w/"V"), Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation, Cross of Gallantry (w/Palm), Vietnam Service Medal (w/3*), Navy Unit Commendation (w/1*), Republic of Vietnam Civil (w/Palm), Rifle Expert Badge and Pistol Sharpshooter Badge.
After leaving the Marine Corps, he was an Engineer with Litton Data Systems in Augora, CA. He later worked with Litton in Northridge, CA and TRW in Los Angeles, CA. He relocated with his wife Nancy and son Richard to Suffield, CT in 1983 where he was employed with United Technologies Space and Sea Systems for ten years. After being laid off from UTC, he and his wife moved to North Carolina in 1995 to be close to Nancy’s family. He was an employee at Powerware in Raleigh, NC until his death on February 28, 2004.
John was a loving and devoted husband and father to his wife Nancy, sons Richard of Fayetteville, NC, John Allen Crites, Jr., his wife Jennifer of Simi Valley, CA, sons Jayce, and Hayden, daughters Carolina Ormsbee and husband Mike, of Bellingham, WA, two sons Kristopher and Kyle, Katie Beckman and husband Jef, of Orange, CA, daughter Ava, Courtenay Hamilton and husband Mo, of Reston, VA, daughter Emily, a sister, Karen Burke, of Red Bluff, CA and brother Ben, wife Sandy of Winthrop, ME and two daughters Sarah and Julie. John was an avid tennis player for years. He loved having a vegetable garden and sharing what he grew with friends, employees and the church. He was also known for bringing home stray dogs, which we adopted. In our thirty years of marriage there were 8 dogs, 3 cats, an aquarium and in the winter, making sure the birds were fed.
Angel Crotty
When my daughter Angel was born, nobody thought she would live because she was very sick. But we beat the odds and she was with us for 13 years. The first year of life she was in and out of the hospital more times than I can count. She taught me how to be an advocate for her in those 13 wonderful years.
Angel loved to play with her brothers. Everything they would do, she would try to do also. She loved to watch football and NASCAR racing on the television with her dad and brothers. She also loved going to church on Sunday and Wednesday nights. She worked the snack bar one time at a college football game and really seemed to enjoy that. Angel also got to go to Walt Disney World and she had a wonderful time.
Angel always had a smile and was a happy child. She will be missed greatly by everyone whose life she touched. It has been real hard on us, but we know she is in a better place.
Henry W. Crowson, Jr.
October 2, 1944 – July 23, 2004
In his youth, Hank was an outstanding athlete, excelling in baseball as a pitcher and homerun hitter. As a young man, he served his country in Vietnam. As an adult, Hank was a Christian man who loved his family. Anything “technical” would hold his interest and for 37 years he enjoyed working for Sprint. He had a brilliant mind, could fix anything, and had a very positive outlook on life. His laugh was unforgettable. He is unforgettable. He will always be in our hearts.
