Gracie Pack
My mom was a special person because of all the value she put in us. We are a close family. She raised six kids, one girl and five boys. She also helped with 12 grandkids. Mom taught us to take care of each other and also to help everyone if we knew them or not. She always drove around with a carload of kids; she was Mom’s Taxi to the neighborhood. She believed in going to church; even though she didn’t go much, she still believed. She lived nine years longer than my dad and she cried every time she thought of him. She said love never died. She also donated his corneas, too. They left a hole in our hearts that will never be filled. She is missed by family and friends, but we know God had a better place for her. She always put others first. She knew she was dying, but never told anybody; she suffered alone. We found out she had cancer one Thursday and she died the next Thursday. She was a brave and strong woman. We will always love her.
Love,
Marie, Anthony, James, Scott, Willie and Mark
Joyce Kaye Palmer
When I think of my mom, I remember her big smile and laugh the most. She was always such a happy person and made everyone around her feel uplifted.
The picture I’ve sent shows my mother at one of her happiest times. She is shown on our deck during her stepson’s wedding reception. She loved having a reason to get dressed up and put on her jewelry, but mostly she wanted everyone to have a good time.
I’ll never forget her smile, her laugh or the gleam in her eyes. It’s still really hard to deal with; I’m crying as I am writing this. But to know that people were helped by the gift of my mother’s eyes helps ease the hurt of losing her ever so slightly. I’m sure my mother is glad someone has the gift of sight thanks to her generosity.
We all love you, Mom.
Frank, Sherri and your entire family
Roey Chance Parsons
Friends Remember Chance Parson
My favorite memory of Chance was in the summer of 2006. We took the youth on a mission trip to Philly. We had a big group of kids so our Youth Director divided us up into two groups. It was my honor to be in the same group with Chance. Our group worked at Bible Club Ministries where we went into the inner city spending time with the kids there doing Bible stories and other activities. One day they needed five of us to take a group of young children to the pool. Chance was all for that fun time at the pool. We were paired up with different children to keep safe and play with in the pool. Chance had a little boy who had most of his body burned, but Chance just took that little boy and played with him and loved on him. Chance had the little boy playing all over that pool. On the van ride back to the site where we were to drop them off, the little boy sat on his lap with Chance just laughing and playing with him. When we dropped them off, I am not sure who was the most heartbroken – Chance or that little boy. The director said that was the most fun she had ever seen the little boy have. That day I saw a Chance who looked beyond the scarred body to the need of a little boy who just wanted to be played with and loved, and Chance met that need along with losing a piece of his heart. - Pam Sherrill, Youth Team Member
Chance was one of the most amazing people I have ever met and there will never ever be any close to him. I’ll never forget his laughter which always filled whatever room, car, or restaurant we were in. His embrace was always there when needed. He never had a problem paying for my food when I was broke. That was Chance. He touched my heart so many times in the last three years. He did have an amazing ministry and that was every person he touched, especially our youth group. You are smiling and laughing with the Lord right now and that’s where I find peace with this. - Heather Dishman
Chance was one of the nicest, most kind and considerate people I knew. He was never quick to judge anybody. He was always kind to anyone, regardless of how they looked. For the family, I’d like to say our youth group and our leaders definitely know their pain. We’ll never forget him. - Carey Russell, 13, Member at Winkler’s Grove Baptist Church
There was never a dull moment with him. He was always a loving guy. Whenever you are down and out, he cheers you up. We always called him our big teddy bear. - Justin Guess, 16, Member at Winkler’s Grove Baptist Church
Thank God for the opportunity to know Chance Parson. Chance was a beautiful person and a great friend to many. He always had a big hug to give and could always make you laugh. I appreciate his friendship to Justin. Justin looked up to Chance like a big brother and I appreciate how Chance was always there for him. He will be missed, but we will see him again. My thought and prayers are with all of the family. Thank you Roey and Jane for being such great grandparents. God bless and give you comfort. - Tammy Guess, Hickory, NC
I was fortunate to have had Chance for a student at CFA. My most vivid memory is watching him interact with the younger children at chapel. He was a Christian hero to them. May God hold the family under his wing as they remember this life and release Chance to the Lord’s care. - Judith Isom, Hickory, NC
Chance, we will miss you greatly. I know you are in Heaven, smiling the smile that was always on your face, having the time of your life. Miss you always – I know I will see you again someday. - Lisa Scronce
I grew up with Roey in Bowie. He was a great friend and I will miss him dearly. I was so happy for him getting his life together in North Carolina. Sometimes we all need a new start. - Anthony Zelko
As the mother of two teen boys, I had the opportunity to get to know Chance when he lived in Maryland. He was one of the kindest, sweetest, most gentle young men I have had the privilege of knowing. God has one of the best by His side. My heartfelt sympathy is extended to his family. - Mary Chevalier, Bowie, MD
Eva Pendergraft
Eva Maye, my angel. I did not know the depth of my love for her or how much she meant to me until she was gone. She defined just who I am. She was my heart, my soul. She was a major part of my being. She was a very special person. She gave me strength. She gave me purpose. We met on a blind date and knew we would wed on that date. The rest is history. We had 45 wonderful years together, married 44 years. Of those years my most memorable moment was when we renewed our wedding vows for our 40th wedding anniversary. That was a very special event for me.
Eva’s faith in God was very strong and is a special gift she shared with me. I am the Christian I am today because of her. She had a quote she kept on her dorm room mirror at Mars Hill College. It said, “God Saves The Very Best For Those Who Wait For Him.” This is the explanation she gave when I challenged her one time on how she picked me on our first date. I did not know then just how lucky I was.
She most of all loved God; next - her family. And then there were sports. Did she ever love to watch sports on TV. I have seen her trying to keep up with as many as four different events at the same time. She also loved the more aggressive rides at theme parks such as Disney World. We had so much fun together.
Suffice it to say she was truly my best friend and the center of my world. She will always be a part of my life as I move forward.
I loved her dearly and will miss her greatly.
Michael Ray Penton
What makes a great father? Courage? Strength? The ability to scare off the Boogie Man? Any man can have a child, but it takes that something special to be a great father. My family is truly fortunate; we had the greatest man to call our father. His name is Michael Ray Penton. He stood about 6’ tall, had a farmer’s tan, baby blue eyes and the longest hair in a household of 3 women. He was born on March 13, 1959 and raised in St. Clouds, MN. He had two sisters and a brother. Tragically his brother passed young, so we missed out on the opportunity to meet him and have him as a part of our lives. My dad was headstrong and never regretted decisions he made. At the age of 17 in December 1976 he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. Though he never walked with his high school class at graduation, soon after enlisting he did get his GED. The Corps allowed my dad to travel to places only his mind could wander. He mastered the trade of being a cook – and let me tell you he could work his magic!
In 1981 he met my mother, Debbie. Already a mother of two young boys, Matt and Mikey, my father opened his heart to the three of them. The following year on February 28, 1982 he married my mother, and come July 6, 1983, I, Amanda Rose, was born. My father was temporarily out of the Corps; he made the decision to re-enlist. This moved my family to 29 Palms, California. This was the place we lived, worked and played for eight years. My dad served in Desert Storm. Upon his safe return home as our hero, he got orders to Jacksonville, NC. We moved to North Carolina in 1992. The move gave us a lot to look forward to! Ever since, Jacksonville has been our home. Close to beaches, my dad was a fish out of water. Many days were spent at the beach swimming, crabbing and just laying out.
My dad retired in 1998 as a GySgt. from the Corps. He played the role of Mr. Mom for a while. But no matter what, work or play, he kept his family first. There wasn’t a thing he missed. He attended all our graduations, the birth of his grandchildren, and even the grandkids’ school ceremonies. My dad passed the time painting while listening to Pink Floyd. He also did yard work and all our handy work at home. He was proud to have a beautiful house. He was a great provider and a best friend.
He started working again in 2001. He had a few random jobs before becoming a chef for Sodexho. He worked hard and it didn’t go unnoticed. He soon became a Chief Chef. My dad enjoyed a cold Bud after a hard day’s work. Sadly, his life was cut short on January 21, 2008. He passed away of a heart attack during the early morning hours. He was only 48 years old. Two days later my mother got a phone call. My father chose to be a donor and his eye tissues could be used. My mother had a well of tears fall from her eyes with this news. In the midst of our grieving, something amazing happened. Even if not for us, it goes to show what a great man my father was. He gave of himself so willingly. In the absence of his presence his love is still felt at home. His voice echoes through the hall. Whatever duty God gave my father beyond his life here, I’m sure his eyes still sparkle when he smiles. We forever love you and miss you, Michael Ray Penton aka “Dad”. No man will ever be greater!
Love,
Your family
Told by Amanda Rose Penton - Daughter
Morris “Sam” Perry
Our dad, Morris “Sam” Perry, was a very friendly, fun-loving person. He loved life and lived to help others. He worked in the service industry and helped people on a daily basis, day or night, hot or cold, friend or stranger (not yet a friend).
He was always willing to help his fellow man. Even through his passing he was still able to help; two people received the gift of sight from our dad. Our dad was a very giving person. The new life he has given to the recipients was, by far, the best gift he has ever given.
He is truly missed by many.
Forever in our hearts,
Bryan and Michael
Johnny Henry Peterson, III
Johnny Henry Peterson III was born on May 8 - Mother’s Day - 1983. I called him “Tee Poppa.” He was the best Mother’s Day present that could ever be. Everyone called him “Tee Poppa”, “Tee”, “T-Bone” or “T-90.” No one will ever know how much he is missed.
He had a big heart and a big smile and was a joy to his family and friends. He was a sweet-natured person, but was very protective of others. He never met a stranger and was called the “Mayor” of our neighborhood at 10 years old.
Tee Poppa accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at the age of 12 and rededicated his life at the age of 22. He was a devoted and loving son, brother, cousin, father and friend. His daughter Ariyanah is 3 and his son Jhakari is 1 1/2 years old; they loved their daddy very much. Ariyanah still asks for him every day. They had a very special relationship. Ariyanah has many of her father’s ways, and she looks so much like him. We are blessed to have her and Jhakari to remind us of how special “Tee Poppa” was.
He loved to cook, fish, garden, play cards, shoot pool and ride his motorcycle. He was a jokester/prankster and he kept people laughing. Tee Poppa, we love you more than any words can say. We know that you are in heaven with Jesus smiling down on us. We will love you always and you’ll always be in our hearts.
We love you, son – Mama and Greg
We miss you, brother – Jinn, Jarret and Dee and all your cousins
Murl F. Phillips
There could be many positive things said about Murl Phillips, but one thing comes to mind that everyone who knew Murl would surely agree. He was generous; whether it be giving his time to help a neighbor gather leaves, driving a friend to the doctor, sharing a meal with a friend, babysitting with one or more of his grandchildren, sitting and listening to the problems of one of his children and offering a word of encouragement or advice – Murl was always there for someone in need.
He gave of his talents, too. Murl was always a hard worker and there wasn’t much he couldn’t do. He saved family and friends costly repair bills by offering to tinker on vehicles, equipment, machinery and home appliances. He never expected reimbursement except for a smile and a thank you. Murl was a wiz at many tasks, but people were always pleasantly surprised at his baking expertise. Many people enjoyed samplings of his homemade pound cakes and enjoyed fellowship and a cup of coffee with Murl. He enjoyed helping people and would never turn anyone away if it could possibly be avoided. He believed in generosity and kindness and lived by example.
When Murl’s children were grief-stricken with his passing, it seemed a fitting tribute to his life and memory to continue his legacy of giving by allowing Murl to be a tissue donor and pass along the precious gift of sight. The family took comfort in knowing that Murl could and did help many individuals one last time.
Glenn “Micky” Pilgreen
A Legacy to Live By
There could be a book very easily written on what Glenn “Micky” Pilgreen meant to the people that came in contact with him no matter where he was. He was an inspiration to all and it was during his weakest time as his health was deteriorating that his determination to get better for his family was the strongest and his strength showed through to all who were around. He touched so many hearts his whole life through. He was always thankful for everything that was done for him and this he never let go unmentioned. During the last few weeks of his life he was still touching hearts and amazing everyone by his love for everyone, most of all the Lord. In fact one of his greatest strengths was he would shed tears for anyone. To many that may be a weakness, but to everyone who knew him it showed he was a strong man because he wasn’t afraid to let his true feelings show. He tried to lift anyone’s burdens. He stated many times during his illness, especially while he was in the hospital, “I didn’t know there was so much love in the world.” I remember his favorite doctor told him that it was just his time to receive a small portion of the love that he had given the world. Even when the hospital chaplain visited him as his condition continued to get worse to ask him about his living will, he came out to announce to the family that we had a jewel and instead of him lifting Daddy up, that he was the one who was lifted. The night before his death, as we were around his bedside singing praise and worship, praying and telling him how much we loved him as we watched Daddy speak through his eyes, a pastor who had only known Daddy a little over a month was so touched when he went home he wrote a song about what he saw in Daddy those last days. “Our Loss is Heaven’s Gain!” What truth in this song! He left this world with no bitterness, no anger, only thankfulness for the life he had been blessed with. Now we, his family, know that someone else is seeing through his eyes. We only hope and pray that person sees the beauty of life blessed by God as Daddy did.
Letter written by daughter, but words felt by both daughters, his loving wife, his grandchildren and all who knew him
Virginia Kaye Pitcher
My mother, Mrs. Virginia Kaye Pitcher, was a very loving mother and grandmother. She is survived by four children and two grandchildren plus one on the way. My sister, Naomi Pitcher, my brothers Jeremiah and Aaron Pitcher, my children Saphire and Serenity Tuggle, and my husband Bobby Tuggle and I (Nicolette Tuggle) are all very happy that our mother/grandmother was able to help with someone’s eyesight.
Mom loved to play sports with us. No matter what sport it was, we played it together. My mom had a heart of gold. She was kind to everyone and she loved animals. She loved to collect owl figures.
I remember when I was little my mom dropped her wallet from her purse and I picked it up before she realized that she had dropped it. I was trying to carry it up the steps and that’s when she took a picture of me carrying it. My mom was a big part of my life, but I know that she is in a better place and watching over us all.
Christian Marie Pittman
November 15, 2004 – March 13, 2007
Christian was the joy of the family. She was the only girl born to a house full of boys. Her family knew her as “Flossie”, “Dot-Dot” and “Mama.” She was born after her mother had surgery to prevent any further births, so she was indeed a miracle. She was funny and serious all at the same time. She was known at her mom’s job as the “Who-Who Mama.”
She had a smile that could and would light up any room. She was the apple of her daddy’s eye. She was very independent, very smart and witty. She had no problems laughing at herself.
Her favorite character was “Baby Bop” and her favorite books were No David and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? These she had memorized! Her favorite color was yellow.
We believe that God sent Christian to show everybody that knew her what it meant to love unconditionally, but on March 13 it was so hard to say good-by.
“And I’ll take with me the memories, to be my sunshine after the rain, but it’s so hard to say good-bye to yesterday!”
Love,
Your Family, Darryl, Zina, Kendrick, Jamar and Tracy
Terril Dean Pittman
Terril was born on June 4, 1944 in Plymouth, IN to Gilbert and Dorothy Pittman. He graduated from Madison High School in 1958 and attended Central Bible College in Springfield, MO for 2 years. In March of 1965 he married Bonnie Allison.
He worked for Nibco in Elkhart, IN for two years and then took a leave of absence for three years and volunteered for active duty with the US Army in 1967. He served at Ft. Bliss, TX and then was sent to Korea to complete his term of duty.
After his military service he and his wife resided in Elkhart, IN. Being promoted to warehouse manager with the company, he was transferred to their division in Atlanta, GA. He completed 25 years with the company.
In 1987 Terril and his wife Bonnie felt the call on their lives to enter full-time mission work. After going through the training and evaluation, they entered full-time mission work in 1988 with Wycliffe Bible Translators at the Technical Support Center in Waxhaw, NC. Terril served as an International Shipping Coordinator, then was Aviation Bookkeeper, and then he was Manager of the Waxhaw Creek Apartments for 9 years. These apartments house the retired missionaries who have served 50 plus years on the mission field, living in the remote areas of the world sharing God’s word and love to them.
Terril was a faithful member of Shiloh A.R.P. Church. He had an excellent speaking voice and he used this talent in every phase of the church work, witnessing for the Lord. He served as Superintendent of the Sunday School, a deacon, an elder, a youth advisor and he taught Sunday School for Senior High for over 40 years.
Terril was loved by all. He always had a smile to share and a word of encouragement for everyone he met. He never met a stranger. Terril was a quiet man, but he had a sense of humor and wit that made him a fun person to be around.
On May 29th he became ill with cancer and, while being treated at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC, he entered into the presence of his Lord on June 7, 2007.
His desire was to serve the Lord to the fullest and share God’s word with all, to be an encourager to others to seek God’s will for their lives, and to be a true friend and listener.
We will all miss him, but we know he is not suffering and that he has shared a part of himself as a donor to help someone else.
This year we know Terril is spending his Christmas with Jesus in Heaven.
Bonnie Pittman (Wife)
Peter Paul Potichko, Jr.
June 7, 1937 – September 12, 2007
Pete was the oldest of six children. He was my “big brother.” When I was a little girl I was somewhat afraid of him, so I thought at the time, “When Pete speaks, you listen.” But as I grew older, I found his bark turned out to be worse than his bite. Pete started out in his adult years as an MP in the US Army. Once out, he became a machinist in a sewing factory, a trade he learned from his father. As the years progressed, so did Pete’s knowledge, to the point he was sought after to manage many factories in the garment industry. His final position prior to retiring moved him to Edenton, NC, where, by the way, he was only going to stay until the factory was up and running. Well, he loved the area so much it became his home. Everyone that knew him (and he was well known in that area) referred to him as “Mr. Pete” not so much out of the respect they had for him, but because they just couldn’t pronounce his last name without years of practice!
Pete returned to Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving 2006. He said it would probably be the last time he would be able to come, almost as if he knew something no one else did. He stayed at my house for the week and brought our sister along (who he talked into moving to NC near him). My other sister and brother live close to me. During that time he was visiting with us, it was like forty years ago and we were kids all over again. It was the best Thanksgiving ever. The only sibling not there was a brother we lost three years earlier.
In January of 2007 my Big Brother was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. Now Pete was always afraid of going to the doctor because he didn’t want to hear bad news or want the doctor to hurt him. He was petrified of needles! But he turned out to be a real trooper and fought with every fiber he had to beat this disease. On September 12, 2007 Pete joined the rest of his family that he hadn’t seen in many years. God called him home. At his side were the oldest, middle and youngest of the sisters (or as he referred to us “the three nuts). We held his hand, kissed him good-bye, wished him peace and told him we would see him again someday.
The Chaplain and his caseworker asked us if he was a donor. We are happy to know that Pete was able to give sight to two people, and that in a little way, continues to live on. Pete was not only our Big Brother, he was our parent, mentor, friend, but most of all, one of the best people that ever was part of our lives. We miss him terribly and look forward to the day we’ll see him again.
Love you, ‘Mister Pete”!
Sisters and Brother, Arline, Gloria, Mary Ann and Paul
Written by youngest sister Mary Ann
Jacob Sowers Potts, Sr.
I am writing today in memory of a wonderful guy, Jacob Sowers Potts, Sr. He was born in Lexington, NC on Valentine’s Day 1932 to Walter and Sally Potts. Born in a very close Christian family, he was one of eight kids. When he was just seventeen years old he lost his left arm in a hunting accident, and only three years later he almost lost his right arm when he was run off the road by two cars racing. With the help of his family, friends and his faith he fought his way through to become a loving and caring man with a great sense of humor.
On December 21, 1957, he married Lois Trexler. They had four kids together, all boys. Their names were Jake, Jr., Mark, Roger and Kevin. He loved taking them hunting and fishing whenever he could. He also loved to watch racing and going to the beach. In addition to four kids there are eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He loved going to the river with his brother, Bobby, and the rest of the family, where they loved to fish and eat barbeque.
He had two lifetime friends who always went to the river with him – Jerry Metcalf and Dub James. He had a special bond with Virginia and Bryce Weaver, Kevin, Jr., Travis, Wanda, Jimmy and Bobby Miller.
After winning a four-year battle with lung cancer, Jake sadly passed away on July 8, 2007 from heart complications. Everyone will mourn his passing, but we will rejoice now that he is whole, healed and happy today in heaven with the Lord. We will cherish the time that we had with him and await the time that we will be together again.
He would be proud to know that he was able to help someone after he was gone. Thank you all for sharing in these memories with us today and may the Lord bless you all with many memories to cherish as you go about your life.
In loving memory of Jake Potts, Sr.
The Potts Family
Icesola Delores Powers
Icesola Delores Powers, better know as “Nanna,” displayed a unique love not only for her own children but also for children throughout the city of Winston-Salem. She was a devoted baby sitter who helped single parents as well as married couples care for their young ones during the day while they were at work or school. Nanna helped raise twelve boys and girls starting at the age of six weeks old until they went to kindergarten. Her loving demeanor and wonderful disposition engulfed the children entrusted to her. Parents were always confident that their pride and joy were loved, fed and nurtured while they were in Nanna’s presence. Nanna was more than a baby sitter, she was a surrogate grandmother to a myriad of children throughout the community.
On Nanna’s 67th birthday a grand celebration known as the “Celebration of Life” was held. This picture shows Nanna in the middle of two granddaughters Shontae Oliver (left) and Elisha Oliver (right); she played an integral in their lives as well. The Winston-Salem Chronicle did a story on Nanna and illustrated her life and the love she had for the Lord. The article also highlighted how beautiful she looked, the number of people who attended the celebration, and how her unyielding efforts to help others made her a pillar of the community.
Three months after the Celebration of Life, Nanna ended her earthly help and assistance of others and went on to be with the Lord. She will always be known as one who made herself available in any and every way possible. This includes giving plasma to the American Red Cross and being an active member of church and community groups. It is for this reason that the decision was made to donate to the eye bank upon her death. As her daughter, I am certain that this was an awesome way to honor her spirit of giving and allow her legacy of philanthropy to continue to live.
Submitted by Pat Oliver
Daughter of Icesola D. Powers
Ellen Pritchett
By Marti Maguire, reprinted from The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), January 25, 2007
Ellen Pritchett touched the lives of thousands of students and teachers she worked with in her 30-year career. But she reached out to many more.
Her skill in the classroom was celebrated, but she might be remembered best for the way she called everyone by their first name, took an interest in their lives and thanked them for even the smallest gesture.
“She would give a kindergartner the same respect she’d give the superintendent,” said her husband of 36 years, Norwood Pritchett. “She treated everyone the same.”
Ellen Pritchett died last week after a brief and sudden illness. She was 60 and is also survived by her son, Lance.
She spent her career in the Wake County school system, where she started out as a reading teacher in the district’s poorest schools.
She later taught gifted students and became a coach and mentor to other teachers who worked with gifted children. She developed districtwide lessons and, shortly before her death, was developing a pilot program for gifted high school students.
Her efforts drew praise from state schools Superintendent June Atkinson, who noted in a commemoration that Pritchett “worked tirelessly promoting and meeting the needs of gifted children in Wake County as well as throughout North Carolina.”
“Her personality was: ‘How can I help?’ ” said Dan Turner, a coworker in the Wake gifted program. “When she walked into a classroom, she always went to the child that looked like they were being left out.”
Pritchett grew up in Zebulon and lived in Raleigh most of her adult life. She earned her teaching degree at East Carolina University and later took education classes at UNC-Chapel Hill and N.C. State University, always trying to keep on top of the latest research.
Those who knew her, from her early days in Zebulon to her last days, vividly recall her stylish clothes and pleasant manner. “Her personality was one of the most elegant, graceful and gracious I have ever known,” said Rigy Massey, owner of Massey Funeral Home in Zebulon and a longtime acquaintance. “She truly personified the Southern lady.”
Her style of dress was tailored, understated suits and high heels, “like she had just stepped out of a fashion magazine,” her husband said. But it wasn’t about drawing attention: “Ellen felt that if she was going to serve as a role model, she should dress like one.”
Longtime friend Debby Driver of Zebulon said she best remembers Pritchett utter the phrase “Tell me about…,” asking about family, jobs and so on. “So many people are interested in telling their story,” said Driver, who grew up with Pritchett in Zebulon. “She wanted to hear your story.”
She called everyone by their first name, her friends said, from students to grocery store clerks – even the orderly who took her down the hallway to her final, unsuccessful surgery to remove a malignant tumor. Halfway down the hallway, she said, “What’s your name?” her husband recalled, and the orderly responded, “Edward.”
“And she said, ‘Edward, I am glad to meet you, and I do hope you have a nice day.”
Jessica Jamie Prokocimer
February 21, 1977 – June 29, 2007
Jessica was born in Burlington, VT and grew up in a beautiful little quaint town of Newbury, VT. Jess was the most precious gift a family could ever ask for.
As a young child, she was so full of life, enjoying every minute with many activities outside of her school studies. She was a Vermont State Champion gymnast, spending much time doing handstands and back walkovers no matter where she was. That always brought smiles to everyone’s faces just watching her. She loved to help other children learn the sport, teaching when she graduated from high school. The children loved her, experiencing her warmth and supportive ways.
Christmas with our family was such a treat, from cutting down our Christmas tree right in our own back yard to the decorating of the tree. Jess was the star of the day when she would use her skills from walking on the beam during gymnastics to walk our beam in our home to put the star on top of our Christmas tree! None of us could reach the height or have the ability to walk on that beam.
She loved winter always challenging us to a cross-country ski race right out the back door. She always won! She played field hockey in high school, loving every minute of it. She even stuffed our van with all the team plus, to see how many people she could fit in…blasting the music and laughing all the time. Of course, we didn’t know about this until she became an adult. Jess was so full of life.
She loved her younger brother Justin, picking on him and loving him at the same time. When other kids picked on him, she was right there protecting him. Jess loved to sing; she sang all the time as a teenager and an adult. She knew every word to every song she ever heard. I used to tease her that if she learned her studies in the same way, she could breeze through Harvard.
Following high school, Jess moved to New Hampshire, working at Pease Air Force Base in the Passport division. Jess moved to New Bern, N.C. with her mom and stepfather 3 years ago. She continued to enjoy music, the beach, and her friends. She worked for Delta Airlines at the time of her passing.
The accident was horrific, taking her from our lives much too soon. I feel the donation made to the eye bank was a way to keep a part of Jess alive, helping me to deal better with the pain of losing her.
Jess, you are missed more than you could will ever know.
I love you.
Mom - Patricia Gaudette
Hurshal Ray Pruitt
Ray loved life; he enjoyed so many things in life. He has brought so much joy to each one of his four children and 12 grandchildren and countless friends. He took care of his children. I remember as a young girl dad staying home with us doing his father love. He loved giving to others, watching them have a smile on their faces. Ray loved NASCAR; there wasn’t a Sunday that he didn’t watch the race. He always made it a point to be somewhere watching the race. Ray loved his grandchildren so much. He was always there for me when I needed him to help with mine. At Christmas time he was a kid himself, making his round each Christmas morning to see what his grandkids had gotten - I think to just play with the grandkids’ toys. Ray always saw life so different than most of us. He wasn’t in a hurry; he took his time. He was always enjoying the view - the things God has created. Even though he is not with us today, by being a donor he is still helping others to enjoy life, to see for the first time, to watch their children or grandchildren grow, to look at things God has created for us. Thank you, dad, for all the love you gave to me; opened my eyes to see the things around me to look at the beauty of life. We love you, dad!
