WINSTON DOBSON
Winston Spencer Churchill Dobson, 84, of Hampstead died Aug. 3 (1999) at his home.
A Masonic memorial service, conducted by Semper Fidelis Lodge No. 680, was held Aug. 6 at Hampstead United Methodist Church. 
He served as a warrant officer with the U.S. Marines during World War II and retired from Civil Service at Camp Lejeuene. He was Master in 1960 of Semper Fidelis Lodge No. 680 A.F. & A.M. in Jacksonville. He was also a KCCH member of Wilmington Scottish Rite Body and a member of Sudan Shrine Temple of New Bern. In addition, he was an honorary member of Hampstead United Methodist Church and a founding member and deacon of Northwoods United Methodist Church in Jacksonville. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ossie and Ethel Dobson; and a son, James Winston Dobson. 
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Sadie Edwards Dobson; a sister, Geraldine Meehan; a brother, David Dobson; four daughters, Frances Carter of Reidsville, GA., Ann Bryan and Carol Sue Batson, both of Hampstead and Joyce Paputza of Castalia, OH; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 
Donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 725 Willington Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401. 

JOSEPH THOMPSON 
Joseph Kirby "Buddy" Thompson of Sneads Ferry died Aug. 3 (1999) at Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville. 
Funeral arrangements will be announced by Johnson Funeral Home in Jacksonville. 

JUDITH JOY BUCHKOSKI 
Judith Joy Buchkoski of Hampstead, died Aug. 3 (1999), at her residence. She was born in Cleveland, OH on May 23, 1937, the daughter of the late Russell and Cornelia Miller Cook. 
Surviving are her son, Clifford R. Buchkoski and wife, Carol, of Wilmington; two daughters, Cathy L. Pollack and husband, Tim, and Laral B. Buchkoski, all of Hampstead; five grandchildren, Justin, Jason, Cassaundra, Devin and Tiffany. 
A memorial service was held Saturday, Aug. 7, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness, North Wilmington Congregation - Wrightsboro, 4806 Gordon Rd., Wilmington. 
Andrews Mortuary, Hampstead Chapel. 

LUCY S. BIGFORD
Lucy S. Bigford, 78, of Marietta, GA, died Aug. 8 (1999). She was a retired Realtor.
She is survived by her daughter, Alice Lewis, granddaughters, Mitzi Lewis and Mary Beth Lewis; grandson, Michael Lewis. A memorial service was held Aug. 10 at Canton Hill Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Countryside Baptist Church 9231 N. Louisiana Highway 169, P.O. Box 452 Mooringsport, LA 71060.

JAMES DALLEY "JIMMY" HERRING
James Dalley "Jimmy" Herring of Hampstead, died Thursday, July 27 (2000), at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
He was born in Wilmington on April 23, 1941, the son of the late James and Edrie Futch Herring.
Mr. Herring was a member of Scotts Hill Baptist Church. He was affiliated with General Electric, Aircraft Division for 29 years until his retirement. Jimmy was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving in the Vietnam Conflict.
Surviving are his wife, Peggy J. Herring of the home; two children, David Glenn Mason and wife, Vonda of Hampstead, and Gerald Keith Mason and wife, Joy of Scotts Hill; five grandchildren, Zachary Mason, Caitlin Mason, Keelie Mason, Shelby Mason and Gabrielle Mason.
Funeral services were held on Monday, July 31, at Scotts Hill Baptist Church by Rev. Phil Ortego. Interment followed in Sea Lawn Memorial Park, Hampstead, NC with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Scotts Hill Baptist Church Building Fund, 185 Scotts Hill Road, Wilmington, NC 28411.
Andrews Mortuary Hampstead Chapel.

Gladys G. McGinnis
Gladys Mae Goodman McGinnis, 76, of Country Run Lane, formally of Surf City, died Dec. 10 (2000) at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Goldsboro.
Born in Lincolnton, she was the daughter of the late Claude and Minnie Goodman and the wife of the late John Daniel McGinnis. A daughter, Jonnie Dohman, preceded her in death. She was associated with the Goldsboro American Legion and the Topsail Island Moose Lodge.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bob Kretzu officiating. Burial will follow at Wayne Memorial Park.
Two sons, John McGinnis, Jr. of Holly Ridge and J.L. McGinnis of Princeton; four daughters, Judy Smith of Lillington, Bobbi Wade of Holly Ridge, Jackye Cushing of Goldsboro and Frankie Watson of Goldsboro; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren survive her.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donation be made to the Empty Stocking Fund, c/o News-Argus, PO Box 10629, Goldsboro, NC 27532.

Mrs. Patricia Angeline Novaro Thomson
Mrs. Pat Thomson, 64, of Hampstead, died Dec. 7 (2000) at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center in Wilmington.
Mrs. Thomson was born June 6, 1934 in Hancock, NY, the daughter of the late Thomas and Dorothy Grace Rohel Novaro. She was a member of the Hampstead United Methodist Church, the Topsail Greens Golf Club and the YMCA.
Pat’s husband, James Thomson of Hampstead, her children Mark, Wendy, Cathy, Cindy and her eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild survive her.
The Rev. Jim Bell held funeral services at Hampstead United Methodist Church. The entombment was in Oleander Memorial Gardens in Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Hampstead United Methodist Church Building Fund, 15395 Hwy #17, Hampstead, NC 28443.

Mr. Daniel Brinson
Mr. Daniel Brinson age 70, of 26 Brown Town Rd. died Wednesday, Dec. 6 (2000) at Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center in Wilmington.
Funeral services were held at Christian Chapel #2 Missionary Baptist Church in Brown Town Community on Dec. 10.
Burial was at Sloan Family Cemetery, 600 Nash Johnson Pond Rd. in Magnolia, NC. Rev. Charlie Starks, Pastor.
Survivors include: his loving wife Primmie Sloan Brinson of Wilmington; two sons, Lt. Daniel Brinson Jr. of Norfolk, VA and Pastor Vincent Williams (Lois) of Roanoke, VA; two daughters, Alicia Brinson of Wilmington and Christine Williams of Philadelphia, PA; four brothers, Charlie Brinson (Annie Mae) and Lesley Brinson (Jean) both of Wilmington; Hansley Brinson (Pauline) of Pamilco, SC, and Louis Brinson (Alpha Ray) of Fayetteville; two sisters, Evangelist McGee (Willie) of Wilmington and Shirley Herring of Newburgh, NY; 16 grandchildren, one aunt, Rosa Sidbury of Wilmington; one uncle, Booker T. Moore of Philadelphia, PA; four sisters-n-law, five brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Edgar Cummings Jr.
Edgar Paul Cummings Jr., 65, of Holly Ridge died Dec. 6 (2000) at Woodbury Wellness Center in Hampstead.
Graveside services were held Dec. 9 at Ottaway Family Cemetery in Holly Ridge with the Rev. Andy Ottawway officiating.
He was in golf course maintenance.
Survivors include his wife, Annie Lou Cummings of the home: five daughters, Elizabeth Ottaway of Holly Ridge, Debra Buenstro and Sandra Cribb, both of Winnabow, Becky Freeman and Pamela Pallacious, both of Leland; one son, Terry Hammonds of Holly Ridge; 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Willie Nelson, Jr.
Willie Nelson, Jr., of Hampstead Dec. 9 (2000) at his residence.
He was born in Morehead City on Sept. 25, 1924, son of the late Willie Nelson and Angie Mason Nelson.
Two sisters, Wyona Nelson Smith and Viola Nelson Wilkins, preceded him in death.
Mr. Nelson attended Hampstead United Methodist Church and Blakes Chapel Advent Christian Church.
He was a member of the Morehead City Masonic Ocean Lodge #405.
Mr. Nelson was a World War II veteran of the US Navy. He subsequently worked for 15 years with the Ferry Department of the State Highway Commission, and retired from the Cherry Point Marine Air Station after 20 years of civil service as an aircraft electrician.
Mr. Nelson is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lucy Marie Nelson of the home; two daughters, Brenda Nelson Biermann and husband Fred of Holly Springs, and Judy Nelson Pierce of Wilmington; two grandchildren, Catherine Marie Pierce and Thomas F. Biermann, II; and a brother, Dr. Elijah L. Nelson of Buies Creek.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 13 in Andrews Mortuary Hampstead Chapel by the Rev. Jim Bell, Rev. Edward A. Dowd and Rev. David Adams. Interment will follow in Sea Lawn Memorial Park, Hampstead, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Diabetes Foundation, 7660 Duke St. Alexandria, VA 22314, or, Masonic Home for Children Oxford, NC 27565.

SUSAN F. CLARKE
Susan Clarke, 53, of Rockingham, passed away Jan. 24 (2001), in her home surrounded by family and friends.
A memorial service was held Jan. 27, at Watson-King funeral home in Rockingham. 
Mrs. Clarke was Regional Office Manager for Unimin Corp., an avid golfer, wife, mother and good friend. 
She was also the mother of Topsail Voice Staff Writer Ken Clarke. 
She is survived by her husband Bob Clarke, mother Edith Frakes, brother Terry Frakes, son Ken Clarke and five stepchildren, Rob Clarke, Theresa Merrell, Donna Claude, Kim Clarke and Jimmy Clarke.
Mrs. Clarke lived her life with dignity, grace, charity and a smile, accepting most of life’s difficulties and challenges on her terms, often saying, “This too shall pass.”
She will be remembered by all with a smile, as a wonderful mother, wife, sister and daughter, but to all that knew her, she was a best friend.
She left those who crossed her path all the better for knowing her.

FITZHUGH LEE
Fitzhugh Lee of Scotts Hill, owner of Cedar on the Green and Mini Storage on the Green, died at home on Tuesday, Jan. 30 (2001).
Funeral services will be held on Friday, Feb. 2 at Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church at 11 a.m.
Visitation will be at the Lee home on Thursday, Feb. 1 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Izona Autry
Mrs. Izona Elizabeth Autry, 73, died in Sampson Regional Medical Center on Jan. 30 (2001). 
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Royal-Hall Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Greg Day officiating. Burial will follow in the Clinton Cemetery.
Born in 1927, Mrs. Autry was the daughter of the late Leon and Nellie Elizabeth Barrineaw Terry. She was a member of the Faith Harbor Methodist Church of Surf City and a homemaker.
She is survived by her husband, Chevis Autry of Fayetteville; two sisters, Daisy Hudson of Clinton and Murtice Evans of Charleston, SC; one brother, Red Corbitt of San Antonio, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends tonight (Wednesday) from 7 – 9 p.m. at Royal-Hall Funeral Home and other times at the home of her nephew, Mike Hudson, 577 Rowan Road in Clinton.

JOYCE KATHLEEN BROWN 
Joyce Kathleen Brown of Hampstead, NC died Tuesday, June 5 (2001), at North Carolina Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC.
She was born in Wilmington, NC on November 2, 1946 the daughter of Mrs. Mary Larson Gifford of Wilmington and the late Bruce Gifford. Mrs. Brown was a member of Providence Baptist Church and a member of the New Hanover County Cancer Support Group.
Surviving in addition to her mother are her husband of 37 years, James Brown of the home; two daughters, Tonya B. English and her husband, David of Hampstead, Glyndal B. Britt and husband, J Ruffin, Jr. of Holly Ridge, NC; a son James A. Brown, Jr. and wife Stephanie of Hampstead; six grandchildren, Hillary, Andrew, Jordan, Brian, Samantha and Corey; two sisters, Eloise Heath, husband Roy, and Crystal Sargent both of Wilmington; a brother, George Gifford and wife, Connie of Leland, NC; two brother-in-laws Charles A. Brown and wife, Joyce of Willard, NC Danny Brown and wife, Jeanette of Fayetteville, NC; several nieces and nephews.  Joyce was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and most of all a friend to all that knew her; she will live on in the hearts that knew her.
Funeral services were held June 9, at the Providence Baptist Church by Dr. Al Martin. Interment followed at Riverview Cemetery, Wallace, NC.
II Samuel 19-7: Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the Lord, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.  

CLARK COUNCILL 
Clark Southerland Councill, 62, of North Topsail Beach, died Thursday, June 7 (2001). He was born on May 30, 1939 in Mount Olive.
Councill was the son of the late Charles B. and Mildred S. Councill. He served in the United States Air Force. He received a double major in journalism/government from Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas. He served an illustrious career as a sports information officer at Wharton County Junior College in Wharton, Texas. He served as public information officer for the city of Corpus Christi; as public relations manager at Brown & Root, incorporated in Houston; as public information officer at Coastal Carolina Community College; and he was most recently employed at the Jacksonville Daily News until the time of his death.
He is survived by his wife, Lolly Councill of North Topsail Beach; two children, Cathy Councill Butler of Alpharetta, GA, and Clark Southerland Councill Jr. of the Philippines; three grandsons, Jonathan Clark Butler and Cameron Councill Butler, both of Alpharetta, and Charles Councill of the Philippines; and a granddaughter, Rachel Laura Butler of Alpharetta, who will dearly miss her “Mister.”
A private family service will be held at a later date. The family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or The Zimmer Cancer Center in Wilmington.

Dr. Robert Walter Hooker 
Dr. Robert Walter Hooker, of 456 Creekview Drive, Hampstead, NC died Sunday, June 10, 2001 at his residence.  He was born in Jewel Ridge, VA, the son of the late Walter Clyde and Mildred Beavers Hooker.
Dr. Hooker attended University of Virginia Medical School in Charlottesville, VA. He worked with Cape Fear Hospital and New Hanover Regional Medical Center as an Emergency Room Physician for 21 years.
Surviving are his wife of fifty years, Mrs. Nita Gay Hooker of the home; two children, Robert Clyde Hooker and his wife, Jo Ellen of Duluth, GA and Deborah Littleton and husband, Glynn of Hampstead, NC; two grandchildren, Margaret Brynne Hooker and Elizabeth Erin Hooker.
Memorial services will be held at a later date in Richlands, VA.  The family will receive friends at their home from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.  Memorials may be made to  Lower Cape Fear Hospice or to the Charity of one’s choice.
Andrews Mortuary, Hampstead Chapel.

JOSEPH THOMPSON
Joseph Franklin Thompson, 49, of Hampstead died July 28 (2001) at Hospice Care Center of Wilmington.  A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Blake’s Chapel Advent Christian Church with the Rev. Edward Dowd officiating.  He is survived by wife, Pat A. Thompson; five daughters, Tammy L. Rathbun of Fyffe, Ala., Candice Beth Wuske, Rebecca Thompson, Kylie B. Thompson, and Leah G. Thompson, all of Hampstead; a son, Joseph Lucas Thompson of Hampstead; his mother, Ann Thompson, of Hampstead; three sisters, Patricia Morton, Frances Webb and Roberta Lanier, all of Hampstead; seven grandchildren.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 725 Wellington Ave., Wilmington, N.C. 28401.  Arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Holly Ridge.

Bonnie Bowman Kelley
Bonnie Bowman Kelley of Hampstead, died Oct. 10 (2001), at New Hanover Regional Medical Center from a motor vehicle accident.  She was born Sept. 13, 1944 in Hartford, Connecticut and was the daughter of the late Donald and Helen Bowman of Coventry, Connecticut.  Bonnie was a member of the Belvedere Ladies Golf Association, an active member of the Hampstead Art League and a long time Mary Kay Sales Director.  Surviving are her husband, Oran Allen Kelley of Hampstead; three daughters, Stephanie A. Foster, husband Joseph and granddaughter Veronica, of Groton, CT, Trisha K. Feus, husband Erik, and grandson Evan of Rochester, NY and Carissa C. Kelley of North Topsail Beach; siblings, Donna Bonomo of Arizona, Carol Murphy of Florida and Gregory Bowman of Colorado.  Bonnie will be greatly missed by family and friends; she was always there to make us feel good about who we are and that there was always someone watching over us. In this time of great tragedy we must be reminded that she is now the true angel we knew she always was. We will love and miss you very much.
A memorial service was held at Andrews Hampstead Chapel, 11750 Highway 17 N on Oct. 13.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society.  The family would like to extend our greatest thanks to all that have been supportive. God bless.

Doris Henderson
Doris Walton Henderson, 82, of the Folkstone community, died Oct.13 (2001) at her home.
Funeral services were held Oct. 16 at the Folkstone Free Will Baptist Church with the Rev. Ronnie Parker and Rudy Shepard officiating. Burial will follow at the Turkey Creek Cemetery.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Lee Henderson.  She is survived by her daughter, Helen Henderson Bowing of Sneads Ferry; three sons, Ernie Henderson, Larry R. Henderson and Raymond M. Henderson, all of Sneads Ferry and Alice Teft of De Leon Springs, Fla.  Memorials will be made to the Folkstone Free Will Baptist Church, 537 Turkey Point Road, Sneads Ferry, N.C. 28460.

Robert I. Osrowitz
Robert I. Osrowitz, 70, of Hampstead, died Oct. 10 (2001), at Cape Fear Memorial Hospital.  Mr. Osrowitz was born in Newark, N.J., Feb. 18, 1931, the son of the late Myron and Sarah Smith Osrowitz.  Bob was a veteran of the Korean conflict, was the former owner of Grand Finales, a wholesale bakery and prior to that he was a Management Consultant in the Northeast.  Survivors include his wife Alane Valenstein Osrowitz of the home; a son, Michael Osrowitz and his wife Deanna of New Egypt, N.J.; his daughter, Susan Torregrossa and her husband, Andrew of Rye, N.Y. and four grandchildren, Ben and David Osrowitz and Alyssa and Stephen Torregrossa.
Memorial services were held Oct. 14, at the residence by Rabbi Robert Waxman.  A service of Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Service, Oleander Chapel, 791-4444.

ALTON NORRIS, SR
On Sunday, Oct. 14 (2001), our daddy, Alton James Norris, Jr., 73, of Sneads Ferry, went to be with the Lord, Jesus Christ.  Alton was the husband of the late Mary Lillie Foster Norris and the son of the late Oscar and Alma Norris.  Alton is survived by his children, Wayne Foster Sr. (Connie) of Wilmington, Alton Norris Jr. (Debbie) of Sneads Ferry and Rosella Knippers (Dale) of Charlotte.  He is also survived by his sister, Ruby Midgett (Jimmie) of Sneads Ferry; brother, Carlton Norris (Judy) of Wilmington; and was preceded in death by his brother, Lloyd Norris of Sneads Ferry.  Granddaddy is also survived by his greatest joys, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) Oct. 17 at Jones Funeral Home in Holly Ridge with the Rev. John Norris officiating.  Internment will be held at Fulcher Family Cemetery in Sneads Ferry.  Pallbearers will be Timmie Millis, Frank Redd, Donnie Millis, Bill Millis, Robert Mattocks and Billy Thompson.

Franklin Edward Ricks, Jr.
Franklin Edward Ricks, Jr. of Topsail Beach died Wednesday, Nov 7, 2001 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.  He was born Nov. 2, 1932 in Wilmington, N.C., son of the late Franklin Edwards Ricks Sr. and Eleanor Horne Ricks Willis; and the late Jesse W. Willis.
Mr. Ricks was a veteran having served in the U.S Air Force. He retired after serving 20 years as the Public Works Director for the Town of Topsail Beach. He was also co-manager of the Sea Vista Motel for 17 years.
Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Frances M. Ricks of the home; his children, Jeff Ricks and wife LuAnn of Watts Landing Road, Janice Noble and husband Roger of Kinston, Julie Rogers of the home, Jay Ricks and wife Donna of Surf City, and Jody Ricks of Watts Landing Road; his grandchildren, Melissa and Jesse Ricks, Beth Noble Herring, Jason Noble, Nicholas and Jennifer Rogers, Timmy Edens, and Elisha Ricks; one great granddaughter, Tonya Herring; two sisters, Sherry Dudley of Chesapeake, VA and Susan Newton of Hampstead; one brother, Reggie Ricks of Charleston, SC; a step-brother, Terry Willis of Wilmington; and several nieces and nephews.

Theodore "Ted" Saros
And
Isabelle M. Saros
A private memorial service for the grandparents of Kristina M. Bland will be held on the beach in front of her home on S. Shore Dr., Surf City, N.C. on Friday, Nov. 23, 2001 at 3 p.m.
Theodore Saros, 84, formerly of Durham, died at Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, VA on Nov. 5, 2001. He recently moved to Alexandria, VA and lived with his daughter, Mrs. Bill (Diane) Bland. Mr. Saros was a veteran a World War II, having served in the U.S. Army, as a 1st Lt. In the signal Corp in the Pacific Theater. He was born in New Jersey on Dec. 16, 1916. Prior to coming to Duke University, he was Editor in Chief, College Division of Van Nostrand, Reinholt Publishers in Princeton, N.J. He retired as the associate director of the Duke University Press in Durham, N.C.
Isabelle M. Saros, formerly of Durham, died May 23, 2000 at her home on Monticello Ave, in Durham, N.C. Mrs, Saros was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Jan. 27, 1919 and graduated from the New Jersey City Medical Center with a degree in nursing. She served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in the European Theater during World War II. She was a volunteer at Oncology Recreation Center at Duke Medical Center for many years.
Surviving is one daughter Diane S. Bland and her husband William (Bill) G. Bland of Alexandra, VA; two granddaughters, Kristina N. Bland of Surf City and Karen R. Bland of the home.
Isabelle had one brother, Col. Manis D. Murtha of Boise, Idaho. Theodore had one surviving brother in NJ. He had numerous nieces and nephews surviving him.
American flags will be presented for both veterans of World War II. As they requested, their combined ashes will be spread in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean as taps is being played. Their daughter, Diane met her husband, Bill Bland, on the beach at this location in 1971.

Woodie L. Batts
Woodie L. Batts of Hampstead died Sunday, Nov. 18, 2001 at Woodbury Wellness Center.  He was born in Hampstead on Aug. 18, 1918, the son of the late William Thomas Batts and Mollie Sanders Batts. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Francis and Waymoth Batts and a sister Elma Hudson.
Woodie was a life long resident of Hampstead and was a member of Barlow Vista Church. He was a retired farmer and was a veteran of the US Army serving during World War II.  Surviving are his brothers and sisters; Berniece Walton of Wilmington, Namon Batts and wife Eliose of Hampstead, Sabra Shepard of Hampstead, Mazie Foister and husband Ernest of Wilmington, Wayne Batts and wife Barbara of Hampstead and Elizabeth Edens of Scotts Hill; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2001 at the Batts Family Cemetary  Memorials may be made to Barlow Vista Baptist Church, 22340 US Highway 17 N, Hampstead, NC.

Herman Nelson
Herman Nelson, 85, of Holly Ridge, died Nov. 23 (2001) at the Meadows of Holly Ridge. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. today at Manhollow Baptist Church in Hampstead. Burial will follow in the Edgecombe Community Cemetery.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry A. Nelson and Lila Batts Bragg.
Survivors include one sister; Ethel Hardison of Hampstead; a daughter; Deidre Gregory of Newark, N.J.; and two grandchildren.  Visitation was held Tuesday at Dunn Funeral Home in Burgaw. The family is receiving visitors at the home of Jeanette and Edward Mitchell, 155 Manhollow Church Road in Hampstead.

Britt Welch 
Mrs. Britt Wood Hager Welch of Shelby, NC died Friday, Oct. 11 (2002) at Cleveland Reg. Medical Center. 
Mrs. Welch was born in Pennimon, VA. She was a retail sales associate, Belk Department Store, in Charlotte. A Charter Member of Topsail Baptist Church, in Hampstead. 
She is preceded in death by her parents; Lloyd H. and Emma G. Dills Wood, her first husband, Marvin R. Hager, and her second husband, Lloyd Excel Welch; and a sister, Georgia Green 
Surviving Mrs. Welch are one son Loyd Gregory Hager and wife Sybile on Conover. One daughter Vicky H. Turner and husband Joe E. Sr. or Lawndale; and one step daughter, Nancy H. Boggs and husband Kennth of Fallston. One brother Billy B. Wood and wife Loraine of Franklin, NC; one sister Geneva J. Boyd of Flat Rock, NC; also 5 grandchildren, Brian and Leslie Hager, Joe Turner Jr., Sandy Turner, and Cynthisa Hord, and five great grandchildren. 
The funeral was held Monday, Oct. 14 at 3 p.m. at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at Concord U.M.C. Cenetery, Bessemer City. Visitation was from 2 until 3. Family will receive friends at the home of Joe and Vicky Turner, 132 Rustic Road, Lawndale. Memorials may be made to Topsail Baptist Church, in Hampstead NC. 

Betsy Justice 
Betsy Jones Justice, 74, died Feb. 7 (2003) at Two Rivers Nursing Home. 
The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Salem Baptist Church with the Rev. Sandy Bain officiating. Burial will be in Onslow Memorial Park. 
She was a teacher retired from Dixon High School and the Onslow County school system after 20 years of service. 
She was preceded in death by her husband, Thurman F. Justice; and parents, John and Minnie Jones. 
Survivors include two daughters, Jeannie Justice of Cary and Patricia “Pattie” Peterson of New Bern; a sister, Jean Maykuth of Ocean Beach; and two grandchildren. 
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 tonight at Johnson Funeral Home in Jacksonville. There will be a reception at 428 Peru Road from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday before the service.