George Wayne Dudley

George Wayne Dudley age 82, of Whiteville, NC died Saturday, February 1, 2025 in Duke Medical Center, Durham, NC.  Born in Columbus County he was the son of the late George Edward Dudley and Marble Marie Simmons Dudley.

George served in the United States Marine Corps from 1961 to 1965. After an honorable discharge from the Marines, he began his law enforcement career by joining the Whiteville Police department. He continued his career with the Columbus County Police, followed by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Department. He was the first law enforcement officer from Columbus County to train at the F.B.I. Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Throughout his career he served in various roles, such as, patrolman, detective, and information technology. His law enforcement career spanned a total of 37 years. He and his brother, Gene, established an electrical business, Dudley Brothers, Inc., which was in operation for more than 30 years. George also served as the secretary / treasurer of Beaverdam Original Free Will Baptist Church for more than 40 years. Additionally, he served many years as a deacon at Beaverdam and approximately 20 years as chairman of the deacon board.

He is survived by his wife, of 63 years, Mary Louise Graham Dudley of the home, one daughter, Anita Dudley Harrelson and husband William of Whiteville, NC, one brother, Gerald Reid Dudley and wife Cindy of Chadbourn, NC, one sister, Barbara Dudley Alexander of Durham, NC, daughter in law, Peggy Sue Dudley of Chadbourn, NC, sister-in-law Juanita Sellers Dudley.

Three grandchildren, Daniel Wayne Dudley and wife Allison of Garner, NC, Nathan Carl Dudley and wife Meagan of Lake Waccamaw, NC, Jenna Louise Harrelson of Whiteville, NC. Two great-grandchildren, Phillip Wayne Dudley and Oliver Graham Dudley both of Garner, NC.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Darryl Wayne Dudley, two brothers, Harold Gene Dudley and Terry Delane Dudley.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 3, 2025 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm in Inman Ward Funeral Home & Crematory, Tabor City, NC.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 2:00pm in the Beaverdam Original Freewill Baptist Church with burial to follow in the McPherson Cemetery, Chadbourn, NC.

A service of Inman Ward Funeral Home & Crematory.

Phyllis (Crayton) Anderson

Phyllis Crayton Anderson, age 78, of Whiteville, NC, died Thursday, February 6, 2025 in Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, Whiteville, NC.

Services are incomplete and will be announced later by Inman Ward Funeral Home & Crematory of Tabor City.

A service of Inman Ward Funeral Home & Crematory.

Cynthia “Cindy” (Lewis) Spivey

Cynthia “Cindy” Lewis Spivey age 57, of Tabor City, NC died Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in her home.

Born in Jacksonville, FL, she was the daughter of the late Johnny Lewis & Helen Irene Rigdon Soles.

She is survived by her husband, Alan Spivey of Tabor City, NC, one step son, David Spivey and wife Sharon of Chadbourn, NC, two step grandchildren, Skyla Mayo husband Chris of Whiteville, NC, Gracie Miller and husband Ashton of Clarendon, NC, two great grandchildren, Elliana Mayo and Rhett Miller, two brothers, Steve Lewis and wife Abby of Asheboro, NC, Gregory Lewis of Kissimmee, FL.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Mitchell Lewis.

Visitation will be held Friday February 7, 2025, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm in the Inman Ward Funeral Home Chapel.

There will be no other services at this time.

A service of Inman Ward Funeral Home & Crematory of Tabor City.

Mary Lou (Nobles) Godwin

Mary Lou Nobles Godwin age 68, of Clarendon, NC, died Tuesday, February 4, 20259 in Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington, NC, due to injuries from an automobile accident.

Born in Columbus County, NC, she was the daughter of the late James Nobles and Josephine Nealy Nobles.

She is survived by her husband, Dennie Dean Godwin of the home, one daughter, Tamyka Lynn Batten and husband Delane of Cerro Gordo, NC, one son, Robby Dean Godwin and wife Elizabeth of Clarendon, NC, two sisters, Linda Nobles Perritt of Tabor City, NC, Beth Ann Buffkin of Tabor City, NC, four grandchildren, Nathaniel Lane Batten, Jacoby Andrew Batten, Allison Grace Godwin, Molly Rae Godwin.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, James Howard Nobles and Joseph Devon Nobles, two sisters, Joyce Tyler and Martha Nobles Spivey.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 7, 2025 at 3:00pm in the Inman Ward Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Forest Lawn Cemetery, Tabor City, NC.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel.

A service of Inman Ward Funeral Home & Crematory of Tabor City.

John “Jimmy” Gary McMillan, Jr.

John Gary “Jimmy” McMillan, Jr., age 83 of Tabor City, NC, died Thursday, January 30, 2025 in Elizabethtown Healthcare and Rehab Center.  Born September 15, 1941 in Columbus County, NC, he was the son of the late John Gary McMillan, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Spivey McMillan-Bruton.

He is survived by two sons, Rev. John Gary McMillan, III (Faye) of Garland, NC, Roger McMillan (Wendy) of Clarendon, NC; one daughter, Tammy Demattio (Dean) of North Myrtle Beach, SC; five grandchildren, Jonathan McMillan, Kristen Robinson, Tiffany Huggins, Matthew Huggins, and Frankee-Dayle Hardee; and fifteen great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Mark McMillan and his stepfather, William (Bill) Bruton.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 3:00 PM in the Inman Ward Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Forest Lawn Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM prior to the service in the chapel.

A service of Inman Ward Funeral Home & Crematory.

Phyllis (Crayton) Anderson

Robert Carl Johnson  age 77, of Tabor City, NC died Thursday, January 30, 2025 in Columbus Regional Healthcare Systems, Whiteville, NC.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria Vanhoy Johnson of the home and two sons, David and Bo Johnson both of Florida, one step son, Jon Vanhoy of Winston Salem, NC, and several grandchildren. 

No services will be held at this time. 

A service of Inman Ward Funeral Home & Crematory of Tabor City. 

John “Ted” Russ

John Edward “Ted” Russ November 21, 1927 – February 2, 2025

John Edward “Ted” Russ, a beloved teacher, coach, and pioneering athlete, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025, at the age of 97. Born on November 21, 1927, Ted’s life was marked by a profound dedication to baseball, education, and the betterment of his community.

Ted’s passion for baseball began early. At just 16 years old, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Athletics and began his professional career, playing all across the Carolina League. He gained valuable experience playing in Martinsville, Tennessee, alongside notable players, including the legendary Muscle Shoals, under the mentorship of Hall of Famer Heinie Manush. His early career in the Carolina League established him as a talented and determined athlete.

In the 1950s, Ted played for the renowned House of David barnstorming team, which promoted the integration of baseball by competing against Negro League teams. He took immense pride in contributing to these efforts, fostering mutual respect and understanding through the sport.

During the Korean War, Ted was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served his country with honor. Recognizing his leadership and baseball acumen, the Army appointed him as a player-coach for its baseball team during his two-year service.

Ted’s contributions to baseball and coaching were further recognized when he was inducted into the Nebraska Wesleyan University Hall of Fame. It was at Nebraska Wesleyan where he met the love of his life, Phyllis. Together, they shared a beautiful marriage spanning 69 years, raising three children—Kriste, Ritchie, and Todd.

Ted often reminisced about his experiences playing against Negro League legends. He cherished his friendship with Buck O’Neil and fondly recounted the time he secured a hit off the legendary pitcher Satchel Paige—moments that highlighted his esteemed baseball career.

Beyond the baseball diamond, Ted found his greatest sense of fulfillment as an educator and coach. He dedicated over 30 years to teaching and coaching, building character, discipline, and excellence in countless students and athletes. His commitment to these values left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of learning from him. In his retirement, Ted enjoyed golfing and fishing, two of his favorite pastimes.

Ted is succeeded by his three children, seven grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. A memorial service to honor Ted’s life and legacy will be held on February 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Peacock Funeral Home in Whiteville, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the Todd Russ Scholarship Fund.

Carol Shuman

Carol Irene Hayden Shuman of Whiteville passed away February 5, 2025. She was born to the late Albert Hayden and Olga Ramsey Hayden.

She is survived by her husband, Lindy Harold Shuman; sons, Marty L. Shuman (Lori), Michael L. Shuman (Kathy); daughter, Amanda A. Martin (Danny); grandchildren, Wynston Shuman, Michayla Shuman, Henry Buckolz, Sarah Reynolds; great-grandchildren, Alexander Reynolds, Hugo Jackson Buckholz.

A graveside service in her honor will be held Friday February 7, 2025 at 3:00pm at Peacock’s Columbus Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be made at http://www.peacockfuneralhome.net

 

Gene Ray Creech, Jr.

Gene Ray Creech, Jr. passed away January 31, 2025. He was born to the late Gene Ray Creech, Sr. and Carleen Brabham Creech.

He is survived by his sons, Joshua Valley (Amanda) of Belville, Zachary Creech of Shallotte; sisters, Donna Creech of Supply, Pam Butler (Marty) of Whiteville; nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Karen Reagan.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Allyson Formyduval Creech; his parents; daughter, Hope Arianna Creech; sister, Amanda Jean Creech.

Online condolences may be made at http://www.peacockfuneralhome.net.

Judy (Mitchell) Young Bass

Judy Mitchell Young Bass was born July 23, 1948, to the late Vera Young and Haywood Mitchell.  She departed this life at 1:08 pm, on January 29, 2025, at her home in Roseboro, North Carolina.

Judy Mitchell Young Bass, a woman of unwavering faith, love, and selflessness, went to be home with her Lord and Savior on January 29, 2025. Her legacy of kindness, service, and dedication will live on through the many lives she touched.

Judy leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory: Three Daughters: Pamela Young-Jacobs (Velton) of Buckhead, Betty Carmella Young of Cary, and Johnna Bass of the home. Stepdaughter: Peggy Merritt (James) of Newton Grove. Son: Roger Dale Young (Aimee) of Lillington. Special Brother-in-law: David Young (Angelique) of Clinton. Grandchildren: Coty Sutherland (Shannon) of Fuquay-Varina, Summer Jacobs of Pembroke, Dustin Sutherland of St. James, Jasmine Jacobs of Pembroke, Faith Jacobs of the home and Jonas Young of Lillington.

Great-grandchildren: Liam, Oliver, Jameson, and Josephine Sutherland of Fuquay-Varina. One brother Earlon Ray Mitchell (Wanda) of Council. She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, husbands, Jimmy L. Young and Johnny Bass; her grandsons, Alex Dakota Sutherland and Kristian Dale Young; and her stepdaughters, Lena Bass and Lorita McAllister.

Judy attended Hickory Hill School and Waccamaw Indian School graduating in 1966. Judy was a woman of strong faith whose love for family and community was the cornerstone of her life. She found joy in gathering with loved ones, sharing meals, and creating cherished memories. Her kindness, generosity, and humility were evident in all that she did, always placing the needs of others before her own. She was a lifelong advocate for her tribal community, Judy played a pivotal role in the early establishment of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe, working alongside her dear friend, Chief Priscilla Jacobs. Their dedication led to the tribe securing its first official office, a milestone in preserving and strengthening their heritage.
She contributed to the founding of the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs, working alongside its first Executive Director, Mr. Earlie Maynor, to advocate for Native communities. Her service included Talent Search Coordinator and Commission of Indian Affairs Advisor, helping to uplift and empower Indigenous people across the state. Her passion for education led her into the public school system, becoming a migrant education teacher at Booker T. Washington School, Clarkton, where she made a lasting impact on countless students.

Later, she and husband, Jimmy, founded JL Young Enterprises, a company that provided jobs for many in the tribal community while mentoring others in starting their own businesses until his death. She remarried and embraced a new journey in the farming industry with her husband, Johnny, continuing their shared commitment to hard work and community service. She built a special pantry where she canned the many vegetables from her garden feeding countless members of her church and local community. In her later years, Judy devoted herself to her family, church, and community. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 91 where she found peace and encouragement. She attended Holly Grove Holiness Church, Clinton NC and events with her daughters at New Hope Baptist Church. 

She was known for her tireless work ethic, quiet strength, and ability to bring people together. Though she never sought recognition, she was the recipient of numerous community service and small business awards, honoring her dedication to helping others succeed. Her home was a place of love and refuge, where she took in and cared for numerous family members as her own, demonstrating the true meaning of selflessness

 A master gardener and landscaper, she had an incredible gift for bringing beauty and life to even the most withered plants—just as she did with the people around her. Judy will be dearly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

Her funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 pm on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at New Hope Baptist Church by Rev. Zachary Jacobs and Rev. Howard Jacobs.  Burial will be in St. James at family cemetery.

The family will receive friends at 2:00 pm on Sunday before the service.

Online condolences may be made at http://www.peacockfuneralhome.net

 

Fred Mason, Jr.

Fred Mason, Jr., 60, of 53 Hunt Road, Whiteville, NC, died Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Columbus Regional Healthcare System.

He was a member of Fair Bluff Fire & Rescue Department.

Arrangements will be announced by Peoples Funeral Home of Whiteville.

Carrie Mae (Powell) Blackwell

Carrie Powell Blackwell, 86, of the Cedar Grove Community of Cerro Gordo, gained her golden wings on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Carrie was born on August 24, 1938, daughter of the late Clarence Wright Powell and China Strickland Powell.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Blackwell and son in law, Johnnie Garrell. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Stoney Joe Powell, Wilbur T. Powell, and Walton Gordon “Dock” Powell; and her sisters, Fannie P. Blackwell and Exlee P. Norris.

Carrie worked for 36 years at Ithica Textiles where she served as the plant manager, retiring in 1995.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Cedar Grove Baptist Church with Pastor Jeff Stocks officiating. The burial will follow in the Chadbourn Memorial Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 1:00-1:45 p.m. prior to the service on Saturday, at the church.

Carrie leaves behind her daughter, Jackie Blackwell Garrell; a granddaughter, JoLynn Garrell Holley and her husband, Kaylib, of Cerro Gordo; Granny to her belved forever remember great-grand  girls, KayLynn Mae Holley and Jacklen Grace Holley; sister, Kitty Powell Graves of Cerro Gordo.  

“She was always the glue that held her entire family together.”

Miriam Annette (Fipps) Hutchens

Miriam Annette Fipps Hutchens, 87, of Sunset Beach and formerly of Chadbourn, died on Monday, February 3, 2025 in Florence, SC.

Miriam was born on July 26, 1937, daughter of the late Ottis Tillman Fipps and Cordelia Shannon Fipps. She was also preceded in death by her former husband, Ronald K. Hedgpeth and her brother, Charles D. Fipps.

Graveside services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the Fipps Cemetery (2751 Joe Brown Hwy S. Chadbourn).

The surviving family includes one daughter, Rhonda Lynn Hedgpeth of Ocean Isle Beach; siblings, Nancy Carol Duncan (Arvell, Deceased), Brenda Joyce Crain (Larry) of Camden, SC, Frieda Hayes (Roy Lee) of Whiteville.

Rex Lane Cribb

Rex Lane Cribb, 66, of Burgaw, and formerly of Chadbourn, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025, in the Novant-New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Rex was born on January 8, 1959, son of the late Johnnie Liston Cribb and Jennie Lee Cribb. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Mildred McLaughlin.

Services will be held at a later time.

The surviving family includes four siblings, Roger Cribb of Wallace, Horace Ray Cribb of Wallace, Johnny Larue Cribb of Wilmington and Jennie Marie Munka of Myrtle Beach, SC.

Joann “Joan” (Porter) Hill

Jo Ann “Joan” Porter Hill age 84, of Whiteville, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

Joan was born December 10, 1940, daughter of the late Henry Albert Porter and Emma Lee Smith. She was also preceded in death by her husband, William Carl Hill in 2009, her son William Hill, and her brother, George Niles Porter.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 11:00 am Saturday, February 8, 2025, in the Worthington Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Larry Greenwood officiating. 

A time of visitation will be prior to the service from 10:00 am to 11:00 am in the chapel. 

The surviving family includes two daughters, Emily Melinda Hill Graham (Pete Ward) of Whiteville and Carla M. Hill (Charles Floyd) of Leland; two sisters, Flossie King (Robert) of Hampstead and Shelia King (Timmy) of Leland; grandchildren, Heather Chavez, Crystal Reynolds, Kelly Hill, Justin Anderson, Dean Hill and Maxine Miller; and numerous great-grandchildren. 

John Chris Andrews

John Chris Andrews, 78, formerly of Chadbourn, passed away on February 1, 2025, in Roanoke, Virginia. Johnny to most who knew him was born on September 13, 1946. He was the thirteenth child of Clara and William “Bill” Andrews of Chadbourn. John graduated from Chadbourn High School in 1964 and was later drafted into the military. He served in the Army until he was honorably discharged in July 1971. John returned to Columbus County and began attending Southeastern Community College where he began his medical career as a nurse. He was a nurse for over 27 years working in Texas, Tennessee, and finally at UNC Chapel Hill until his retirement from patient care. John retired from nursing in 2017 after spending the last few years of his career with the North Carolina prison system.

Although John had no biological children, he did gain two stepdaughters when he reintroduced himself to Wanda Collins, a former classmate and they married in March of 1994. John stepped into the role of helping support both girls. He saw them through graduations, marriages and along the way welcomed six grandchildren. He will be remembered by his grandchildren for the Bojangles runs, dancing to the record player, and being allowed to jump on the bed when they had sleep overs. When asked, they will also remember being introduced to Angie’s in Garner, North Carolina for family breakfasts. He always made sure they had fully bellies, good shoes, hats and coats and loved them unconditionally.

John was preceded in death by his mother Clara and father William Andrews, as well as his 12 siblings, Margaret Andrews, William M. Andrews Jr, Marie Andrews, Tommy Andrews, Mary Alice Nobles, Louise Blake Terry, Carl Andrews, Earl Andrews, Frank Andrews, Shelton “Snuffy” Andrews, Sam Andrews, and Eva Jewel Little. He was the last surviving child of Clara and William “Bill” Andrews. He is survived by his former wife Wanda Andrews of Garner, his stepdaughters Jennafer Farmer (Alan) of Wendell, and Heather Wray (David) of Roanoke, Virginia, as well as his six grandchildren Juliana, Jessica (Cullen Brown), Jordan (Daniel Lambert), Ethan, Claire, and Mary, along with countless nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. Special to him were Carol Blake, Melody Watson and Marty Andrews in his last years.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and Hospice for all the grace and kindness they showed in John’s final days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s memory to the DAV, Disabled American Veterans Organization. Donations can be made online at http://www.dav.org or by contacting your local DAV office.

Visitation will be held at Worthington Funeral Home in Chadbourn on Monday, February 17th at 5pm with a memorial service to follow at 6pm. A private graveside service will be held at Powell Cemetery in Fair Bluff.