Tiffany M. Peterson
Tiffany was born on February 6, 1986 in Ahoskie, North Carolina. Before she was 24 hours old, she was already holding her head up and was sucking on a tootsie roll. The nurses at the hospital where she was born told me she was moving out of the way for another baby and sure enough, she was. Because --- months later, her baby sister was born. Eleven months later, Tiffany’s first plain word was her sister’s name, “Ashley”. Being the firstborn, Tiffany of course held a special place in my heart because having her made me really grow up. Tiffany witnessed more than her share of tragedy in her life which gave her a heart for giving and a love and trust in God. She deeply cared about her family and friends and always wanted to help in whatever way that she could. She got pregnant her last year of high school and didn’t graduate on time. After having the baby, she got her GED May 2005 while working at the local McDonalds. When Bojangles came to town she started working there. In the fall of 2005, she started attending Roanoke-Chowan Community College working on an Associates degree in Business Administration. From there she planned on transferring to Fayetteville State to earn her Bachelors degree in Accounting. During one of the last conversations we had, she talked about getting a good job in the Accounting field and sending me money so that I wouldn’t have to work. A month before the accident, she stopped working at Bojangles so she could have more time with the baby and her studies.
On the day of the accident, March 28, 2006, she went to work study at the community college, stopped by McDonald’s, Bojangles, and her former high school. It was as if she knew what was coming and was saying goodbye. She came home to pick up her son, Deddric to drop him off at his father’s home and then go to her Accounting class. The accident happened less than two miles from our home and she died enroute to the hospital. Because of the kindness of a stranger, I made it to the scene of the accident before rescue personnel arrived. She was thrown from the vehicle while Deddric was strapped safely in his car seat. Although she was unconscious, I know she knew that I was there. She was in no pain, and I let her know that her son was alright. I am grateful to God for letting me spend those last few minutes with her.
Tiffany was a beautiful girl who was blossoming into a beautiful young woman. In the last three months of her life, she was really maturing. She loved her son and wanted the best for him. I was very proud of how she was handling herself and I’d let her know it on several occasions. Sadly, she never saw my proudest moment. When she went to get her driver’s license, I had a talk with her about what it meant to be an organ donor because I wanted her to understand when the examiner asked her about it. I left the decision up to her. We never discussed it any further and she never told me what she had decided. I only found out what her decision was when the state trooper brought her driver’s license to me after the accident and asked me if I wanted to honor her wishes. It may seem strange, but that was the proudest moment of my life. The funeral service was held at the College and everyone from the community, area businesses, RCCC’s administration, staff, and instructors came together in love on that day. The cards of gratitude from the North Carolina Eye Bank were read and everyone was encouraged to become an organ donor. The love and support from the community and the RCCC family helped me get through those first few weeks after her death. Tiffany not only left us a son to love and cherish, who reminds me so much of her in appearance and mannerisms, but she also gave someone the gift of sight and made others aware of the importance of organ donation.
Tiffany was also a talented artist. One of her drawings was entered into a national contest in New York City in 2004. She won third place. Two of her drawings are featured in the Hertford County High School yearbook Class of 2004. Tiffany also wrote poems. Shown below is a journal entry from her English class.
Journal Entry - August 20, 2002
“DEATH”
Death………Something everyone is afraid of at some point in their life. I mean how can you not be afraid of death when life is the only thing we’ve have known. We don’t know death or what’s on the other side waiting for us. All we know is that it is something that happens every day. We can’t stop it, there’s nothing we can do about it, but just let it happen. Yes I am afraid of death, but I am trying to get over it, because I believe in God, and I trust him. He says there’s a heaven waiting, and one day I hope to be there. People do fear death, I know I do, and I’m not going to tell them to get over it, because I know they will in their own time.
It is a blessing to know that her beautiful eyes are helping someone to see. Tiffany is deeply loved and missed by her family and friends. We think of her everyday. But, we know that we will see her again one day.
Mom, Ashley, Deddric,
Mark Christopher Phillips
I would like to start with that Chris was more than my son, he was a loving and protective big brother, a good friend to all, a loyal Christian who enjoyed telling others of the Lord, and he was a student at South Stokes H.S., where he was also a Sergeant in the Jr. ROTC Marine Corp. He was only 17 years old and left us all too soon. He always had a helping hand, quick smile, a gentle heart, and a funny joke ready for all. He wanted to grow up and be a Marine, but God called him home on December 12, 2006. Chris continues to help others even now because he chooses to be a donor. His family and I, his mom, would love to meet some of the donor recipients he has helped. Even though Chris was only 17 he seemed wise beyond his years. I only know that I am a better person for just knowing such a gentle soul, and he will always be with us!
Love,
Julie, Mark, and Tristan Phillips
Matthew Pike
Matthew was a handsome, smart, funny and loving six year old. He loved to fix his hair just right before going to school each morning. Although he kept it short, it had to be just the way he wanted it. His clothes had to fit just right, too, and he was the only one who could decide what he wore.
Matt loved school, and he was willing to work hard to learn new things. He took great pride in being able to count higher, or write neater, or spell better. Everyone at school said Matt always brought a smile to their face.
Some activities Matt enjoyed doing were riding his dirt bike, playing basketball, dancing, listening to music, and making others happy. He would come up to you out of the blue and kiss you and tell you, “I love you.”
We know Matt is very proud to know he has given two people the gift of sight; and we are so proud of him. Through all the doctor visits, trips to the hospital, needle pricks, and many tests, Matt never complained. He was as brave as anyone could have been.
Everyone who knew Matt would agree with the following poem:
God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be
So he put his arms around you
and whispered come to me
A golden heart stopped beating
Hard working hands at rest
God broke our hearts
to prove to us
He only takes the best.
We love you so much, Son. You’re always with us. Try to keep an eye on your brother and sister.
Mom and Dad
Ross Edward Price
Tears in Heaven
Heaven gained an angel as we lost a son,
It somehow isn’t fair for Ross was so young.
Just 25 years old, a mere babe people say,
Help me to know why you left us today
I feel your arms ‘round me as knees hit the floor,
Gone is the laughter, music silenced forever more.
I look at your picture, a smile frozen in time,
Sweet memories to hold on to, these blessings of mine.
Silence means nothing when heard without song,
Short was your life, though our love carries on.
Each of us grieve as we walk through the pain,
Holding onto something ‘till we see you again.
We feel you within us; you live in our hearts,
Today’s not your ending, a new life you’ll start.
Sleep may have claimed a body now cold,
Walk tall with the angels in your beautiful new soul.
Strum that old guitar, the chords you know well,
When our journey ends, only God’s time will tell.
In the hour before midnight, as the clock passes eleven,
A mother’s heart hears her son’s “Tears In Heaven.”
In Loving Memory of Ross Edward Price,
Born into Eternal Life September 2, 2006
Ronald W. Priester, Jr.
November 24, 1969 - July 12, 2006
Ronald, better known to all who loved him as Chip, was a wonderful father of two children and a devoted husband. He was a firm believer in his family and his friends. Everyone who knew Chip knew that he was a caring man and a spectacular person. He was loved by all. He loved life and everything that it had to offer him. With an infectious laugh and a bright smile, Chip always found the good in any situation. He worked hard to support his family. Never taking anyone or anything for granted, Chip made sure we knew he loved us on a daily basis.
He was very active in his children’s lives. He helped coach our son’s baseball team. He would always be walking the sidelines watching our son play football. He was an avid Steelers fan. I know that the happiest moments of his life were when his children were born and the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl. He also enjoyed playing cards. He just enjoyed having his friends and family around. He was truly a family man. Having great pride in his country, he served in the United States Army and was a Gulf War veteran.
He was taken from us so suddenly that we never had a chance to say goodbye. It was for that reason that I decided to make the choice to donate. He was such a giving person that I knew he would want that. I take honor in knowing that because of this selfless action people got the gift of sight. I received a letter from one of the recipients thanking me for my action. I cannot put in words how that made me feel knowing that there is a part of Chip still giving.
If there was ever anyone who deserved to be a guardian angel, it would be Chip. My children and I take some comfort in knowing that he is watching over us. Chip Priester touched so many lives in his days here on earth that he will be forever missed and remembered. We love you, Chip.
Erin Priester
Tomorrow
When tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not there to see, if the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me, I wish so much that you wouldn’t cry, the way you did today while thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say.
I think how much you love me, as much as I love you, and each time that you think of me I know you’ll miss me too. But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand.
So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me I’m right there in your heart.
Love, Chip
