Emma Joyce Bailey
Emma has always been known as Joyce and her daughter as Emma. She also has a son Robert.
She was a stay-at-home mom who was devoted to her children and husband Kermit. Her home was spotless, beautifully decorated, and her preparation of food for her family and for friends was a work of art and incredibly tasty.
She and I enjoyed sports. Early on attending our son’s little league, later watching ACC basketball on TV, Atlanta Braves baseball and ACC football. She was a great companion because she understood all the finer points of these sports.
She learned to knit and taught knitting. She made beautiful Santas for her children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and in-laws.
She had great joy in her three grandchildren, Emily, Leslie and Sarah. She was always available to help nurse one who was sick, newborn or to babysit.
She was active in St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, as witnessed by the throng of hundreds who were present for the Requiem Eucharist, and especially the unprecedented movement of all those present who came by the hundreds to receive the Holy Communion, joining all our hearts to Joyce and to Christ.
Joyce had recently had very successful cataract surgery on both eyes and she was so proud to be saying that she no longer had to even wear glasses. She and her family are so proud that her eyes could be donated to become a gift of sight to another child of God.
Gary Baker
We were talking one evening about death. Gary told me whatever happens to me you make sure that you donate any part of me they will take. So when the time came, I had to honor his wishes. The way I see it, he still lives on. If everyone would do this, we would live in a better world.
Carolyn Matthews (Sister)
Lena Mae Strider Baker
She was born on November 22, 1958 to Lacy and Effie Mae Strider. She was the youngest of five children. As she grew up her hobbies included reading, playing the piano, drawing and she had a strong love for her cats and dogs. She was a very gifted young lady; she played the piano for the youth group at her church for a number of years. She taught herself how to play the guitar and loved to draw.
She graduated from Southwestern Randolph Senior High School in 1977. She received a Commercial Graphics degree from Randolph Technical College. She operated her own business Lena Graphics, for 10 years. During this time she was free- lance artist for several local area businesses. She also loved to draw and paint portraits. She enjoyed painting the Pisgah Covered Bridge. She was extremely talented in this area of her life as well. She opened and operated Covered Bridge Pottery which was still in operation when she passed away. She had always had a love for older people. She decided to return to school once more to obtain her Certified Nursing Assistant degree. She worked in several area nursing homes.
She married James Brye Baker on September 30, 1990.
She was instrumental in working with the North Carolina Zoo Society and Piedmont Land Conservation in preserving the historic Pisgah Covered Bridge and the surrounding area.
During her life she was a very giving person. She donated portraits and pottery for area fundraisers. She was always willing to help others in need. She was a great role model for those around her.
So even in her passing she continued to give by being an organ donor; as a result two people are now able to see because of her generosity.
Betsy Barbour
Betsy was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. A bride at the age of 17, she was married to her husband Ray for 53 years. Their life together was filled with love and happiness. They were best friends and soul mates, who could always be found within a short distance of each other. Ray and Betsy enjoyed traveling together. They vacationed to many places, and Myrtle Beach had become a favorite spot for them. Their time together was precious and well spent, and they were always supportive of each other. Their love for the Lord was the anchor of their relationship.
Betsy enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved them all dearly. With three children and six grandchildren, her greatest joy was having everyone together around the table, sharing and laughing with each other. She was the kind of mama that a person would be fortunate to have. She taught her children about love and respect. She was gentle and patient, protective and caring. No matter how busy a day could be, she always made the time to listen. Without fail you knew her home would always be welcoming and comfortable – and full of good food! She absolutely wouldn’t let you leave without taking a care package with you. Nanny, as her grandchildren called her, could always be found at their ballgames and school functions. She was one of their biggest fans! Nanny had a lot of love to give and she was very supportive with a word of encouragement and a great big hug.
Miss Betsy, as she was lovingly known, was a lifelong member of The Church of God. Serving as president of The Ladies Ministries for many years, she worked tirelessly in the church on one project or another. She gave of herself and of her time unselfishly. The Church of God Children’s Home was another ministry that was very dear to her heart. She wanted everyone to know and experience the love of Christ. Her life was a true example because of the love and compassion she showed to those around her. Knowing that through her gift she helped someone else to be able to see the beauty that God created would give her great joy!
James A. “Bugg” Barbour, Jr.
September 1, 2000 – July 7, 2007
Amongst the millions of memories we have of Bugg, the one that sticks out most in my mind is his laughter. The way he would get so excited that he’d pat his knees while he laughed until he cried.
Junior always wanted to be a rock star. One Thanksgiving when he was in kindergarten, he had to disguise a turkey so that the turkey couldn’t be eaten for Thanksgiving dinner. The whole family worked on the turkey for hours. His rock star turkey won 1st place in a school-wide competition. He was so proud!
Bugg loved to run and play; he was always on the move. He loved to hug and hold hands, but as he grew older he hated to kiss mommy and daddy on the lips. He would turn his head so we could kiss his cheek. He never failed to tell us, “Mommy, Daddy, Jordan, Alona, I love you” at least 50 times a day.
He was a good boy. He was as rambunctious as any other child, and he had his moments, but he met few strangers and was always willing to be a friend. He asked us several times, “Is that person your friend?” It made me feel good to know that our son thought the best of people. His laughter, smile and loving ways are very much missed, as well as his little quirks. He touched every heart he ever met.
Our little boy went to heaven a hero; he gave his life to save another the day he left us. And when asked to donate pieces of him to save a few more lives, we knew right away that the right answer was yes! We never thought twice. Our little man is our greatest hero!
Tammy Ford (Mommy)
James Barbour, Sr. (Daddy)
Raymond Barnhouse
Raymond (Ray) Barnhouse was a man of honor. As a career Marine of twenty-two years, he served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was passionate when it came to his country. He proved this every time Old Glory was presented or the National Anthem was played.
Not only did he serve his country well, but he was also a devoted husband of forty-seven years to his wife Ann. During his course of marriage, he raised my brother Ken and me and taught us to be just as courageous and outspoken as he was. Additionally, he was an exceptional grandfather to five – Elizabeth, Gina, Caleb, Caitlyn and Hannah. He was always there to greet these children with smiles, patience and words of wisdom.
Our father was a devout Christian who served his church family at First Baptist of Garner as an usher and was a kind gentleman to all the people whose lives he touched. He volunteered his time also at the Garner Area Ministries, another Christian organization. There he helped to package meals for those less fortunate and was a friendly face and a kind word to many who were down on their luck.
Ray was a lifetime member of both the Garner Lions Club and the Garner Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #10225. Prior to his death, he was also working on a committee that will eventually build a memorial to honor all who serve.
He was an extraordinary man who always puts other’s needs ahead of his own. He taught my brother and me that, above all, family and faith are the keys to a happy life. We are all so proud of him, both for what he has done for the community and what he will continue to give should his gentle blue eyes be used by someone who needs the gift of sight.
We miss you, Daddy. See you in Heaven!
Mary Frances Reid Bass
Known as Mary to her friends, Aunt Frances to her family, and Mom to me, she was the focal point of a large, loving family. Her home was always holiday central at Thanksgiving and Christmas as the family gathered from North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia and Florida. Even as her health failed, Mary loved nothing better than being hostess and at the center of the holiday excitement. Holidays will never be the same without her presiding over the festivities. Mary always considered sight her most precious possession and we are proud of her donation. Maybe her gift will allow someone else to look up on the face of a loved one as she so loved to do.
Curtis Alton Bass, Jr.
Hugh Beam
1933-2007
Hugh was a loving and devoted husband to wife Jean for 53 years, father to Beth Sronce and Nancy Davidson and sons-in-law Tim Sronce and Roger Davidson. He was very proud of his grandchildren Jennifer Davidson, Joseph and Kimberly Sronce, Crystal Fisher and his great-granddaughter Madison Fisher. He was also close to his brother Sandy Beam and sister Patsy Shotwell (deceased).
He loved vacations at the beach and was an avid golfer all of his life. He became a PGA Professional, a life-long dream, after spending 25 years in the corporate world. He served in the US Air Force and relocated to Winston-Salem to attend Wake Forest University. He made Winston-Salem home after graduation.
Hugh had a passion for people, and one of his greatest joys was assisting those who needed help. He was gifted in listening to people and sharing counsel and encouragement. His unselfish gift as an organ donor made his family very proud and happy. We know that life is continuing to bless others. We are thankful for his very extraordinary life and the happiness that he shared with us.
John Wayne Bendure, Sr.
March 22, 1935 – February 24, 2007
John was an active member of First Baptist Church of Spring Lake for more than 49 years. He served as Sunday School Teacher, Training Union Director, Treasurer, Deacon and Church Administrator.
In 1995 he retired as a Sergeant Major from the Army and Army Reserves with 35 years of service. He was also a retired city and rural mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service. John was the first mail carrier to walk a city route in Spring Lake. He was also a member of Fort Bragg Masonic Lodge 667 in Spring Lake.
John was a loving, loyal, faithful, dedicated, extremely hardworking and very generous man with his life, always placing others first.
His favorite pastimes were spending time with his grandchildren. He was an avid N.C. Wolfpack, Cleveland Indians, and Cleveland Browns fan. John was knowledgeable about Major League Baseball teams in general. After his retirement he enjoyed going to spring training with his wife and their friends.
John was married for 49 1/2 years with three children. His son who preceded him in death was a donor to the N.C. Eye Bank in 2006. He had two daughters and seven grandchildren.
John loved to bowl and cook. He was a master parachutist and excelled in baseball and basketball in high school. John passed on his knowledge of sports as a Little League Baseball Coach. This was a Big Man with a Big Heart. He spent time with his family on vacations to the beach, amusement parks and Cleveland Indian baseball games.
He was a wonderful husband, loving father and grandfather who was respected by family and all who knew him. John was a great leader and organizer. He was a Christian man who lived his faith daily.
Troy C. Bennett
Troy was born April 12, 1929 in Hanes, NC, the sixth of seven children. His father was the owner of the Hanes Mill store and his mother a homemaker. In 1936 they moved to Winston-Salem, NC where Troy spent the rest of his childhood, being very active in sports, church, and social activities.
He graduated from Wake Forest University in 1951 and from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC in 1956. Within a few months he and his wife Marjorie, with two young children, departed for East Pakistan to serve as Baptist missionaries. Later they served in Beirut, Lebanon; Lusaka, Zambia; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and the Ciskei homeland in South Africa. During these years, he was involved in teaching pastors and pastoring international/interdenominational churches. They retired in 1991 to Winston-Salem and later moved to Twin Lakes Community in Burlington, NC.
Troy is survived by his wife Marj, three grown children and three sisters. He is remembered for his dedication and service for God, his sense of humor, his joy in life, and his friendship with folks from various walks of life. He is greatly missed by his family and many friends.
Joseph Benjamin Bergman, Sr.
Joe Bergman was a hero in every sense of the word. He served his country in the Korean war and lived the Marine oath of “Leave no man behind” when he fought and survived the brutal battle of the Chosin Reservoir in 1950, becoming one of the “Chosin Few.”
Joe’s first priority was his family. He was loving, generous and dependable. He could fix and build anything. Our memories are filled with him working in his workshop, which he built himself. From building boats, making tables and lamps, fixing cars and everything else that broke, our Dad was a master at everything! He had a strong work ethic and told us we could achieve anything if we worked for it. Nothing made him prouder than his family. Joe was the kind of man every man should strive to be. Joe would be happy and proud that his donated corneas gave sight to two people. His commitment and love for his family and his friends was unwavering. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Faye; his children Carol, Joey and Theresa; and his grandchildren Kelly and Ben.
Patricia Ann Betters
March 7, 1939 – December 4, 2007
Our mom had an enormous heart! She has literally given the shirt off her back. The irony of her life and illness is that the disease that took her enlarged her heart to three times the normal size and in essence it was still not big enough!
She was an active member of the Democratic Party and always spoke and taught us about equality and tolerance for all. She was an inspiration and mentor to many. Throughout her life she consistently displayed genuine love, affection and concern for her family and friends alike. She was always quick to vociferously comment or to make her point especially with regard to her family or politics. She personified the old adage “that it is better to give than receive,” often giving despite having very little for herself.
Our mom was very well read and enjoyed reading to her grandchildren. She loved cooking and entertaining family and friends. She had the opportunity to travel to many countries both in Europe and the Middle East, enjoying the experience of different cultures. She was very proud of her Lebanese heritage and all the ethnic food and drinks it is noted for. She enjoyed shopping and Christmas was her favorite holiday. Every year she gave family and friends one special ornament that was just for them. It will be forever hard to decorate a Christmas tree and not cry!
She was preceded in death by our sister and that, combined with her illness, made the last eight years of her life very difficult. Through it all she had the strength and spirit to persevere. The most important things to her were God, family, friends, politics and travel. She was throughout her life a very loving person and will be missed daily.
Robin Martogue and Lori Pittman
James Frederick "Fred" Biggs
September 14, 1932 – June 10, 2007
Everyone who knew my husband called him Fred. Only business people called him James. He was a man of few words unless you asked him about refinishing an old piece of furniture or putting a bottom in some kind of chair. He could look at an old piece of furniture that maybe had four or five coats of paint on it and see a rare piece of furniture. He could then turn it into that rare piece of furniture because he spent more time in his shop behind our house than he did inside our home. He taught woodworking and furniture refinishing, chair bottoming, and old trunk restoration at Rockingham County Community College in Wentworth, NC for 17 years. He loved gospel singing and sang bass in several quartets. He was an easy going man and loved life and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We have two more great-grandsons due in January and February that he won’t get to know. But God had his reason for taking him so soon.
God bless,
Frances J. Biggs
Tyler Garrett Bill
March 10, 1989 – November 22, 2007
Tyler was 18 years old and had just graduated from high school in June. He was employed at the family grading and utilities business, but was making plans to enter into the real estate appraisal program online while working. He had just purchased his new truck in September and was working to pay for it. Tyler had played baseball since he was a small child and had just begun playing softball when he graduated. He loved it. He loved hunting and fishing. He and his dad, Terry, had gone to Oklahoma twice bird hunting and had planned a trip for the day after Christmas. I insisted that his dad should still go, so three of Tyler’s friends went. It was bittersweet for his dad, great memories of their trips together, yet sad at the same time. However, the boys that went were very special friends of Tyler’s and were prepared to keep Terry’s mind in the right place. Tyler’s sense of humor was ongoing. There was never a dull moment. He loved to make everyone laugh, whether by dancing around, cracking jokes, singing (well, trying to sing), or whatever he could do to get a laugh. He played jokes on his two older sisters all the time. He kept us in stitches with his craziness. He lived full speed ahead no matter what he did. He was a great son, brother, grandson and friend to many. There were approximately 1200 to 1400 people at his funeral which speaks multitudes. Our family misses him more than words can possibly express, but we know that God has a plan for each of us. We feel so blessed to have had him for the past 18 years. While we miss him, entertaining us daily with his wit, his beautiful smile and his loving heart, we rest in the fact that he is where he can best serve God. Tyler’s memory will live in all that knew him, lives will be changed, and for that we are grateful. We know that after seeing Heaven and Jesus, if Tyler had the choice to come back to this world, he would choose to stay right where he is! Tyler would be happy that he was able to help others through the donor program. His dad, after all, has been the recipient of two cornea transplants. This made Tyler’s decision to become a donor an easy one.
Clarice Valerie Black
Clarice was the most compassionate, loving and giving daughter and sister that we could ever ask for. She was a hardworking, devoted 30-year-old mother of three boys, Jamaal 9, Jaylyn 8 and Jaaziaih 5, who adored their mommy to no end. We never imagined that such a beautiful person like Clarice could leave us; yet on December 17, 2007 Clarice and her unborn child died in a tragic car accident. On that day our whole lives changed, and since then the pain has been unbearable.
Clarice was the oldest of six children and you could say the mother hen of her siblings. She was a protector and welcomed family into her home with no hesitation. Her love could never be measured, and she had our back throughout life, through thick and thin. As a young woman Clarice was a fighter in every sense and believed in speaking her mind and didn’t seem to fear anything or anyone. She would have given her right arm for any of us, and she often “fought first” and asked questions later. She was a selfless person and often over-extended herself, but she was driven by making others happy, and to her it was never an inconvenience. If you were stranded 300 miles away, Clarice would find a way to rescue you. If you were hungry, she would feed you. If you were afraid, she would comfort you. Clarice was also known as the Kool-Aid Mom by her friends and protected and loved their children as through they were her own. To know Clarice was to feel safe. To know her was to feel no worries, and to know her was to admire her sheer strength, and because of this she will always be our hero.
As a mother, her boys were her life and what she lived for every day. Her love for her sons was contagious. Everyone who knew her knew her sons and the undeniable love that she had for them. We know that they will always miss their mommy just as we will miss our daughter and sister. We will see you in heaven one day where we will share eternal happiness that will never be ripped away from us again.
Love always,
Mommy, Daddy, Charmaine, Sean, Jay, Rayna & Isaac
P.S. I still find it hard to believe that you are gone or that I’ll never hear that crazy laugh of yours again or the unique way that you said “ridiculous.” Love, Mommy
Susan Lynn Blanchard
When Susan was a little girl I called her my sunshine. She was always happy and she loved people. She liked doing things for people. She loved her son dearly. I always prayed for her to get well, and she did. I know in my heart she gave her eyes to help someone see. Her wonderful gift! We all miss you.
Our love to you,
Mama
Sherry Blankenship
I am the only daughter of Sherry Blankenship. My mother had a great love for her family, friends and her many pets. She had a big heart full of unconditional love for all she loved. She spent many years caring for my grandmother. Even after she passed, she gave one last thing – sight for two others. She will live in our hearts and minds forever.
Forever loved,
Cynthia Rena
Albert "Dave" Blazey
Albert (Dave as he was known) Blazey wanted to be a donor and marked this on his driver’s license. He coached Pop Warner football for many years and spent many hours on field; the younger the players, the better. Many of them, now adults, remember the years he gave and that he was an inspiration. He would be proud to know he gave this gift to someone less fortunate.
Ildiko Maria Boka
1945 – 2007
Our mom Maria, a resident of Sarasota, FL and Christian believer, ascended into Heaven and the arms of God on the night of November 26, 2007. For the last months of her life, she was a patient at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital as she courageously battled appendix cancer.
Mom found her calling in life. She had the gift of encouragement and a positive attitude. People gravitated and connected with her because of her ability to be so personal, and to discover the good in others. While her body changed tremendously the last year, not once did she ever complain, get mad or ask why me. When she cried, it was tears of joy because someone would say a nice thing or do a kind gesture.
Mom believed her legacy would be the raising of her three sons Rob, Mike, and John Butcher, along with her younger brother Pete. Before she passed, she told each of us how proud she was of us and that each time we felt a nudge on our shoulder, or twinge in our heart that would be her encouraging us. She made us promise we would continue to take care of each other, a promise we naturally will keep.
To the Wake Forest family, we say thank you. You likewise have found your calling. Your compassion and love will forever be in our hearts.
Rob, Mike, and John Butcher, Pete Genersich, and parents Olga and Sandy Genersich
Jerald Booth
Jerry’s eyes looked out on the world in a very special way. He was a very positive person, and no matter what his circumstances if someone asked him how things were going, he would respond, “Things couldn’t be better” or “If things were any better, I’d have to be twins.” Jerry was born and raised in Washington, DC, but spent most of his adult life in Maryland. He had three children, and as they were growing up, he always took the time to be there for them, especially as a coach for their sports teams. His good example is followed by his children today as they raise his six grandsons and two granddaughters.
Jerry always talked of retiring to North Carolina, and he was able to do that a few years ago. He loved the weather there because it allowed him to play golf most of the year. Sunday afternoons in the fall, however, were reserved for watching his favorite football team, the Redskins, on television. One of his most loved times was the annual member-guest golf tournament at the local country club where he played every year with his son. He always looked forward to that tournament with great anticipation.
Jerry was always very family-oriented and most of our traveling was to visit the children in Florida or Maryland for birthdays and holidays. But Jerry loved to travel and see new places and we were also able to take trips to Hawaii, Bermuda, the Bahamas, St. Thomas, San Francisco, New England and Branson. For the last several years we spent a few days in mid-December celebrating an early Christmas with the children at a timeshare. We went to Edisto Island, Myrtle Beach and the Glade in Tennessee to spend a week each year sharing meals and play time. These times spent with family were some of Jerry’s best.
Another favorite pastime was grocery shopping, and he always bought something extra to donate to the local food pantry. Jerry loved to cook and he always wanted to feed the world. He loved to have friends and neighbors over for dinner and cooking Italian was one of his specialties. There was always too much to eat and everyone had to take some leftovers home.
Jerry was friendly with everyone. He knew the names of all the clerks in the local grocery stores, made conversation with the other shoppers in line and was the type of person whom friends confided in. He was a great listener. Jerry was loved by many and he will be sorely missed by all his family and a host of friends.
Joseph Christopher Bottoms
God blessed us with Chris’ birth on December 6th, 1982. From the moment he was born until he went to heaven on May 17th, 2007, he loved life. Laughter and a smile were always on his lips. Chris was a cherished son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. The relationships he formed during his short 23 years were important to him. Attending frequent family gatherings helped him form strong family ties with both immediate family and extended family. Chris’ kind and caring personality made him so easy to love. These qualities made him a loyal friend. He was referred to by his many friends as “Big Red” because of his red hair, 6 ft. 6 in. stature, and his big heart.
Chris enjoyed his many pets and the outdoors. He loved summer at the beach as well as the snowfalls in the winter. Chris always enjoyed his life and we thoroughly enjoyed watching him live it.
Though it is true that we are apart, Chris will live forever in our hearts.
Noah Adam Bowden
Adam was a son, a stepson, a brother to four, a grandson to four and a friend to everyone. Adam was loved by lots of people. If he knew you, you were sure to get a hug. He was a very loving person. Though his smile is gone forever, and his hand we cannot touch, we still have so many memories of the one we loved so much. His memory is our keepsake, with which we will never part. God has him in his keeping. We have him in our hearts. Adam will be sadly missed, but he will never be forgotten. His hugs were one thing you were sure to get from him and those hugs are so very much missed. Adam’s family is glad that someone else is able to give and receive some of those hugs now because of Adam. Treasure each and every day because we are not promised tomorrow. Adam is now soaring on the wings of an eagle. He lives in our hearts now and because of Adam other people now are able to have another chance at life. To have some part of Adam is the best gift you will ever receive. From the ones who miss him the most – Adam’s family.
Derek Eugene Boyd
Derek Eugene Boyd was born on September 27, 1979 in Oceanside, California. Throughout school he was so small for his age and constantly worried about when he would have a “growth spurt”. By the age of 21 he was 5’11” and weighed 180 lbs. He was quite proud of his “growth spurt”.
Derek had a smile and sense of humor that would light your heart, lift your spirits and give the illusion that all was right with the world. He had beautiful, big brown eyes with the longest, thickest eyelashes you’ve ever seen on a person. His laugh was infectious.
Derek loved animals. As a child he was constantly bringing home some animal he had found while playing – baby birds, strays – it didn’t matter to Derek. As an adult he worked for a couple of years for the Guilford County Animal Shelter. Thank God it was only for a couple of years because during that time Derek attempted to “save” all the animals by bringing them home to different family members for fostering or adoption.
Derek loved to read and write poetry. His poems were insightful glimpses into Derek’s thoughts and dreams. He certainly had an uncanny ability to put into words his deepest feelings. He was so proud of his Cherokee heritage that he would engulf himself into books on the history and culture of the Cherokee Nation. So much so, he taught himself how to read, write and speak Cherokee. He often attended Native American Pow-Wows and shared his knowledge with anyone who cared to learn.
In describing Derek, family and friends will say Derek was kind and generous. Quite literally he would give his last dollar or take the shirt off his back for a friend or a person in need. Thus, it is so like Derek to be smiling from above about his gift of sight.
Those who truly knew Derek Eugene Boyd loved and miss him deeply. He is survived by his mother, Soundra Jones; his two brothers, Tre and Cliff; his three daughters, Tyana, Akira and Harmony; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and a band of brothers, all of whom he deeply loved.
Angelique Boyle
This beautiful young woman passed away in a fatal car crash in May 2007. Both friends and family miss her dearly. Everyone who knew her in life remembers her as sweet, loving, always smiling and always willing to help. It warms my heart to know that even in death she was just as giving as she was in life.
Benjamin “Buster” Britt, Jr.
My husband, Benjamin F. “Buster” Britt, Jr., was born in Roanoke Rapids, NC July 26, 1932 and died April 15, 2007, after battling cancer of the lungs, liver and bones for six months. We were married July 3, 1954, and have two daughters, Andrea “Andy” Barber and her husband, Karl; Kathryn Haislip and her huband, Johnny; and a granddaughter, Brianna Haislip, the apple of her Gran’s eye. Buster loved sports, golf being his favorite; he had five holes in one. He was an Anheuser Busch Golf Classic volunteer in Williamsburg, VA, from 1981 to 2006. He was also a USA Kids Golf volunteer in Williamsburg. He and I enjoyed traveling with our family and our friends, Dan and Lib Raiford. He taught Sunday school for over 40 years and sang bass in our choir. He was a member of the Lakeland Singers in Littleton, NC for 12 years. He was a former member and officer of the Roanoke Rapids Exchange Club. Buster loved God, his family, America, life, friends, all of nature and all the dogs we had over the years. He would be proud to know that two people can see because his corneas were donated to the eye bank.
Ruby Mahaffey Britt
I was truly blessed to be Buster Britt’s daughter. He was a wonderful daddy who loved me even at times in my life when I wasn’t very lovable. He could be silly as well as serious. He loved his family and he loved the Lord. I am eternally grateful that he passed on his love of the Lord to me. I will miss him.
Andrea Britt Barber
“Gracious, it’s good to see you.” This is how I will remember Daddy. You always knew you were important to Daddy. Daddy loved people and people loved him. When we grew up and would visit, he would tell us when he got up in the morning that he could stand to wake up like that every day, with all his girls in the house. When my daughter, Brianna, was born we saw a new dimension of his love. She meant the world to him. You could truly see unconditional love in their relationship. I believe his gift of love for people and especially for his family was a gift from God and I am grateful God gave him to us.
Kathryn Britt Haislip
My grandfather was my best friend. He gave so much to me. I didn’t deserve him or anything he gave me. This Christmas season will be empty without him, but I know he is still with us. Some days I think he helps me carry on. Life isn’t fair, but this was God’s plan for him. I love you, Gran.
Brianna Noelle Haislip
Allen T. Brown, Sr.
Beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, coach and friend….
Allen was born on February 24, 1966. He entered into eternal peace on September 16, 2007 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Allen graduated from Central High School in Seat Pleasant, Maryland in 1984. After graduation he enlisted in the US Army where he served until 1991, receiving numerous ribbons and medals.
Nothing could match his love for God and his family, but Allen loved coaching. Before his health failed, he was able to coach his youngest son in baseball, football and basketball. The 5/6-year-old basketball team won the regular season as well as the playoff championship. Another passion of Allen’s was cooking. He loved to watch people enjoy the meals he created. Those meals have been sorely missed!
Allen Thurman Brown, Sr., the love of my life, my best friend, I will always love and miss you. I know that you are in a much better place where there is no more pain and sorrow. We will see each other again one day.
Jessica Star Brown
I could write a book or two on her. She was my hope and future. She kept me on my toes.
The happiest night of her life was the night before her death. She graduated at Wait Chapel. She fulfilled her dreams of fulfilling mine. She told me she had to graduate to let me know she loved me enough to fulfill my wishes for her.
She struggled in life with obstacles that plague young single mothers. She wanted to be a full-time mom, but didn’t have the time. It took her a while to get priorities in order – she finally did. God, Katelyn (her daughter), a good young man and a promising life ahead – she was a happy young woman.
Asthma took her life. Please be aware of how deadly asthma attacks can be.
Mommy loves you, Jess.
Brent Richard Buckley
August 26, 1977 – February 6, 2007
Over the past seven months we have lost our two youngest children, Brent Buckley and Matt Kinslow, as well as my father. Brent passed away in February, Matt in June, and my dad in September. I am so glad that some part of Brent was able to be donated. I so wanted more, his heart, his kidneys, something more that would have benefited someone else. We weren’t able to donate on behalf of Matt. He was killed in a one vehicle accident, hitting a tree and the truck catching fire. We miss them all so much. God has three more angels.
Brent loved football and NASCAR. His favorite football team was the Kansas City Chiefs. Being from Indiana, he also wanted the Indianapolis Colts to win the 2007 Super Bowl, which they did the Sunday before Brent passed away. His favorite NASCAR driver was Dale Earnhardt, Jr., as you can tell by my photo. Brent loved to cook and eat. Thanksgiving preparation and planning was very hard without Brent this year. He would start planning weeks in advance. He enjoyed teasing his nephews and nieces. He was a very loving man and extremely close to his brothers and sisters, especially his sister Angie. Brent loved the beach, especially Wilmington Beach. He also loved the 4th of July and setting off fireworks. Brent was never married and had no children, but loved babies and kids. He is truly missed.
Brent’s Mom,
Linda Kinslow
Henry Allen Burch
My dad was born on May 24, 1955. His name was Henry Allen Burch. He went to school and graduated in 1973 in Shadyside, Ohio. After graduation he went to work at a coal mine called Saginaw Coal Mine, where he stayed for about 20 years. During that time he got married to my mom, Carla Jo Glidden. In 1998, my dad and I moved to North Carolina with his girlfriend, Tamera Eastham. My dad loved it down here. He loved his family and his granddaughter. Her name is Cheyanne Autumn Miller, and she was born in 2000. My dad was a great person and father, and I loved him very much. I’m glad he was able to help others – that has made me want to help too. I’m very proud of my father and hope that people will get to know him and what a great person he was.
God bless everyone.
Allison Marie Burdette
Allison Marie Burdette of Charlotte, NC was born in Charleston, WV on March 5, 1974. She attended schools in West Virginia, graduating from Point Pleasant High School and West Virginia University. She attended Main Street Baptist Church in Point Pleasant where she was baptized and a member.
Alison was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on April 9, 2007. She died on May 6, 2007 at North Carolina Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem.
Allison’s positive energy and drive to explore and pursue what life had to offer was always an inspiration. Her empathy for others and her Christian faith were very visible in her daily life.
Allison was a mortgage banker for Home Banc in Charlotte and a former sheriff’s deputy in Mecklenburg County. She attended Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte.
Surviving are her parents Bobbie Boggs Huffman and her husband Larry of Mt. Nebo, WV and Jerry Burdette and wife Jackie of Charleston, WV; fiancé Jody Howell of Charlotte, NC; sister Jill Mullins and husband Scott of Ashland, VA; material grandparents Charlene and Bill Boggs of Ivydale, WV; step-brother Kevin Huffman and wife Carolyn of Summersville, WV; nephews Walter Chase and Riley Mullins; niece Piper Mullins; several aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and her dog of over thirteen years Rawson.
