section v: historical recordsjournal.nccumc.org/journal/2016/journal_sec5_2016.pdf270 the north...

Section V: Historical Records 269

Section V:

Historical Records

+ Memorial Service Bulletin

+ Memoirs

+ Roll of Deceased Members, 2008-2016

+ Historical Statement

270 The North Carolina Annual Conference – 2016 Journal

All Saints Celebration and Memorial Service with CommunionNorth Carolina Annual Conference

Thursday, June 16 2016 ! 10:00 a.m.

Prelude

Procession of Candles

Greeting

ONE: This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

MANY: This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.

Processional Hymn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . For All the Saints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UMH #711

1) For all the saints who from their labors rest, Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,

Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

2) Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;Thou Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light.

Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

3) O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,

And win with them the victor’s crown of gold.Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

4) O blest communion, fellowship divine!We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;Yet all are one in Thee for all are Thine.

Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

5) And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,

And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

6) From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,

Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

________________________________*Stand as you are able -2-


Honoring the Saints Who Have Joined the Church Triumphant

ONE: After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from

every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne andbefore the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried outwith a loud voice, saying:

MANY: Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.

ONE: Let us give thanks for these brothers and sisters in Christ to whom God has granted

rest from their labors.

CLERGY WHO HAVE DIED SINCE LAST ANNUAL CONFERENCE

William Rankin Crowder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 30, 2015

Peggy Duncan-Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 1, 2015

Edward Cornwell Elliott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 26, 2015

Sidney Earl Stafford .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 3, 2015

Thomas Given Holtsclaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 9, 2015

James Lee Hobbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 22, 2015

Lacy Verlin “Buck” Frye. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 30, 2015

David Curtis Steinmetz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 26, 2015

Wesley Gamble Brogan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 12, 2015

Robert Harry Jordan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 23, 2015

James Thomas Hinson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 6, 2016

Arthur John Wilson III. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 9, 2016

Henry Robert Warren. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 25, 2016

Eldon G. Woodcock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 28, 2016

Luis Felipe “Lucho” Reinoso. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 31, 2016

Franklin D. Daniels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 10, 2016

Elva Leroy “Bud” Morton III.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 11, 2016

Rayford Homer Methvin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 16, 2016

Lawrence Clayton Higgins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 1, 2016

Leo Clifford Thompson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 27, 2016

David Wesley Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 7, 2016

Thomas Garland Knott. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 14, 2016

Lester C. Bissette. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 28, 2016

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SPOUSES OF CLERGY WHO HAVE DIED SINCE LAST ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Kathryn Stutts Bradley Alexander. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 18, 2015

Velma Edwards Parvin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 1, 2015

Dorothy Mae Eldredge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 16, 2015

Claudia Louise McPherson Seawell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 17, 2015

Olivia Inez Stallings Owens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 17, 2015

Sherry Willis Cheezem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 19, 2015

Hazel Wiggins Norman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 29, 2015

Carolyn Simpson Brooks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 11, 2015

Frances H. Glover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 14, 2015

Loise Massey Crow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 24, 2015

Donald T. Owens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 16, 2015

Ruth Elizabeth Lewis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 28, 2015

Mildred Davis Woodley Alexander. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 7, 2016

Jaxie Carter Knowles.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 16, 2016

Claudette Jane Miller Hedrick.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 19, 2016

Alice Blanche Stewart Cline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 18, 2016

Sarah Frances Thompson Aycock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 20, 2016

Patricia Lee Lane.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 29, 2016

William Arnold Smith.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 1, 2016

Barbara Davis Warren.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 4, 2016

Emma Lou Staton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 15, 2016

Michael Barney Pilgrim.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 8, 2016

Pathenia Meads Reid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 16, 2016

Elizabeth B. Shields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 25, 2016

ONE: Almighty God, we give you thanks for these your servants whom we remember today.Grant us grace to follow them as they followed Christ.Bring us with them, to those things no eye has seen, nor ear heard, which you haveprepared for those who love you.

MANY: Give us faith to look beyond touch and sight, and seeing that we are surrounded

by so great a cloud of witnesses, enable us to run with perseverance the race thatis set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. AlmightyGod, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets arehid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, thatwe may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name. Bring us at lastto your eternal peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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Gospel Lesson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 6: 1-13

Sermon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Generous Saints.. . . . . . . . The Reverend Leonard Fairley

Song. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Table of Plenty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W&S #3173

(refrain)

Come to the feast of heaven and earth! Come to the table of plenty!

God will provide for all that we need, here at the table of plenty.

1) O come and sit at my table where saints and sinners are friends. I wait to welcome the lost and lonely to share the cup of my love. (refrain)

2) O come and eat without money; come to drink without price.My feast of gladness will feed your spirit with faith and fullness of life. (refrain)

3) My bread will ever sustain you through days of sorrow and woe.My wine will flow like a sea of gladness to flood the depths of your soul. (refrain)

4) Your fields will flower in fullness; your homes will flourish in peace.For I, the giver of home and harvest, will send my rain on the soil. (refrain)

Invitation

Prayer of Confession

Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed tobe an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we haverebelled against your love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cryof the needy. Forgive us we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ ourLord. Amen.

Assurance and Pardon

*Passing of the Peace

Offering*Offering Response. . Doxology/Be Present at Our Table, Lord. . . . . . . . . . . UMH # 95/621

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below;Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Be present at our table, Lord; be here and everywhere adored;Thy creatures bless, and grant that we may feast in paradise with thee. AMEN



The Great Thanksgiving

The Lord’s Prayer

Sharing the Bread and Cup

Songs:For the Beauty of the Earth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UMH #92

1) For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,For the love which from our birth over and around us lies;

Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

2) For the beauty of each hour of the day and of the night,Hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon, and stars of light;


3) For the joy of ear and eye, for the heart and mind's delight,For the mystic harmony, linking sense to sound and sight;


4) For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child,Friends on earth and friends above, for all gentle thoughts and mild;


5) For thy church, that evermore lifteth holy hands above,Offering up on every shore her pure sacrifice of love;


6) For thyself, best Gift Divine, to the world so freely given,For that great, great love of thine, peace on earth, and joy in heaven:


For All the Saints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FWS #2283

1) For all the saints who’ve shone your lovein how they live and where they move,

For mindful women, caring men,accept our gratitude again.

2) For all the saints who loved your name,whose faith increased the Savior’s fame,

Who sang your songs and shared your word,accept our gratitude, good Lord.

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3) For all the saints who named your will And showed the kingdom coming still

Through selfless protest, prayer, and praise,accept the gratitude we raise.

4) Bless all whose will or name or lovereflects the grace of heaven above.

Though unacclaimed by earthly powers,your life through theirs has hallowed ours.

All Who Hunger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TFWS #2126

1) All who hunger, gather gladly; holy manna is our bread.Come from wilderness and wandering, here, in truth, we will be fed.

You that yearn for days of fullness, all around us is our food.Taste and see the grace eternal.Taste and see that God is good.

2) All who hunger, never strangers; seeker, be a welcome guest.Come from restlessness and roaming, here, in joy, we keep the feast.

We that once were lost and scattered in communion’s love have stood.Taste and see the grace eternal.Taste and see that God is good.

3) All who hunger, sing together; Jesus Christ is living bread.Come from loneliness and longing, here, in peace, we have been led.

Blest are those who from this table live their lives in gratitude.Taste and see the grace eternal.Taste and see that God is good.

Prayer after Receiving

*Closing Hymn. . . . . . . . . . . . . When the Saints Go Marching In

(Families recess guided by ushers, one usher at front, one usher at rear of families. Families go to a designated spot.)

*Postlude



WORSHIP LEADERS

Presider. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bishop Hope Morgan Ward

Liturgists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Melba McCallumMrs. Jin Lee

Preacher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Reverend Leonard Fairley

Accompanist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Paul Saik

Brass Ensemble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Reverend Ralph BrownThe Reverend Steve Hickle

Cross Bearer.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Christi Quance

Crosier Bearer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. John Hall

For All the SaintsWords: William How Music: Ralph Vaughan WilliamsPublic Domain

Table of PlentyWords and Music: Daniel Schutte© 1992 Daniel SchuttePermission granted by OCP

For the Beauty of the EarthWords: Folliot S. Pierpoint Music: Conrad KocherPublic Domain

For All the SaintsWords: John Bell Music: O Waly, Waly - English melodyPermission granted by onelicense.net

All Who HungerWords: Sylvia G. Dunstan Music: William Moore © 1991 GIA PublicationsPermission granted by onelicense.net

When the Saints Go Marching InPublic Domain

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MemoirsKathryn Stutts Bradley Alexander1928-2015

“A worthy woman, who can find... .”

Kathryn Stutts Alexander, wife of the Reverend Gayle T. Alexander passed away at The Village at Brookwood, Burlington, NC, on Thursday, June 18, 2015. A native of Rockingham, NC, Kathryn was born March 21, 1928, the daughter of the late Reuben Matthew Stutts and Lillie Marks Stutts. She was survived by her loving husband of forty-one years, Reverend Gayle T. Alexander. Gayle was her constant companion and main caregiver during the last eight years.

Kathryn graduated early from Rockingham High School and began as a freshman at UNC-Greensboro (formerly Women’s College) at the age of 17 years old. However, she left college prior to graduating to marry her first husband, David Bradley Jr., and move to his hometown, Burlington, N.C. Many years later, she did go back to UNC-G and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in education. At that time, she was 30 years old and the mother of three daughters, one a newborn. She and David added two sons to the family during the next eight years. Kathryn loved learning and she loved teaching. She taught elementary education in the Burlington City School System for 30 years before retiring in 1990.

Kathryn was an active member of Front Street United Methodist Church and a former member of First Reformed UCC, in Burlington. Kathryn loved singing, listening to music and playing the piano. She insisted that the children take lessons in various musical instruments, including piano, violin and viola.Kathryn also was a wonderful writer and had poetry published.

Kathryn and her husband, Gayle Alexander, loved to travel in their motor home, attend theater and classical musical productions, political events and university lectures.

A memorial service was held at The Gathering Place at The Village at Brookwood on Monday, June 29, 2015.

One of the best gifts that she and her husband, Gayle, gave to the family every year was a wonderful holiday celebration on Christmas Eve. Kathryn would cook, bake, clean, decorate and shop for days. She and Gayle would transform their home into a magical place filled with sparkling decorations, happy Christmas music, scrumptious smells and many presents! Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends would gather for the family event to get some of the delicious food, laughter, and happiness being served at the Bradley/Alexander celebration.

Other than her husband, survivors include three daughters, Kathryn Bradley Chappell (Robert) of Madison, VA, Beth Bradley Heine (Barry) of Gibsonville, Lisa Bradley of Burlington; two sons,


David Bradley III (Nancy) of Mebane, and Mark Bradley (Terry) of Greensboro; two stepsons, Dr. Stanley Alexander (Linda) of Fort Meyers, FL, and Doug Alexander (Elizabeth) of Boston, MA; 12 grandchildren, Christopher Chappell, Andrew Chappell, Kelly Clemmons, Kim Lancaster, Tyler Cobb, Nicholas Cobb, Jillian Weatherston, Jacob Fletcher, Crystal Merritt, Jennifer Matherly, David Bradley IV, and Javin Bradley; stepgrandson, Taylor Alexander; 18 great-grandchildren; a sister, Linda Stutts Bryant (Tom) of Southern Pines, NC. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, David Bradley, Jr. and a sister, Gladys Stutts L’Huillier of Hurst, TX.

A memorial service was held at The Gathering Place at The Village at Brookwood on Monday, June 29, 2015, with the Rev. Ray Wittman.

I remember Kathryn when she was a member of my church as a gentle and caring woman, a good wife, and a committed Christian.

– William C. Simpson, Jr.

Mildred Woodley Alexander1927-2016

Mildred “Millie” Alexander, widow of Frank Alexander, passed from this life on January 7, 2016 at the Windsor House in Windsor, North Carolina. Born December 30, 1927 in Washington County she was the daughter of the late Stuart Woodley and Eva Davis Woodley. She was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin Lee Alexander; sisters, Dorothy Cerre, Mary Markley and Miriam Smith; a brother, Harold S. Woodley and daughter-in-law, Jackie Smith.

Millie was a homemaker and member of Philippi Church of Christ. She served with her husband Frank in multiple churches in the North Carolina Methodist Conference for many years. He retired in 1994 and they moved to Creswell.

A funeral service was held at Maitland Funeral Home in Creswell, January 14, 2016. Burial followed at Azalea Memorial Gardens. Thomas Biggs and Gene Waters officiated

Surviving are her sons, Lee Stuart Alexander and wife Robin of Creswell, N.C. and Edwin Smith of Kempton, Indiana; one brother, Lawrence W. “Larry” Woodley of Creswell, N.C.; and grandchildren, Chuck Smith and wife Jen and Krysta Muse.

She is not lost our dearest love,Nor has she traveled far,Just stepped inside home’s loveliest roomAnd left the door ajar.



Sarah Frances Thompson Aycock1931-2016

Sarah Frances “Fran” Aycock, was born in Robeson County, North Caroiina, January 20, 1931, the daughter of the late Leon and Mary Alice Jones Thompson. She was a resident of the Givens Estate in Asheville when she entered the Church Triumphant February 20, 2016. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Dolphus Aycock, who died in 2003.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Jones and her husband, Tyler, of Hendersonville; a son, John Charles Aycock and his wife, Pam, of Prosperity, SC; three sisters, Doris Webster of Rowland, NC, Mary Sellers of Little River, SC and Betty Jean Pallone of Marietta, GA as well as two grandchildren, John Tyler Jones and Sarah Katherine Jones, both of Hendersonville.

A memorial service was held, February 27, 2016 in the Norma F. Pulliam Chapel of Givens Estates with Reverend Ed Hillman officiating.

Wherever she went, Fran brought light and inspiration to all. She labored faithfully with her husband and in making the move to Asheville she became a true blessing to the residents of the Givens Estate.

What rejoicing in His presence,When are banished grief and painWhen the crooked ways are straightened,And the dark things shall be plain! Face to face shall I behold Him,Far beyond the starry sky;Face to face in all His gloryI shall see Him by and by!


Lester C. Bissette 1930-2016

Reverend Lester C. Bissette, was born in Bailey, North Carolina, the son of C. F. and Mamie Bissette, May 13, 1930. He passed away on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh.


A funeral services was conducted at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at the Bailey United Methodist Church, with interment following in the Bailey Town Cemetery. Dr. Michael Coppock officiated.

Lester Bissette joined the Bailey Methodist Church as a youth and was active there until he felt the call to ministry. He served in the United Methodist Church, North Carolina Conference, for forty-eight years.

He was survived by his wife, Patricia B. Bissette, his daughter, Debra Bissette Spivey and her husband, Van of Concord, his son, Robert C. Bissette and partner, Ronnie Smith of Bailey. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Allison Spivey Morrison and her husband, Craig of Ballground, Georgia, a grandson, Dustin Spivey and his wife Rebecca of Charlotte, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, C. F. Bissette and Mamie Glover Bissette; his wife of fifty years, Catherine McKeel Bissette, and all of his brothers and sisters.

Lester Bissette was a committed and caring pastor, beloved by the people he served. In his retirement he assisted in the ministry of the Bailey Church as long as his health would permit. His wise counsel and clear witness will be missed in the community he loved.

Wesley Gamble Brogan 1927-2015

Dr. Wesley Gamble Brogan passed on at his home in Greensboro, N.C on December 12, 2015 after a long illness. He was born on May 14, 1927 in Wilmington, Delaware. Wes is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy Stoltz Brogan; daughter Susan Hope (B.J.); daughter Betsy Buchanan (Buck); son Scott Brogan (Lynn); sister Mary Alice Bair; sister Sharyn Murray (Randy); 5 grandsons; and 8 great grandchildren.

Wes began his career as a minister in the NC Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1947. As a pastor in local churches, he was always interested in and concerned for children and their place in the church. His love of children led him to continue with the conference as Director of Children’s Ministries. One of his most meaningful achievements during that time was to start a resident camp for special needs children at Camp Don Lee, the Methodist camp in Arapahoe, N.C. To help him better understand the needs of these special children, he continued his education at Duke Divinity School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he received Master of Education and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. His transition from church to academia was not the end of his ministry, but a change of direction toward what God had clearly called him to do.

Wes then entered the field of higher education as a professor at Greensboro College, where he started their special education major. Following the same calling, he accepted the position of principal of McIver School in Greensboro, a public education facility for special needs children. In 1979, he joined the faculty of Elon University as chairman of the Department of Education and later retired


from there as an Associate Academic Dean. Upon his retirement, the university established the W.G. Brogan Honorary Education Scholarship which continues to award financial assistance to students training to educate children.

Wes enjoyed working with children directly or teaching teachers of children, whether in the church or in secular settings. As NC Conference Director of Children’s Ministries, he taught in churches and conferences throughout and beyond the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. He especially enjoyed teaching laboratory classes at Lake Junaluska. He dedicated his life to shaping, forming, and instilling Christian values not only in his own three children, but in the children of others – especially in those children whom others might label as deficient.

In the eulogy he gave at Wes’ funeral service, Dr. Thomas Gibson said: “. . . This man poured his life into the next generation because he recognized their promise and their place in the kingdom of God in the same way Jesus did. Wes Brogan had a deep heart for God and a deep heart for children; and when they intersected, the kingdom of God came alive. He always had a pastor’s and a teacher’s heart for love, for life, for hope, and for joy. . . . And to such the kingdom of God has come.”

Wes Brogan – a life well-lived.

Carolyn Simpson Brooks 1934-2015

Carolyn Simpson Brooks was born in Onslow County, North Carolina, the daughter of Jeanne P. and Lester Gould Simpson, December 17, 1934. She entered the Church Triumphant October 11, 2015, following a valiant batle with cancer. Carolyn was the wife of the Reverend Rex E. Brooks.

Carolyn left Jacksonville to attend Peace College in Raleigh. After she and Rex were married, she announced that she wanted to become a nurse. She excelled in her clinical studies and was a hatural for this profession because of her genuine love of people and the sense of caring and compassion she exhibited to all. She received her R.N. cap in 1985 and settled into the work of a hospice nurse.

As Rex itinerated in his ministry, she found emloyment wherever he was appointred. Somehow in the midst of their life together and her career she managed to have four sons, David Wesley, Michael Mitchell, Barry Eugene and Chris. Barrett or “Barry” predeceased her.

Her family was her life. In addition to her sons, she is survived by seven grandchildren. four boys and three girtls and three great grandchildren, two girls and one boy. I remember Carolyn as a charming and gracious woman who faced her illness with courage.

There is a wonderful tradition in the Orthodox Church. On Easter Eve at midnight, the lights are darkened. Only one light remains symbolizing the Light of Christ. The priest lights one solitary candle from this candle, the curtain of the altar is opened, and he steps through the doorway, the narrow but beautiful gate. Then he sings to all “Come receive the Light from the everlasting Light, and glorify Christ, who is risen from the dead.”


That is what Carolyn Brooks did on October 11, 2015. She was not afraid. As she had comforted literally thousands through the years of her work, she now knew that the Light of the World would be her constant companion through the portals of death and into the Light of Eternity.

– William C. Simpson, Jr

Sherry Willis Cheezem 1932-2015

Sherry Dawn Willis Edwards Cheezem, 83, passed away September 19, 2015, with her family at her side. Sherry was born March 29,1932, to Dola and Novella Willis in Morehead City, North Carolina. She was the middle child of four brothers, Nathaniel, George Kelly, James, and Gary. She also had a cousin, Norman, who was also like a brother. She was raised in the “Promise Land” area of Morehead City. When she was young, she was a member of Franklin Memorial Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. She graduated from Morehead City High School in 1950, and she worked in many places in Carteret County, such as the Chamber of Commerce, Carteret Craven Electric, Heritage Jewelers, Concept Marketing and the Telephone company. Sherry was married to the late John D. Edwards and raised two daughters, Melanie and Janet. She was “Nana” to four grandchildren, Stephen, Noah, Abigail and Sarah, and one great grand-child, Daphne. She was preceded in death by an infant son, John Dola. She remarried Rev. Clyde B. Cheezem and was survived by his children, Burt and Robin, and grandchildren Matt, Heather, Charity and William, and great-grandchildren Alexa and Harper.

The Family

Alice Blanche Stewart Cline 1924-2016

Alice Blanche Stewart Cline, widow of Dr. John Maxwell Cline, died on February 18, 2016 in Columbia, South Carolina. Born on December 23, 1924 in Fountain Inn, SC, she was the daughter of the late Wayne Dial Stewart and Lydie Curry Stewart and sister to Marvin, Rhett, Doug and Lila Stewart Swain.

At age fifteen she moved to Chapel Hill, NC to live with her Aunt Blanche Stewart Mattox and to attend classes at UNC. While there she worked for the UNC Treasurer’s office in the Old South building.

Alice’s formal studies at UNC were interrupted in 1952, when she married John Cline. For the next forty years, Alice embraced her role as wife of a Methodist minister, actively participated


in ministry at churches across North Carolina. She was known for her leadership and participation in the United Methodist Women, church choir, youth program, Sunday school and mission outreach. She was a member and office holder in the Raleigh Optimist Club; and, she was also a member of the Raleigh Women’s Club where she sang in a small ensemble.

Alice worked for many years as a Committee Clerk in the North Carolina General Assembly. At the age of sixty-five, Alice returned to UNC to finish her degree in Political Science, sharing a class with Michael Jordan. In retirement, Alice and John traveled the world, including seven trips to the Holy Land. She was full of spunk and love.

Alice leaves behind daughter, Linda Cline Steadman and husband, Wallace, of Irmo, South Carolina; grandchildren, John Steadman, (Lauren), and Anderson Steadman, all of Columbia, and David Steadman of Charleston. Alice also leaves a son, John M. Cline, Jr., (Cam); grandchildren, John M. Cline, III and Sarah Ann Cline of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She was also survived by a brother, Doug Stewart of Fountain Inn, South Carolina.

A memorial service for Alice was held at New Harmony Presbyterian Church in Fountain Inn, South Carolina February 21, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Alice will be remembered for her charm, her wit, her devotion to the ministry of Christ and her selfless service. She was full of life and life for all of us was fuller because of her presence. In the words from Proverbs 31, Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above jewels. The heart of her husband safely trusts in her.. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She rises also while it is yet night, and gives food to her household, She stretches out her hand to the poor; yea, she reaches forth her hands to the needy. She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness. Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all.


William Rankin Crowder1919-2015

The Rev. William R. (Bill) Crowder was born, the son of Robert W. and Eva A. Crowder, on January 9, 1919 in Greensboro, North Carolina. He died peacefully on May 30, 2015, at Friends Home in Greensboro. Over a fifty-year span, he served hundreds of people in nineteen churches. His love of the God and Jesus’ challenge to love one another as he loves us was always his main motivation. This was a consistent tenant of his faith and was offered to everyone he met with no reservations.


In grade school, he started preaching to any of his classmates who would listen. After high school he worked for a period in one of the knitting mills in Greensboro. Then the call came to him that needed to be followed, the call to the ministry. His education was ecumenical. When Mars Hill College was still a junior college, he lived with Dr. and Mrs. Sams. Dr. Sams was a professor and invalid. Bill looked after him in return for his room and board which made it possible to earn a degree at a Baptist college. From there, it was on to Guilford College, a Quaker school, and then to Duke Divinity School. While there he helped establish a mission church in the Maybrook area of Durham, that served as a lab school for several years for the divinity school. Bill’s ministry is remembered for the personal touch he had with the members of his churches. He appealed to everyone regardless of age or temperament. A great sense of humor was one of his gifts. Once a farmer offered him a chicken if he could catch it. Catch it he did, but ripped his pants in the process. He loved this story and thought it was hilarious. In another instance, a member objected to building a new parsonage to replace an antiquated one. She said “If you don’t like where you are living, then pack your things in a cracker box and move.” No offense was taken and he considered it another funny occurrence during his career. The two of them remained close friends until she died, despite their disagreements.

Bill continued the call to practice Christ’s teachings outside his churches. There was a nightwhen he offered the family station wagon for sleep to a homeless person battling alcoholaddiction. In other instances, he facilitated Social Services’ checks for families unable to dealwith handling the funds. These were not members of his congregation but that did not influencehis compassion for them and many others.

Perhaps one of Bill’s greatest traits was a gregarious nature. On a train ride to New York, he“worked” the train from one end to the other. Another time, there was a family camping trip in western North Carolina where they met another family visiting from Pennsylvania. By the end of four days there, a friendship was established that spanned 50 years.

Finally, he considered Edith Shepherd Crowder one of his greatest gifts for almost 70 years. At Friends Home, he went to Skilled Care while she was still in Independent Living. They wouldspend their days together and each night he would call her and serenade her with a song like“Let Me Call You Sweetheart.”

Bill Crowder was at peace with God and the world in May, 2016. He stated that he was ready to join the heavenly hosts and the family members that went ahead of him. He leaves his devotedwife, Edith now in her ninety-first year; his children, Bill Jr.( Joe Hoesl), Gene Wesley(Barbara), andMary Alice Grist(Richard); and, grandchildren Paul Grist( Jessica), Caroline Quaderer(Kevin),Sarah Ferrell(Paul), Christopher Crowder; aswell as a precious great-grandson, Moses Grist.

Congregations1946-1950 Vanceboro Circuit1950-1954 Dover Circuit1954-1960 Hookerton-Rainbow Circuit1960-1964 Selma-Edgerton Memorial


1964-1968 Warsaw Circuit1968-1973 Burlington-St. Paul’s1973-1986 Goldsboro-Daniels Memorial1986-1989 Graham Minister of Visitation1989-1996 Grace Church, Greensboro Minister of Visitation

The Family

Loise Massey Crow 1910-2015

Loise Massey Crow, widow of the Rev. William Addison Crow, ,passed away on October 24, 2015 at Penick Village in Southern Pines. She was born January 30, 1910, in Trinity, North Carolina, the daughter of the late Norma Culbreth Reddeck Massey and William Chester Massey. She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-one years, the Reverend William Addison Crow. She also was pre-ceded in death by her siblings William Chester Massey, Jr. and Melva Massey Hartsel; a brother-in-law, Woodrow Wilson Hartsell.

She was survived by her children William Ernest Crow ( Judy), Elizabeth Crow Childers (Wayne), and David Smith Crow ( Judy); her sisters Sarah Culbreth Massey Armstrong and Nancy Jo Massey; her grandchildren John Greenaway Humphrey (Ronnie), Elizabeth Crow Heron (Patrick), Kevin Vernon Crow, Katherine (Katie) Culbreth Crow, Fr. Thomas Guerry (Kathy), Sarah Ann Guerry (Kris), Jina Childers Long (Quincy), Todd Ivey Childers (Ivy) and a number of wonderful great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Loise grew up in Trinity, North Carolina, and graduated from Duke University in 1932. While a student there, she sang in the first service in Duke Chapel. Following graduation, she began teaching public school in Trinity, and later in Cary, North Carolina.

Her marriage in 1939, to the Reverend William Addison Crow, a minister in the North Carolina Conference, carried her with him to Okracoke and Portsmouth Islands. This was the beginning of a life-long ministry in Methodist chruches. Their ministry together continued in Grimesland, North Carolina and the eastern North Carolina communities of Richlands, Elizabethtown, Warrenton, Franklinton, Robbins, and Gibson. Retirement came in 1969, to Southern Pines.

In addition to teaching in public elementary schools in each community, she embraced the opportunities afforded a minister’s wife by involvement in church choirs, Sunday school classes,and church women’s groups.

Loise was a gardener, especially in retirement. She sewed clothes for herself and her daughter, and later for her granddaughters. Her children and their spouses were the recipients of many wonderful


cakes and hand-knitted sweaters and caps for birthdays and other holidays. She amazed her familyeach Sunday, placing a cooked meal on the table thirty minutes after the morning church service ended.

Loise showed love and concern for others wherever she lived, and will be missed greatly by all of her family and friends. A celebration of life was held on October 29, at Southern Pines United Methodist Church, Southern Pines, North Carolina, with the Reverend Tommy Sweeley officiating.

– The Family

Franklin Delano Daniels 1933-2016

The Reverend Franklin Delano Daniels, died in Fayetteville, February 10, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 3, 1933 to the late Jacob E. and Maude Daniels, in Tarboro, NC. He was named for a great President of the United States. Frank, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, served in the United States Army for twenty-four years as a Protestant Chaplain. He served in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star with V Device. During his twenty-four years of service he was awarded the Meritorious Service, Army Commendation, National Defense Medals among others. Frank Daniels was admitted to the North Carolina Conference in 1960, ordained elder in 1963, and served forty-one yeasr in the Conference. Besides his college and seminary degrees, Frank earned a master’s degree in sociology and one in marriage, family and child counseling. He was a licensed marriage and family therapist.

Frank was proud to be an alumnus of the Methodist Home for Children in Raleigh North Carolina, formerly the Methodist Orphanage. He grew up in the orphanage from 1944, until his graduation in 1953, and was proud to have over 360 brothers and sisters, whom he loved dearly.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his brothers Thomas E. Daniels and Dallas E. Daniels, and his sisters Lorrene Daniels Bedwell, Lucille Daniels Vaughan, and Virginia Daniels Keele.

Frank was survived by his loving and devoted wife, Marjorie Payne Daniels, his son William B. and his wife Cheryl D. Daniels of Raleigh, NC, his granddaughter Teva Dellabalma and her husband Jeremy Dellabalma of Wasilla, Alaska, his great-grandchildren Sydney Dellabalma and Collin Dellabalma of Wasilla, Alaska, and numerous nieces and nephews.


A Service of Death and Resurrection was celebrated, March 19, 2016 at Christ United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, NC. The service was conducted by the Reverend Dr. Gilbert Beeson. According to his wishes, inlieu of flowers family and friends were encouraged to make a contribution to the United Methodist Chldrens Home in Raleigh.

As we eulogize Frank Daniels, we are reminded of what the word eulogy means. It is actually from the Greek and means “a good word.” Frank Daniels was a good man who had a good Word to share. What greater tribute can we offer to one whom we knew and loved? Not only did he have a Good Word, but he sought to live a life shaped by that Good Word, the Word made flesh, even Jesus our Lord.

In remembering Frank and the goodness of his life, we remeber also the words of Michael Crawford’s hymn: And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings, Bear you on the breath of dawn, Make you to shine like the sun, And hold you in the palm of His Hand. The snare of the fowler will never capture you, And famine will bring you no fear; Under His Wings your refuge, His faithfulness your shield.


Dorothy Mae Eldredge 1929-2015

Dorothy Mae Sonnicksen Eldredge, wife of the Rev. Robert K. Eldredge, was born in Winnebago, Minnesota, May 23, 1929, the daughter of Luverne P. and Arzella M. Sonnicksen. Thery lived on a Minnesota farm. She entered the Church Triumphant July 16, 2015 at the Hospice House of Alamance County, Burlington, North Carolina.

“Dodie” as she was known to her friends and family met the love of her life, Bob, and they were married December 20, 1948. They enjoyed sixty-six wonderful years of married life together, spreading the word of God and traveling the world.

She graduated from McPhail School of Music and dedicated her life to making a joyful noise. She directed choir and played piano for several churches including one in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Dodie was survived by her husband, Bob Eldredge, and a sister, Donna Sonnicksen Rose of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Also surviving are her children, Tim and his wife, Michelle, of Warm Springs, Va., and Kathy, and her husband Randy McKinney of King, North Carolina. There are also eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Deane Scherer, and a daughter, Lee Ann Eldredge.


Funeral services were at Orange Chapel United Methodist Church at July 18, 2015. In looking back on her life. the words of Helen Steiner Rice come to mind. Dodie earned the peace she knows in the presence of Christ her Lord!

After the clouds, the sunshine, After the winter, the spring, After the shower, the rainbow, For life is a changeable thing. After the night, the morning, Bidding all darkness cease, After life’s cares and sorrows, The comfort and sweetness of peace.


Edward C. Elliott1928-2015

Edward was born on August 22, 1928 in Louisville, Kentucky. He was a graduate of Mars Hill College and Wake Forest University. He received Theological Degrees from Yale Divinity School and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was the pastor in Baptist Churches for fifteen years in Siler City, NC, Charleston, WV and Mattoon, IL.

He received a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1972. Thereafter, he served as the Executive Director of a United Methodist Family Service Agency in Normal, IL. He began service as the Executive Director of the Methodist Home for Children in Raleigh, NC in 1979. He later served as the Executive Director of Family Services of Wake County, now known as Triangle Family Services. Before his retirement in 1994, he served for six years as a family therapist at the Johnson County, NC Mental Health Center.

In retirement, he was a members of the Congregation at Duke Chapel in Durham, NC, served on their Congregational Council and was the Chairperson of their Nominating Committee for six years. He served as the Chairperson of the Advisory Council at the Encore Center for Lifelong Enrichment at NC State University and was the Chairperson of the Six Forks Citizens Advisory Council in Raleigh for eleven years. In 2009, he received Raleigh’s Citizen Service Award.

Edward is survived by his wife, Gay, who he married on June 4, 1953; two sons, Ralph (Mary) Elliott of Freeport, IL and Chris (Cindy) Elliott of San Diego, CA; and four grandchildren .

The Family


Lacy Verlin “Buck” Frye1931-2015

Rev. Lacy V. “Buck” Frye was born in Moore County, December 27, 1931, the son of Lacy Newton Frye and his wife, Laura Jane Smith Frye. He passed into the Church Triumpant at Biscoe, North Carolina, October 30, 2015. His early and formative years were spent at Doubs Chapel Methodist, where he lifted his voice in praise of his Savior and trusted that God had a plan for his life. Part of that plan was to serve his nation in the U.S. Air Force, where he spent twenty years.

On February 3, 1947, he married Effie Olivia Martin. They were married fifty-five years until her death April 7, 2002. To this union were born two sons and a daughter. Their eldest son, Larry Duval Frye died in 2002.

As part of God’s plan Buck Frye answered God’s call to ministry and served as a local pastor of the United Methodist Church. He was a faithful and committed pastor.

A Service of Death and Resurrection was held November 2, 2015 at Page Memorial UMC where he was a member. The Rev. Vic Hill officiated. Interment was in the Biscoe Cemetery with military honors.

And when the stream that overflows has passed, A consciousness remains upon the silent shore of memory; Images and precious thoughts that shall not be And cannot be destroyed. – Wordsworth


Frances H. Glover1929-2015

Frances Hennessee Glover was born on November 21st in Morganton, North Carolina, the daughter of Edward and Stella Hennessee. She died on October 14th, 2015, in Raleigh, NC. She married Rev. Keith Glover in 1955 in Fayetteville, where she taught in the public schools and he was Associate Minister at Hay Street Church.

Fran and Keith were married for sixty years. She was a devoted and conscientious teacher wherever they lived, also shared in ministry with Keith in local churches and on the Conference staff in Illinois, New York, and in the North Carolina Conference. Their shared ministry also included work with Wake


County Community College, the N.C. Division of Mental Health, as well as in private counseling services.

A memorial service for Fran was held at North Raleigh United Methodist Church, Rev. Eric Lindblade, Rev. Bob Wallace, and Rev. Jack Coffey participating. Interment was in Raleigh Memorial Park. Fran is survived by her husband, Rev. R. Keith Glover, of Spring Valley, California; a daughter, Teresa Rutherford and her husband, Gordon, of La Mesa, California; two granddaughters, Kelly Rutherford, and Leigh Rutherford Harns and her husband, Jeff, and one great granddaughter, Sophia Harns, all also in California.

Fran will be remembered especially for her generosity and warm-heartedness, her love for people, and her faithfulness in remembering and keeping in touch with friends on anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions. She treasured her relationship with Alpha Delta Kappa, her teachers’ sorority. She also never forgot her nurturing roots in the Baptist Church. Her faith was central in all she ever did. She read the Bible through, from Genesis to The Revelation, regularly – almost as often as she read another favorite book, Gone With The Wind.

Claudette Jane Miller Hedrick1943-2016

Claudette Jane Miller Hedrick, widow of the Rev. Lonnie Hedrick, formerly of Washington, North Carolina, passed from this life January 19, 2016 at Transitions Life Care in Raleigh.

She was born in Northampton, Pennsylvania on April 25, 1943, the daughter of the late Tilghman A. Miller and Mazie Moser Miller. Claudette was an elementary school teacher for 30 years at Warsaw Elementary School in the Duplin County School System. She was also a good bowler and golfer.

She was a member the Holly Springs United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She hosted a weekly Ladies Devotion Group as long as her health permitted. In her spare time, she loved to sew and read. On February 2, 1963, she married Lonnie D. Hedrick, who preceded her in death May 8, 2011.

Funeral services were held at First United Methodist Church, Washington, January 23, 2016 in Wesley Hall conducted by Rev. Forrest Smith. Burial followed in Oakdale Cemetery.

Claudette is survived by two sons, Greg A. Hedrick (Leigh) and their sons, Gregory, Logan and Alexander all of Arden, N.C.; Lonnie D. Hedrick, Jr., his daughter, Alicia and his son, Trevor all of Cary, N.C.; daughter, Claudine Foss (Michael) and their son, Dillon Southerland and their daughters, Christina and Katherine all of Warsaw; and three sisters, Charlotte Leindecker, Dora Wagner, and Kathleen Thomas all of Northampton, PA. In addition to her parents and her husband, Mrs. Hedrick was preceded in death by a daughter, Claudia Jane Hedrick.


As we think of Claudette’s life of love and service, we are reminded of the words of Henry Van Dyke: I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and the sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, “There she goes.” And just at the moment when someone at my side says, “There she goes”, there are other eyes watching her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, “Here she comes!”


Lawrence Clayton Higgins1953-2016

Churches/Charges ServedHarrellsville ChargeNew Hope/Woodland ChargeRiverside UMC in Elizabeth CitySt Paul’s UMC in BurlingtonFirst Church HamletTabernacle in RobbinsFirst Church Hertford

A memorial service was held at Rhems UMC in New Bern, NC with the Reverend Connie Stutts officiating. She was assisted by Rev. Keith Nanny and Rev. Tom Supplee.

He was survived by his wife; Rhonda Higgins of New Bern, NC and his daughter, Mrs. Taylor Jo Barker of Cheyenne, WY

Larry had a deep love for his family. He always enjoyed preaching the Word and was often told how much his sermon meant to individuals. He loved the pastoral ministry and the churches he served. He enjoyed hearing others stories and had a way of connecting talents with opportunities to serve. The youth were always an important concern and he strived to make sure they had ministry provided for them. He loved life and enjoyed making people laugh.

Larry often commented he was going to be the next “sit down” comic (since he was confined to a wheelchair).


James Thomas Hinson1945-2016

The Reverend James Thomas Hinson, was born August 19, 1945 in Richmond County, the son of the late Bernie Floyd and Shadie Lucine Parker Hinson. He was called home to be with Christ, his Lord and Savior, January 6, 2016.

Jim worked for Klopman Mill and Burlington Industries for many years, but continued in his free time to serve in lay ministry at Samaritan Colony and Morrison Correctional Institute Prison. As a faithful member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, he was known for his involvement in outreach ministries. In 2008, he surrendered to a call for ministry and served as pastor of St. Paul unti the time of his death.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Loyce Shaffer; and two brothers, Paul and David Hinson. Jim is survived by his wife of 15 years, Judy of Rockingham; two daughters, Jamie H. Idol (Chip) of Gainesville, Georgia, and Allison H. Goodwin ( Jonathan) of Hamlet. Also surviving was one son, Lyn Wright of Cordova, two sisters, Mary Whitley (Sammy) of Rockingham and Tossie Zeigler ( Jack) of Florence, South Carolina. Jim leaves one brother, Neil Hinson (Billy Jean) of Mullins, South Carolina, as well as a ; sister-in-law, Elaine Hinson. He had five grandchildren, Justice Dayne Goodwin, Caden James Idol, Nolan Lee Idol, Cameron Legrand Idol and Logan Carrington Idol.

Funeral services were be held January 9, 2016, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Rockingham, with a filled sanctuary. Burial followed in the church cemetery.


James Lee Hobbs1936-2015

The Revered James Lee Hobbs passed away unexpectedly at his home in Burlington, NC, on Oct. 22, 2015. He was born Feb. 9, 1936, in Clinton, NC, the son of William Edward Hobbs and Genevieve Jackson Hobbs. The youngest of three children, Jim graduated from Clinton High School and went on to attend Wake Forest University and Duke Divinity School. He served all across the North Carolina Conference for over twenty years before retiring in 1987.

It was a privilege for me to know Jim, not only a caring and effective pastor, but as a dear friend as well. He truly dedicated his life to serving others through the Word of God. He and his wife, Nell, were members of the Davis Street United Methodist Church congregation.


In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Russ Hobbs. All of us remember his devotion to her as she struggled with a difficult and debilitating disease. When she entered the Methodist Retirement Home in Durham, Jim traveled to be with her on a daily basis. How happy we were when he found another helpmate in Nell.

He also was pre-deceased by a brother, Edward Hobbs; and a sister, Leah Hobbs Henry. He was survived by his devoted wife, Nell Martin Hobbs; daughters, Katherine (Tom) Farthing of Burlington, Lynn and husband Mark Sack of Huntersville and Mary and husband Matt Martin of Hampstead; a stepdaughter-in-law, Patricia and husband Chris Betts of Asheville; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Clyde Hobbs of Dallas, Texas; seven grandchildren, Sarah and Emily Farthing, Josh and Emma Martin, Patrick Sack, Claire and Patrick Betts; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was a faithful husband, father , grandfather and caregiver, who gave unselfishly of his time, his energy and his graciousness. He enjoyed singing in the choir, walking on Topsail Beach, playing golf with his friends, going to the movies and reading good books. He was one of most gentle and kind spirits who lived his faith that I ever knew.

A celebration of his life and memorial service was held October 27, 2015, at Davis Street United Methodist Church in Burlington. Interment was in the Clinton Cemetery in Clinton, NC.


Thomas Given Holtsclaw1938-2015

The Reverend Thomas Given Holtsclaw was born October 4, 1938 in Charleston, West Virginia and passed from death to life eternal on August 9, 2015. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Cecil David and Della Burke Holtsclaw, as well as four brothers. He is survived by his teenage sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Jan Mason Holtsclaw. He is also survived by daughter, Andrea Holtsclaw Malpass (Chris) of Goldsboro, sons, Timothy Allen Holtsclaw (Gwen) of Fayetteville and Jason Thomas Holtsclaw of Asheville, grandsons Christopher Barett Malpass (Linda), John Taylor Malpass, and great-grandson Barrett Lee Malpass of Goldsboro.

At the age of 17, Tom gave his life to Jesus Christ. At the young age of 20, he experienced the call of God to full-time Christian ministry. He graduated from the University of Charleston (WV) and Duke Divinity School. Tom served churches for ten years in the West Virginia Methodist Conference, and thirty-two years in the North Carolina United Methodist Conference. He served on many conference boards and committees; among these were the Sexual Ethics Committee, the Board of Evangelism, the Board of Missions, the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, and the global committee on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns. Tom was elected a delegate to three General Conferences and to four Jurisdictional Conferences. He served as District


Superintendent in the New Bern District which was comprised of sixty-five churches. Tom truly cared for the ministers and laity in the churches, and felt that part of his responsibility was to be a “pastor to the pastors”. When Tom served as a supervising elder/mentor to young ministerial candidates in the process of ordination, he cared deeply for each one.

Tom and Jane enjoyed their opportunities to guide tours of the Holy Land, the Journeys of St. Paul in Greece, Turkey and Italy, as well as the Wesley Heritage Tours in England and Wales and were representatives to the NC Conference from Educational Opportunities.

One of Tom’s greatest loves was music. He played the piano and guitar and sang as a soloist, in duets, trios and quartets. The churches he served were blessed by his sermons, his cheerful, outgoing personality, and also the messages he delivered in song.

Tom’s enthusiastic witness was apparent to all with whom he came in contact, whether in the church, the community, or elsewhere. His life was a shining example of Christianity. Tom was awed by God’s creation and he took great pleasure in sharing his love of nature with his children and grandchildren. He left all of his family with many happy memories to cherish.

Jan Holstsclaw and Family

David Wesley Johnson1930-2016

The Reverend David Wesley Johnson was born in Greenville, South Carolina on January 20, 1930 to David Norwood and Novella Cromer Johnson. He entered the Church Triumphant April 7, 2016, while a resident of Penick Village, Southern Pines, North Carolina.

A celebration of life was held April 16, 2016 at the Southern Pines United Methodist Church with Rev. Tommy Sweeley, Rev. Charles Plowman and Rev. Charles Albright officiating. A private burial was held at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery with military honors.

He served his country in the U. S. Army,and retired Chief Warrant Officer. He also served in the South Carolina National Guard. His primary work from which he retired was with Texaco, Inc. He was a local pastor in the North Carolina Conference, serving as pastor of Cameron United Methodist Church in Cameron and as a lay minister at Southern Pines United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the North Carolina Shriners and Kiwanis. David was a loving, courteous, passionate man who made friends everywhere he went and was known for his love of animals.

He is survived by his wife, Katie Russ Johnson; children, Marvin Johnson (Ginny) of Monroe, Karen Johnson (Bobby Vaughn) of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, Sandra Birckhead (Mike) of Raleigh; sister, Betty Brummitt of Traveler’s Rest, SC; grandchildren, Kevin, Melissa, Erik and Jessie and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, David Norwood and Novella Cromer Johnson; his first wife Margie F. Johnson.


All of us who knew David would know him as one who trusted his Lord and enjoyed the life he had here on this earth. After a distinguished career, he knew God still wanted him to serve as a pastor, and he responded to that call. When we think of David, we are reminded of the words of Winston Churchill near the end of his life: Let us accept the natural order of things in which we move. Let us reconcile ourselves to the mysterious rhythm of our destinies, such as they must be in this world of space and time. Let us treasure our joys but not bewail our sorrows. The glory of light cannot exist without its shadows. Life is a whole, and good and ill must be accepted together. The journey has been enjoyable and well worth making!


Robert Harry Jordan1926-2015

The Reverend Robert Harry Jordan was born November 15, 1926 in Siler City, North Carolina, the son of Robert L. and Cara Jordan. He passed from this life December 23, 2015.

Harry graduated from Jordan-Matthews High School with high hon-ors. He then served as a radar operator in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during World War II. Harry enrolled at High Point College, from which he graduated with honors before studies at Duke Divinity School where he graduated with a B.D. degree. He was admitted to the North Carolina Conference in 1951, and served thirty-seven years before retirement in 1988.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Thomas Mark Jordan, of Apex, and a daughter, Charlotte Frances Jordan of Wilson. He is also survived by a brother, Wrenn Jordan, of Siler City.

Harry met Frances at High Point College where they fell in love, happily married for 63 years.They shared many common interest including dancing, big band music, classical music, sacred music, choral singing, the arts, literature, travel, Duke sports. Harrys biggest activity was reading mysteries and novels.

Harry pastored from 1951 to 1988 in Pembroke Methodist, SouthPort Methodist, Murfreesboro, Snow Hill, Nashville, Oxford and West Nash Wilson, NC.

He helped many individuals and couples in pastoral counseling. He was an excellent ministerial administrator and organizer. Daddy’s knowledge and perspective was broad. He was a progressive, liberal thinker somewhat ahead of his time. I am so proud of him. Daddy’s attitude in faith was deep, strong, positive, hopeful, open and true. He taught and lived by example to his family and church members. I learned so much about the grace of God ‘s acceptence, Jesus’ love and love for mankind from him. He was my rock.


We grew even closer in his last three years as we learned to live without mother and laugh about our quirky ways. We understood each other well in the sense of both having siblings with disabilities. Both daddy and mother were dedicated NAMI members and leaders.My parents really enjoyed their retirement in Wilson NC. Daddy drew their house plans and picked a beautiful corner lot. He was often seen working in the yard, enjoying the outdoors even through his 80s. Mother got lots of gratification from designing and decorating the interior of their home having always lived together in parsonages. Mark would come and play his beautiful piano for them.My father was a kind gentleman. All of my friends through the years adored, respected and admired him. He was a very special and unusual individual, a loving husband, father, brother, son and friend.No words can describe the unconditional love, nuturing and thoughtfulness I received from him.Two of my best simple memories were of our family vacations having fun swimming at the shore and going along with my father to a small second church in the country as a little girl where we sang my favorite songs from the Cokesbury hymnal.

I could go on and on about how smart Daddy was... What mattered the most was the sincere heart and soul I knew, now gone to be with his heavenly father in the kingdom of God. He looked so for-ward to and deeply believed in eternal life.

I was blessed that Daddy had his wish and died with no illness at peace in his home, age 89. I will forever greatly miss him.

I am appreciative and grateful for all of his peers and colleagues who supported our family and to his friends who stuck by him.

Charlotte Frances Jordan, daughter.

Thomas Garland Knott1927-2016

T. Garland Knott, Jr. had a distinguished career as Professor and Chair of the Department of Religion at Methodist College (now Methodist University). After graduating from Mississippi State University with a B.S. degree, he pursued his preparation for ministry by earning a B.D. from Emory University. Following pastoral ministry in rural parishes of Mississippi, he began to live out his call to service in the Church’s academic world and completed his Ph.D. at Boston University.

Born in New Albany, Mississippi, March 24, 1927, he was the son of Thomas G. Knott and Delle Davis Knott. Garland and his wife, Kathleen, had three children: Allison Marie (now deceased), Thomas Earl (wife Donna), and Laura Carolyn (husband Jeffrey Garmel). In addition to three grandchildren, he was survived by his sister, Constance (husband Jack), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Garland and Kathleen were part of the Methodist College community almost from the beginning of the school. There had been only two graduating classes before Dr. Knott began teaching in the


Religion Department. His influence upon the intellectual and spiritual life of his students continues to express itself as those students journey as ordained and lay witnesses.

His service at Methodist College was from 1966 until 1994. In 1981, Dr. Knott was recognized with the Methodist College “Outstanding Faculty Award.”

Having transferred his conference membership from the North Mississippi Annual Conference in 1972, Dr. Knott retired from the North Carolina Annual Conference in 1994. In the later years of retirement, is service he was an active resident of Croasdaile Village in Durham.He established a nursing scholarship in memory of Kathleen.

“Let us unite the two so long divided, knowledge and vital piety.” – Charles Wesley

F. Belton Joyner

Jaxie Carter Knowles1926-2016

Jaxie Carter Knowles was born near Clinton, Sampson County, North Carolina, December 17, 1926, the daughter of the late Arrel Adicars Carter and Bessie May Hollingsworth Carter. She grew up on her family’s farm. Jaxie passed away Saturday, January 16, 2016 at Trinity Place Nursing Center in Albemarle, North Carolina.

Jaxie was an energetic and gracious woman, the wife and helpmate of the late Rev. Russell Ray Knowles. Brother Knowles died January 29, 2013. They had served together throughout the North Carolina Annual Conference. Following his retirement they made their home in Boilvia, North Carolina. Jaxie was also a dedicated member of the Eastern Star. She loved singing in church.

Survivors include her daughter Phyllis Shoe (Larry) of Albemarle; two grandchildren, Amy and Adam; and four great grandchildren, Ryan, Michael, Callie, and Allayna. She was preceded in death by a daughter Bonnie Langston in 1977 and two step-sons, Russell Ray Knowles and Rodney Knowles.

A Service of Death and Resurrection celebrating her life was held January 19, 2016 at Bethel United Methodist Church in Bolivia with the Reverend Mark Murphy and the Reverend Donald Barclay officiating. Burial was in Concord United Methodist Church Cemetery in Supply.

I remember Jaxie as a vivacious and supportive pastor’s wife. She was always caring and interested in those about her. She showed true Christian love in her life in each congregation.


In the words of Henry van Dyke, Time is too slow for those that wait, Too swift for those that fear, Too long for those that grieve, Too short for those who rejoice, But for those who love, time is Eternity.


Patricia Lee Lane 1938-2016

Patricia Ann Lane, went to her Heavenly home on Monday, February 29, 2016. Born in New Hanover County, NC on July 24, 1938, she was a daughter of the late Harry and Avis Louise Hardison Lee. She passed away in Supply, North Carolina, February 29, 2016. She is survived by her loving husband of fifty-three years of marriage, the Reverend Rodney G. Lane.

As a pastor’s wife, she was called to a very unique occupation of service to others. Patricia was always known as a giving person, sharing he time and talents in service to her Lord. They always saw their ministry as a team affair and shared equally in the work before them.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a sister, Doris Rich of Wilmington, NC; a sister-in-law, Peggy Dooley of Wilmington and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial services was conducted Friday, March 4, 2016 in the Chapel of White Funeral & Cremation Service, Supply, North Carolina by The Reverend Eddie Hill.

In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity; In our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity, In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.



Ruth Elizabeth Lewis 1934-2015

Ruth Cummings Lewis was born in Edgecombe County on October 29, 1934 to the late Joshua Edward and Elizabeth Gay Cummings. She was part of a large family of six girls and two boys. Ruth was living in Goldsboro when she was called to go home with her Savior, December 28, 2015.

In 1953, she was married to the late Rev. Leon T. Lewis, better known by his nickname, “Dick.” Soon after they were married, Dick began to tell Ruth he felt a strong call to preach, and Ruth encouraged him to pursue God’s leading. In 1957, the North Carolina Conference granted him a license to preach. Together they headed off to his first appointment, Garris Chapel in 1961. Ruth and Dick saw themselves as a team. As children were born, he continued to farm, supplementing their income, and to preach the gospel.

When the Conference asked him to start a new church on Highway 111, he responded and Walker Memorial was the result. Westwood and Ebenezer were added the next year. Dick and Ruth served these churches faithfully until his death March 31, 1989. He was proud of the fact that he never took a vacation and missed only six Sunday in their eighteen years in these churches.

Ruth was always by his side. After his untimely death, she continued to work in the church wherever she was needed. She remained a member of Westwood United Methodist Church although she enjoyed attending Mount Carmel United Methodist Church.

Ruth was survived by her daughters, Nancy Sanders of Pikeville, Elizabeth Gainey (Norwood) of Fremont, and Brenda Williams ( Jerry) of Pikeville; sons, Edward Lewis (Debbie), Richard Lewis (Sheila), and Dennis Lewis (Lisa), all of Pikeville; one brother, Charles Cummings of Macclesfield; her sisters, Sarah Gardner of Macclesfield and Mary Walters of Pinetops; ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A service celebrating Ruth’s life was held December 30, 2015 in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home with the Rev. Terry Hobbs officiating. A private interment was held in the Pikeville Cemetery with the Rev. Bob Clark officiating.

At her funeral service it was said that Ruth was a true Christian lady who loved God and lived each day showing those around her what faith in action is all about. President Abraham Lincoln once said, “In the end it is not the years in your life but the life in your years.” Truly Ruth Lewis lived life to the fullest as a good pastor’s wife, a marvelous mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a faithful disciple of Jesus.



Rayford Home Methvin1921-2016

Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can. – John Wesley

Rayford Homer Methvin, born January 20, 1921 in Trimble, Cullman County, Alabama, the fourth of five sons and two daughters born to the late Edgar Eugene and Virgie Mable Moore Methvin. Rayford was a member of the Greatest Generation serving in the US Coast Guard during World War II. He died February 16, 2016 in Raleigh.

He dedicated his life to the Lord, first serving the evangelical Methodist Church in Linville, North Carolina and then as a missionary to Brazil. His ministry continued his service as President of John Wesley College in Greensboro. Rayford was admitted to the North Carolina Conference in 1975 and was ordained an elder in 1978. He served the Bladen Charge in Bladen County, Union Chapel in Kittrell, Spring Hill in Lillington, Pee Dee in Rockingham and Old Dock in Columbus County.

A funeral service was held at Holland’s United Methodist Church. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Survivors include his sons, Ray Methvin (Titania) of Raleigh and Paul Methvin of Greensboro; brother, Athal Methvin of Ohio; grandson, Stephen Methvin (Caroline). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Pauline B. Methvin; a sister, Virginia Gladys Barber and brothers, Edward Thomas Methvin and Avis Methvin.

Those of us who knew Ray always noted that he was a well read and articulate man. As many people have said, he was an interesting person to listen and talk to, someone who could understand and appreciate your personal point of view. Ray was a friend to so many people and touched so many lives in so many different ways. He embodied the spirit and words of John Wesley. A focus of love and affection in his life radiated out and touched those of us who were privileged to know him. If I were to sum up one phrase to describe his life it was that he was a faithful servant of Christ in every aspect of his life.



Elva LeRoy “Bud” Morton, III 1947-2016

Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,..

Elva LeRoy Morton, III, known better by the name “Bud”, was born November 1, 1947, the son of Elva L. Morton, Jr. and his wife Virginia Lake Dillahunt Morton. He grew up in Pollocksville. He passed from this life into the presence of his Savior, February 11, 2016.

His last days were spent at Carolina East Medical Center, New Bern, North Carolina, with his loving family by his side

Bud loved to tell stories about his early years on the streets of Pollocksville. He loved to make people laugh as he reminisced about small town life. His faith was nurtured in the Pollocksville United Methodist Church and his first sermon was there on Mother’s Day when he was thirteen.

At Jones Central High School he played football and made lifelong friends. After graduation in 1966 he went on to serve his country in Vietnam. He rarely talked about his time in the service but he never regretted serving his country.

He went on to attend Lenoir Community College and Mount Olive College. After going to work at Cherry Point, Bud began his studies at the Divinity School at Duke University. It was in 1997 that his life changed and he retired from Cherry Point. In 2000, he had a successful liver transplant at the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida, He then returned home to his ministry and loving congregations. His last appointment was in Trenton where he was dearly loved. He served with the United Methodist Conference as a local pastor for twenty-five years before his retirement in 2012.

At the memorial service in Pollocksville, February 15, 2016, he was described as “Pastor Bud, Rev. Bud, a friend to many and the best father, stepfather, and husband in the whole world to his family and many congregations.”

Bud leaves behind his loving wife of twenty-three years, Donna Parker Morton. Bud always felt their love story was special as he tried to get Donna to marry him when he returned home from Vietnam, but there were other plans in the making. Many years passed before he found her and brought her home to Jones County where they have a home in Pollocksville with their blended families.

He is survived be three children: Paul Kelly Morton (and wife Amber), Kristie Mayer (and husband Bryan), and Kevin Eubanks (and wife Stephanie). He has four grandchildren: two granddaughters, Kristyn Morton and Emma Jackson. and two grandsons, Becton Eubanks, and Jacob White. Bud used to say they “lighted up his world!” He is also survived by his father, Elva LeRoy Morton, Jr., and three brothers: Royce (Helen), Tim (Libby), and David (Sandy). He also leaves behind four nieces and several great nieces and nephews, and numerous friends. We will miss him. He was a great Christian, a great pastor, a great friend to all.



Hazel Wiggins Norman1930-2015

“The wisest of women builds her house... .”

Hazel Wiggins Norman, the widow of the Reverend John Samuel Norman, was born in Lenoir County, May 23, 1930, the daughter of John James Wiggins and Mamie Jones Wiggins. She passed away peacefully at her home in La Grange, September 29, 2015.

Her husband of almost 26 years, John Samuel Norman, preceded her in death on May 21, 2015. A loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Hazel took great pride in serving as the family matri-arch. She loved cooking for her family. Hazel’s chicken pastry and apple jacks were a family treasure.

In conversation she never left doubt as to where she stood and took pride in telling things in a way that was very direct and easy to understand. Hazel dedicated her life to providing for her family unselfishly and serving her Lord faithfully. She worked 23 years with Dobbs School and later worked seven years as a substitute teacher.

She was a lifetime member of Garris Chapel United Methodist Church. A service to celebrate and honor Hazel’s life was held October 2, 2015, at Rouse Funeral Home. Burial followed at Fairview Cemetery.

Hazel is survived by three children, Michael Moye (Debbie), Ronnie Moye (Linda), and Beth Holland. She had one grandson, Shawn Moye, four granddaughters, Bethany Bridwell, Kristy Moye, Stephanie Sullivan and Kimberly Smith. She also left two great-granddaughters, Ashlyn Pridgen and Brianna Moye and three great-grandsons, Christian Quick, Eli Smith and Jesse Smith. Her great-great-grandchildren were Blayden Pridgen and Hazlee Pridgen. She was survived by a sister, Mildred Wiggins.

In addition to her parents and husband, Hazel was preceded in death by a grandson. Chris Hill; and five siblings, Inez Radford, Herman Wiggins, Robert Wiggins. Thurston Wiggins and James T. “Scrubby” Wiggins.


Donald T. Owens1946-2015

Survived by his wife of 48 years, Sue H. Owens; two children, Steve Owens & Lane Johnson; five grandchildren, Madison Owens, Caleb Johnson, Logan Johnson, Brighton Owens & Kamryn Johnson.

Donny was baptized and confirmed at an early age at Spring United Methodist Church. After marriage to Sue he joined and was very active at Rosemary United Methodist Church in Roanoke Rapids. When Sue entered full time ministry he joined New Hope United Methodist Church in Roanoke Rapids.

His family and New Hope Church family expresses their love for him:He was always welcoming to all, kind, family oriented, enjoyed being out in nature, energetic, genuine, loved his Lord, made the best BBQ sauce, loyal, faithful, great sense of humor, very involved in the churches his wife served, called himself “the preacher’s wife”, great cook, a joy to be around, children at church look forward to his chewing gum, very dri-wit, enjoyed making others laugh, enjoyed greeting others when they entered the church, had a word for everyone, holds a special place in our heart, enjoyed his friendship, a willing heart in helping others.

The Family

Olivia Inez Stallings Owens1932-2015

Olivia Inez Stallings Owens, widow of the Reverend H. M. Owens, Jr., went to be with her Lord on August 17, 2015 surrounded by her family. Olivia was the widow of Rev. Harley M. Owens Jr. Inez was born in Franklin County on December 28, 1932 to the late John E. Stallings, Sr. and Mamie Champion Stallings. She retired from the Goldsboro News Argus. Inez was a member of Stoney Creek Free Will Baptist Church, a dedicated and faithful servant her entire life. She had a large extended circle of family and friends and they were all very special to her. She will be missed, but greatly remembered. A service celebrating Inez’s life was held at on August 20, 2015 at Stoney Creek Free Will Baptist Church with the Rev. Barry Williamson and the Rev. Graham Byrum officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. Inez is survived by her son, Jimmy Brown (Sherlene) of Walterboro, SC; daughters, Teresa Byrum(Walter) of Winterville and Lisa Musselman (Andy) of Goldsboro; sisters, Louise S. Sparks of Goldsboro, Marie S. Sullivan of Goldsboro and Lola Lee of Monroe; grandchildren, Heather Murray and husband Tommy, Graham Byrum ( Jeanna), Elizabeth Taylor (Ashley), Corey Byrum,


Kevin Byrum (Leigh), Drew Musselman, and Travis Musselman; and great-grandchildren, Ava Murray, Hannah Murray, Noah Byrum, AnaClare Byrum, Grace Taylor, Laura-Graham Taylor and Luke Byrum. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Elsie S. Oddo and Sallie Brown; and brothers, Bobby C. Stallings, Billy C. Stallings, John E. Stallings, Jr., and Harrell Stallings.

James Burbank “J.B.” Parvin1924-2007

The Reverend James Burbank Parvin, was born in Beaufort County on December 1, 1924 son of the late Robert Burbank Parvin and the late Mary Singleton Parvin. He was a 1943 graduate of Washington High School. Reverend Parvin served his country in the US Army during World War II in the European and Pacific Theaters.

When he returned from the Army he began a career as a North Carolina Highway Patrol member and had wonderful stories from that chapter of his life prior to becoming a minister. Feeling an unmistakable call by God to leave the Patrol and enter the ministry, he began his preparation by entering what was then Atlantic Christian College, now Barton College, in Wilson. Following graduation from college he entered Duke Divinity School and graduated with an M. Div. degree.

He was survived by his wife, Velma “Boots” of the home and two sons: James DeWayne Parvin and his wife Margaret Ann of Mt. Olive, NC and Douglas Edward Parvin and his wife Belinda of Morehead City, NC; a daughter: Linda Parvin Howard and her husband Danny of Washington; a sister: Annie Myrtle Parvin Dudley of Washington and seven grandchildren: Natalie Ruth Parvin Griffith, Lauren Ashley Parvin, Bridget Gail Parvin, Brandon Parvin, Sarah Parvin, Courtney Howard and Danny Howard. Reverend Parvin was preceded in death by five brothers: Blount Parvin, Patrick Parvin, William Parvin, David Parvin and Marshall Parvin and a sister: Dera Parvin Price.

An interesting story of how “Boots” Parvin got her name is in order. When they were in their first appointment, on moving day, as was the custom, the district superintendent and his wife made an imprompu visit. Dr. Mark Lawrence asked how Boots had gotten her name. J. B. decided to wax eloquent and went into an elaborate description of their dating experience. He explained how Boots’ real name was actually Velma. Because they had had a mean old cow named Velma on their farm when he was a boy and Velma would kick over the bucket or step in it halfway through milking, he could not bring himself to call his new love Velma. She had on some cute boots so J. B. renamed her “Boots,” and the name stuck. Dr. Lawrence responded, “That is an interesting story, J. B. My wife’s name is Velma.” Dead silence prevailed.


Bishop Cannon particularly loved to refer to him as “the Highway Patrolman” even in Cabinet meetings, and noted that J. B.’s temperament often revealed his roots as a law enforcement officer and a continuing farmer. And J.B. was very proud of the fact that his son, Doug, followed him in that honorable vocation as an NC State Trooper. Along with being a fine pastor and district superintendent, he was an excellent friend and a delight to be around.

A memorial service was held Saturday June 9, 2007 at First United Methodist Church of Washington officiated by Reverend Ray Wittman, Reverend Marshall Old, the District Superintendent, Reverend Doctor Ernest R. Porter, Reverend Doctor Charles Michael Smith and the Reverend Doctor William C. Simpson. Burial followed in Oakdale Cemetery.

J. B. Parvin served as a United Methodist minister for thirty years in the North Carolina Conference of United Methodist Church, six years of which he served as Greenville District Superintendent. He retired in 1989, after serving numerous appointments around the conference as Elder. He was also a past 32nd degree mason with the New Bern Masonic Lodge.

J. B. Will be greatly missed by all those whose lives were touched by his ministry. At his funeral service, Dr. Charles Michael Smith shared in song this word of witness:

Shall we gather at the river,Where bright angel feet have trod;With its crystal tide foreverFlowing by the throne of God?

Yes, we’ll gather at the river,The beautiful, the beautiful river;Gather with the saints at the riverThat flows by the throne of God.

Ere we reach the shining river,Lay we ev’ry burden down;Grace our spirits will deliver,And provide a robe and crown.

Soon we’ll reach the shining river,Soon our pilgrimage will cease;Soon our happy hearts will quiverWith the melody of peace.

– His Wife and Children


Velma “Boots” Edwards Parvin1929-2015

Velma “Boots” Edwards Parvin was born on July 31, 1929, in Washington, NC, to Clyde Robert and Alice Mixon Edwards. She had one younger brother, Grover Allen Edwards, who preceded her in death. She graduated from Washington High School in 1947, and attended Edgecombe Community College. Boots was the widow of Rev. James Burbank Parvin whom she married on June 11, 1949, at First United Methodist Church Washington. They had three children—James DeWayne Parvin, Douglas Edward Parvin, and Linda Dera Parvin Howard.

She was devoted to her church and family and gently guided the strong family unit. “Boots” worked as a homemaker, Sunday school teacher, women’s circle leader, substitute school teacher, and in her later years served as a secretary for her husband, Rev. J.B. Parvin, during his appointment as the Greenville District Superintendent for the North Carolina United Methodist Church Conference. She served in a variety of roles in the churches for which her husband served for his 30 years of service in Institute, Norlina, Tarboro, Weldon, Mt. Olive, Jacksonville, Greenville, and Henderson. Upon his retirement in 1989, they returned to Beaufort County and their hometown of Washington, NC, where they returned to First United Methodist Church Washington. “Boots” continued to serve in her church through her involvement in the women’s circle events, activities, and Meals on Wheels until her health prevented it.

She was a Christian woman of her word. She was a kind-hearted, soft-spoken, loving, and giving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister, sister-in-law, and friend. During her life, her roles varied as she was referred to as Mama, Nana, “Boots,” Velma, and “Ms. Parvin.” No matter from which name she was responding, the same kind and gentle voice was heard.

Not only was she a lovely person on the inside, “Boots” shared the beauty of her artistic abilities and talents. She prepared pastel portraits as well as landscapes and seascapes in oils. She was mostly a self-taught artist, but her work was amazing, as many close to her can attest! She most enjoyed using her talents to benefit her church through the women’s circle activities and in Sunday school.

Mrs. Parvin passed away on July 1, 2015, after a lengthy battle with her health issues and the previous decline of Reverend Parvin who preceded her in death on June 6, 2007. Her funeral service was held at First United Methodist Church Washington. Where it all began…it also ended. Reverend and Mrs. Parvin will always live in the hearts of their family. She favored the following scripture:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Her Children


Michael Barney Pilgrim1953-2016

Michael Barney Pilgrim, husband of the Reverend Carolyn R. Pilgrim, was born May 10, 1953. He passed away at his home, in Waynesville, North Carolina, on Friday, April 8, 2016. Michael was a passionate musician.

He was survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Carolyn, step-children, Jenna, Beth, and Adam and his sister, Barbara Platt.

A celebration of Mike’s life was held April 21, 2016, in the fellowship hall of Maggie Valley United Methodist Church.


Pathenia Meads Reid1920-2016

Tennie Meads Reid, 95, died May 16, 2016, in Richmond, Va. She was born July 28, 1920, in Elizabeth City, NC, to Mack and Gracie Meads. She was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth David Reid; and her husband, Dermont James Reid.

As a Methodist minister’s wife, she made homes in many places, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kansas, but she spent much of her life in her Burlington home.

She is survived by her loving family: daughter, Carol R. Ward (Rudy); granddaughters, Christina Ward Sulzer (Tom) and Carrley Ward Norton (Ryan); and five great-grandchildren, Hudson, Ann Harper, and Hatcher Sulzer and Brody and Annabelle Norton. She is also survived by her brothers, Joe Meads (Irene) and Fred Meads (Frances); sister, Emma Meads; sister-in-law, Kathleen; and many nieces and nephews.

Not only was Tennie a loving wife of 70 years, an attentive mother, and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, she was a devout Christian, an avid reader, and a great cook. Her daughter and granddaughters turned to her often for advice about child rearing and cooking. She was a shining example of all that is honorable and virtuous. Tennie’s kindness, gentleness, and sense of humor will be missed by all who have known and loved her.

William C. Simpson


Luis Felipe “Lucho” Reinoso1935-2016

Rev. Luis Felipe Reinoso, known by all as “Lucho”, was born on August 2, 1935, in Callao, Peru. Lucho passed away on January 31, 2016, at the age of 80. A memorial service was held at the Franklinton United Methodist Church with Pastor Steve Hickle presiding and at the First Methodist Church in Lima, Peru, with Pastor Dora Cassales and Father Alejandro Cussianovich presiding. Lucho is survived by his loving wife, Cattie, and son, Fabio, daughters, Carmen and Elena, and grandchildren Fabio, Jr., Diego, and Sofia.

Lucho graduated from San Marcos University in Lima, Peru, with a degree in accounting. He studied at the Superior Evangelical Institute of Theological Education in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and returned to Peru to begin his ministry in the Peruvian Methodist Church in 1965. Lucho served many churches in Lima and Callao where he was also the District Superintendent. From 1970 to 1983, Lucho served as Secretary General for CELADEC, the Commission Latinoamericana de Educacion Cristiana Evangelica, an organization of churches, both Catholic and Protestant, in Peru and throughout Latin America, that was established to respond collectively to the demands of the people who were dealing with great poverty and inequality. During that time he also served as chaplain at the Colegio America, the school where he attended elementary and high school. In that role, Lucho guided and organized youth groups to work in the church and in the community.

In June 1990, Lucho moved to North Carolina to become a “missionary in reverse” with the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. He served as pastor of Weldon United Methodist Church, the Calvary Charge, Mebane United Methodist Church, Franklinton United Methodist Church, and the Red Oak Charge. After the initial three years in the U.S., Lucho was granted a permanent visa due to the political situation in Peru. He and Cattie became U.S. Citizens. After retiring a second time, Lucho worked for ten years establishing and building the La Estrella Resplandeciente program in Nash County for which he received the North Carolina Conference Saints of God Stewardship award at annual conference in June 2014. Lucho served on many different commissions within the North Carolina Conference as well as community organizations such as United Way, Peace for Justice, Wesley Heritage Foundation, Feed the Hungry, and local food pantries.

Lucho touched many lives and was loved by all who knew him. Lucho’s family and friends thank God for his life and pray that its principles remain with us.


Claudia Louise McPherson Seawell1916-2015

And then with tenderness and compassion, the Lord placed his Arms around me, And quietly said, “Come walk with me, I will strengthen, guide and keep thee!” “Oh Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine, what a foretaste of glory divine.” So I reached out and He took my hand - the strength came and now I can stand.”

– from The Hand of God and other Poems published by William Albright Seawell, 1994

Claudia McPherson Seawell, the widow of the Rev. William Albright Seawell, was born October 21, 1915, in Newlin Township, near Saxapahaw, Alamance County, North Carolina, the daughter of Claude A. McPherson and his wife, Sadie Shaw McPherson. She and her husband, Bill, were married August 15, 1936. To this union were born three children, Sharon, ( James Vassill), Kathy, (Michael Evans), and William A. Seawell, II. She entered the Church Triumphant August 17, 2015.

Bill felt a call to the ministry late in life, and Claudia supported him as he entered Elon College (now Elon University) from which he graduated. He went on to pursue training at Duke University and was admitted to the North Carolina Annual Conference in 1950.

Together they served Pittsboro, Salem Chapel, Hillsboro, Grace-Longhurst in Roxboro, Carr in Durham, Grace in Wilmington, First Church, Elizabeth City, Millbrook in Raleigh and Asbury in Durham.

A service celebrating her life was conducted at Bethel United Methodist in Snow Camp, the community where she made her home, conducted by the Reverend Doctor J. Donald Phillips, who always considered himself their “son in the ministry.” Claudia had always wanted to reach the age of one hundred years, and she came very close, missing that mark by only a few months. Her long and fruitful life is a testimony to the devotion and commitment she had to her Lord, his church, her husband and family as well as the many church members touched by her grace and love through the years.

– J. Donald Phillips

Elizabeth Shields1932-2016

Betty was born in Savannah, Georgia. Professionally she was a Registered Nurse and served in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and as the Lead School Nurse for Craven County. She cherished the role of “preachers wife” as she and Bob served congregations in Durham, Raleigh, and New Bern.


Her greatest joy was found in the service to others through her teaching, singing, and working in the UMC. She was very active in Emmaus Communities, the Kairos Prison Ministry in Raleigh, One Day with God, the New Bern Merci Clinic and Religious Community Service. Second only to her love for the Lord, was her love of family. In addition to her marriage with Bob for 62 years she rejoiced in the gifts of a sister, two children, six grand-children, and four great-grand-children. Family and friends will remember Betty as a professing and practicing Christian, whose life was committed to a selfless ministry of servant hood love. They rejoice in her having fought the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith! To God be the glory!

Bob Shields

William Arnold Smith1915-2016

William A. Smith was born on July 29, 1915 in Durham, NC. His long journey of 100 plus years ended in this life on March 1st at Duke Hospice Hock Pavillion, Durham. His abiding faith in his Lord and Savior was a comfort to family and friends who were confident that “Bill” had joined the “church triumphant.” His life was celebrated on March 4, 2016 in the Service of Death and Resurrection officiated by his pastor, the Rev. Larry Bowden and a family friend, the Rev. Billy Seate. Interment followed in the Mt. Sylvan Cemetery and reception in the fellowship hall. Bill would have been proud of the number of family, church and community members who, by their presence, celebrated a life well lived. He is survived by his second wife, the Rev. Bess Hunnings Smith, his daughter Cindy (David), his sons Tommy (Edna) of Durham, and Lloyd (Melanie) of Virginia, Bess’ daughter Vivian (Deana) of KY, sons Darryl (Beth) of Atlanta, and Tim (Melody) of Hawaii. Grandchildren surviving are John (Elizabeth), Sarah (Steve), Lisa (Als), and Steven (Kelley). Bill was especially proud of his eleven great grandchildren.

By the time Bill met Bess she had retired from full time service having served as associate minister. They were married on September 16, 2006. Bill’s first wife of 64 years, Dorothy Lloyd Smith died in 2000; Bess’ first husband of 55 years, the Rev. Henry (Hank) Hunnings, died in 2003. Bill and Bess were blessed with almost ten years together. During those years they traveled to Ireland and England returning on the Queen Mary, which had been a long time wish for Bill. He also enjoyed visiting some of the churches where Bess had served, for special occasions; especially her home church Mt. Carmel in Manns Harbor.

Bill grew up in Northern Durham County, living and working within sight of his beloved Mt. Sylvan church. He started attending there when he was 10 years old; joined and finished out his years there.


Before he and Bess married it was understood where they would attend church! Over the many years he served in several offices of the church. Chair of the trustees seemed to be his favorite.

He was active in the community and civic affairs – a charter member of Bahama and Mt. Sylvan Ruritan Clubs, Durham County School Board Committeeman’s Association, Durham County Planning Board and Board of Adjustments.

Bill was a merchant; along with his father and three brothers operated Smith Brothers Store, worked at the American Tobacco Company and farmed. When asked his secret for longevity Bill answered, “hard work and vinegar.” Vinegar was used in traditional ways and in some ways not so traditional (for example) on pound cake! The person who wrote, “The test for validity is a long obedience in the same direction” must have known William Arnold “Bill” Smith.

Sidney Earl Stafford1934-2015

The Reverend Sidney Earl Stafford died on July 3, 2015 from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He was the former Chaplain and Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Louisburg College.

Born January 13, 1934 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Sidney was the tenth child of Charles Henry and Laura Holloway Stafford. At the age of five months, his mother died, and he was given to be raised by his maternal grandparents William Mercer and Annie Smith Holloway who made sure he was in attendance every Sunday at Broad Street Methodist Church. Their loving care and the influence of that church led him to a lifetime of dedicated service to the Church, to higher education, and to the communities in which he lived.

Sidney excelled at football at Hattiesburg High School and was a member of the basketball team that won a state championship in 1952. After graduating from high school, and at only 18 years of age, he began his ministry as pastor of Arnoldline Methodist Church. He served in the US Army from 1953-1956 and spent most of his enlistment on the island of Okinawa, It was that Army experience that he credited for opening his eyes and mind to a larger world, and his attitudes and understanding of his role in society began to change. He became a champion of civil rights and worked diligently to improve race relations in all areas of his influence.

When he returned to Hattiesburg, he was ready for the challenge of an education, and he enrolled at Mississippi Southern College. While there he also served as pastor of Baxterville Methodist Church. He earned his BA degree from Southern in 1958. Later (1962) he earned a MDiv from Duke University and in 1972 completed the requirements for a MA in Philosophy from UNC Chapel Hill.


While at Duke Sidney became a member of the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. He served as pastor and loved the people of the Walnut Grove and Carr United Methodist Churches in Orange County, NC. In 1963, he was appointed to Amity United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill, where he worked hard to help the church grow and plan for a permanent church building. While at Amity he married and began a family.

Sidney loved the pastoral ministry and appreciated the special relationships he developed among those in his church congregations, but he especially enjoyed the occasions when he was able to work with young people and began to feel called to work with them fulltime.

In 1967 he began his career in education at Louisburg College. He was Chaplain and Dean of Religious Life for thirty-four years and Professor of Religion and Philosophy for forty years, retiring from all duties in 2008. While at College, he served many roles and was a recipient of the Bessie Arrington Gupton Award for Outstanding and Extraordinary Service. During the 1980’s he appreciated the opportunity to teach a course in Methodist Theology at Southeastern Baptist Seminary in Wake Forest.

While devoting most of his time to his teaching duties, Sidney also was pastor of a number of area churches on an interim or part-time basis, but he devoted the greatest service to two churches in the Franklinton area: He served Ebenezer UMC at Mitchner’s Crossroads and Wesley Chapel UMC at Pokomoke for eighteen years.

Always civic-minded and involved in the community, Sidney was involved with Cub Scouts, the PTA, and school booster clubs, and served on a number of boards and agencies in Franklin County. He taught Sunday School and was active in the day camp program sponsored by Louisburg United Methodist Church. He was a charter member of the Franklin County Civitan Club and in 1976 received their award for Humanitarian of the Year. With the Louisburg College Christian Life Council, he sponsored an annual Christmas Party for Children, Red Cross Bloodmobile visits, and several Rock-a-Thons for the Easter Seals Society of North Carolina. In 1976 he was given the Easter Seals Volunteer of the Year award.

In 1980, Sidney received from Governor Jim Hunt the Governor’s Volunteer Award. In 1982, he was named Franklin County Citizen of the Year by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Because he loved people and was always welcoming, WYRN radio asked him to represent the County as Franklin County’s namesake Benjamin Franklin at the annual Whistler’s Conventions. He continued as Ben Franklin for twenty-five years, finally hanging up that costume in 1999.

As many in Louisburg and Franklin County may remember, Sidney rose early each weekday morning for many years to co-host the Open-Line talk show with Clay McBride and others on local radio station WYRN. That opportunity to talk and tell his stories gave him much joy. Others may remember his years as manager of Town and County Recreation Center and may appreciate his role in helping to organize the first Town and County Swim Team.


In 1985, encouraged by some town leaders, Sidney decided to seek a seat on the Louisburg Town Council. He was elected and he went on to serve the town for a total of four terms. From this position, he became active in the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Government.

An article in the Franklin Times in 2001, called Sidney Stafford “Louisburg’s Modern-Day Renaissance Man,” an appellation which reflected his multiple talents, his many years of service, and his wide-spread influence in the town of Louisburg, in Franklin County, and at Louisburg College. That same year he was honored at an event on the Louisburg College campus sponsored by both College and Town. “Sid Stafford Day” was a culminating event in recognition of his life and his variety of service to the community he had chosen to live in. A painting called “Remembrance” hangs now in the Benson Chapel on the Louisburg College campus in remembrance of his life and work.

Sidney Stafford was a man of great intelligence, generosity, and wit. He was a theologian who thought deeply but who always had a joke or funny story to share. He loved everyone, but he especially loved his family and his children. He was a good husband and a superior father whose example will extend into future generations. He was always a child at heart, and he spent many hours entertaining not only his own children but many in the neighborhood as well. He will be long remembered by those who knew him as their role-model, their teacher, their mentor, their preacher, and their friend.

He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Grace Wright Stafford; sons Sidney Earl Stafford, Jr., and wife Lori, of Hillsborough, NC; Carl Mercer Stafford, and wife Melissa, of Sharon, MA; Charles Kenneth Stafford, and wife Carrie of Atlanta, GA; and daughter Laura Suzanne Stafford of Greensboro, NC. He is also survived by ten grandchildren: Taylor, Colin, Ben, Ethan, Aaron, John Nicotera, Jackson and Ella Stafford, and Ollie and Fern Murray. He has one surviving sister, Dorothy Stafford McRaney of Mobile, AL.

A funeral service was held at Louisburg United Methodist Church on July 7, 2015, followed by a private burial at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Cemetery. As he had requested memorials ere directed to Louisburg College or to the ZOE Ministry at Louisburg United Methodist Church.

– Grace Wright Stafford

Emma Lou Staton1938-2016

Emma Lou Strickland Staton, wife of the Reverend Jesse C. Staton, Jr., passed from this earthly life March 15, 2016 following a lengthy illness. She was born in Durham, May 29, 1938, the daughter of the late Josephine Forbush and William N. Strickland. She attended the Durham City Schools and was co-owner and manager of Total Electric Company of Durham. Later she worked for the Durham County School Food Service.

She and Jesse Staton were married for 33 years. Emma saw herself as an equal partner and source of inspiration to him and all who knew her in their nine pastoral appointments.


A graveside service was held 1:00 PM Friday at Bayview Cemetery with Pastor Neal Salter officiating.

Surviving in addition to husband, Jesse are two sons, Victor (Bubba) Fowler, (Tonie) of Hillsborough; Adam Graham Staton, (Mary) of Raleigh; four grandchildren, Paige Emory McKinstry, Ellie, Davis, and Ian Staton. She was preceded in death by her daughter,Teresa Gail Fowler Emory.

AS a champion of those less fortunate, Emma wanted those who remembered her to make any donations at the time of her death to the Camp Chestnut Ridge Special Populations Camper Program. She will be missed by her husband and family.


David C. Steinmetz1936-2015

Professor David C. Steinmetz, age 79, of Durham, NC, died, Thursday, November 26, 2015 at UNC Memorial Hospital.

David was a historian of late medieval and early modern Christianity. In 1961 he was ordained an elder in Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. After receiving his B.D. at Drew Theological School, he moved to Harvard University where he took a Th.D. (1967) under the direction of the Dutch Reformation historian Heiko Ober-man. Before coming to Duke University, where he spent most of his academic career, he taught for five years (1966-1971) at Lancaster Theological Seminary. At the Duke Divinity School, he served as the Amos Ragan Kearns Distinguished Professor of the History of Christianity.

In addition to his reputation as a leading scholar in the study of Reformation theology, Steinmetz was known as a lively and entertaining lecturer, who could win over students disinclined to take history seriously. He won a teaching prize in 1986 and was named the Duke University Scholar/Teacher of the year. According to one of his former students Timothy George, Dean at Beeson Divinity School,

“Steinmetz was a passionate and insightful teacher [who] never lost sight of the larger context of the texts and traditions he was so adept at bringing to life. I shall never forget his early morning lectures in Andover Hall, as he presented Calvin’s life and thought like a great actor commanding the stage. He never took roll; no one dared miss his lively lectures—replete with chalk-drawn diagrams on the blackboard, lively interrogations of 16th-century texts, and dramatic enactments of Reformation debates. You felt like you were there with Luther and Zwingli at Mar-burg, with Calvin and Bolsec in Geneva.”


In a sermon preached to undergraduates at Duke University Chapel in 1997, Steinmetz addressed students planning to devote themselves to the church:

The good news for the members of the graduating class who plan to enter the ordained ministry is that you don’t have to invent your own gospel. All of the church hopes you will be imaginative and resourceful. It doesn’t expect you to be original. Actually, it rather discourages originality with respect to core convictions. The church will authorize you to preach an ancient gospel you didn’t cook up and that is true whether you believe it or not. You will be commissioned by bishops and elders who have done it before you to preach the whole counsel of God, including the awkward bits we don’t understand very well. What you will not be ordained to do (though some of you will yield to the temptation to do it anyway) is to preach only those parts of the Christian tradition you have found personally meaningful. God doesn’t intend to mold the church in your image, you’ll be relieved to know, but in the image of the crucified and risen Christ.

Speaking of Steinmetz at his memorial service last December, his colleague Richard Lischer, Professor of Preaching at Duke Divinity School, said of him

For us, his colleagues, he was more than a “star.” His very presence at the table was a reminder: It’s not about us. We have been given more than we could ever devise. We have been given a language; let’s speak it! We are a part of something larger than our individual talents.

Leo Clifford Thompson 1935-2016

Leo Clifford Thompson died at Rex Hospital On March 27, 2016. He was born in Roseboro, N.C. Leo was the eldest son of A. L. and Frances Thompson. His father was a Methodist minister in N.C. He graduated from New Hanover High School in Wilmington, N.Cin 1953 and earned a BA in English in 1957, a Bachelor of Divinity in 1961, a residency in Clinical Pastoral Education in 1973, and a residency and a Master of Theology in Pastoral Psychology inMount, and Butner before he became a pastoral counselor and licensed Marriage and family Therapist in 1975.

His parents, brother (Arthur S. Thompson) and his former wife (Karen King Thompson) predeceased him. He is survived by his brother, Everett Thompson of Bainbridge WA, his sister Betty Blount of Raleigh, his niece Susan Campbell of Alpharetta GA, nephews Matthew, John, and Duncan Thompson of Puget Sound, WA.

A Memorial Service was held Women’s Club Drive in Raleigh, NC.


Barbara Davis Warren1936-2016

Barbara Davis Warren was born on July 6, 1936 in Mooresville, N.C., and she grew up in nearby Mt. Ulla. With her family, Barbara was an active member of Triplett United Methodist Church where she became inspired to pursue Christian Education. Though her parents, Marvin Lee and Mary Winters Davis, ran a dairy farm, Barbara went to Pfeiffer College and double majored in Christian Education and Elementary Education. At Pfeiffer she also met and married Milliard Whitfield Warren, Jr. (Whit), not knowing at the time that he would become a minister in the North Carolina Conference in the years to come.

Barbara and Whit served many congregations in the North Carolina Conference including Ocean View (Long Beach), McMannen (Durham) Mt. Olivet (Manteo), Wesley Memorial (Wilmington), White Plains (Cary) and Queen Street (Kinston). In addition, Whit and Barbara served in the New Bern District (Coastal District) when Whit was District Superintendent. Barbara was able to serve through her love of Christian Education and she put her Elementary Education degree to work in the public schools where she taught for over 35 years.

After Whit’s death in 2000, Barbara retired to her family farm in Mt. Ulla where she resumed an active role in her home church, Triplett. After helping many NC Conference churches complete building programs, Barbara was thrilled to play a leadership role in her home church’s completion of a Christian Life Center. While Barbara battled cancer periodically for the last decade of her life, she devoted herself to serving her church and community, and spending time with her family. She also loved the outdoors and she spent many joyful hours in her garden on the farm where she was raised.

Barbara died on March 4, 2016, and a service of celebration for her life, ministry and resurrection was held at Triplett United Methodist Church where she first dedicated her life to Christ, with Reverend Dr. Richard “Rick” Auten conducting the service.

Barbara is survived by her siblings: Nancy Davis Kerr, Mary Lee Parker (Maurice), Charles Davis (Awanda, and Lynda Burns (Larry). Sister and brother-in-law, Frankie and Henry Lovin and brother-in-law, Paul Kerr. Barbara also left three children who miss her dearly: Whitney Warren and husband Deryl Davis of Silver Spring, MD; Millard W. Warren, III (Trey) and wife Lynn of Concord, NC; and Kristie Brennan and husband Rich of Granger, IN. In addition, Barbara left eight beloved grandchildren: Connor, Sydney and Tanner Warren; Nathaniel, Eliza, and Caroline Davis; and Sloan and Millar Claire Brennan; along with a large extended family.

Barbara and Whit are buried in the Triplett cemetery, where the quotation on their tombstone reminds us that “neither death nor life…will be able to separate us from the love of God”(Romans 8:38-39).


Henry Robert Warren, Jr.1919-2016

Born in Fayetteville, NC on 10/1/1919.Died in Knightdale, NC on 1/25/2016Served as pastor of the following churches beginning 6/25/1964 and retired 6/6/1985Parkton UMCLumberton AsburyJerusalem Zion LaurinburgNorlinaLaurel HillKnightdale UMCSmith UMC Roanoke Rapids

Funeral took place at the L. Harold Poole Funeral Home in Knightdale. Pastor Jarrod Scott, Green Pines Baptist Church in Knightdale officiated the service. Interned at Lafayette Memorial Park, Fayetteville.

We met Mr. Warren several years before his death. He came to live in our home shortly before he died. During the time we knew him, no family members attempted to contact him and we do not know his family history. We do know that he was predeceased by the love of his life and wife, Maxine Warren, who was killed in an automobile accident on February 7, 1973. She highly encouraged him to pursue his degrees in Seminary and provided him with financial support thatallowed Bob to ultimately obtain his Doctor of Theology.

Mr. Warren served in the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division during WWII. He was one of the original paratroopers trained by the Army as that was a new form of warfare at that time.

After the service he went to school to become a jeweler using the GI Bill and performed in that profession until he felt called by the Lord to join the ministry full time. He went to seminary and received his Doctor of Theology from Toledo Bible College & Seminary in Tennyson, Indiana on August 20, 1978. Bob was a member of the Board of Regents for Liberty University. Bob was a dedicated servant of his Lord never losing his zeal to share the gospel message whenever possible. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a sharp intellect up until the time of his passing. Although he did not have any family members who kept in contact with him later in life, he had numerous friends who loved and cared for him as he aged. He was a blessing to all who were close to him and he is missed terribly.

Here is a passage that really describes Bob’s service. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day…II Timothy 4:7-8


Arthur John Wilson III1939-2016

Arthur John Wilson III was born June 9, 1939, in Old Hickory, TN to Rhoda Julia Lundy Wilson and Arthur John Wilson, Jr He died January 8, 2016 in Charlotte, after a courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, complicated by Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. A memorial service was held at Davidson United Methodist Church Chapel in Davidson, NC by the Reverend Jody Seymour. Interment followed later at Montlawn Memorial Park in Raleigh, officiated by the Reverend Vernon Tyson. Jack was a talented athlete, setting a new North Carolina state record for the 100 yard dash in 1957, while running for Broughton High School in Raleigh. In the fall of 1957, he went to Duke University on a full football scholarship. After being red-shirted his Freshman year, Jack was a starting running back from 1958-1962. A highlight of his Duke Football career was winning the 1961 Cotton Bowl. He also played in the 1961 East-West Shrine Game and the 1961 Hula Bowl. During his senior year, Jack was drafted by the Cleveland Browns, but felt called to go into the ministry instead. He was elected by his teammates to be their captain for the 1961-62 team, leading them to the ACC Championship for 1962, during his first year of Divinity School. An avid Iron Duke, he shared a special bond with his teammates and other athletes for the rest of his life. Jack graduated from Duke University in 1961 and from Duke Divinity School in 1965. Ordained as a Methodist minister his first pastoral appointment was at Jenkins Memorial UMC in Raleigh. Soon, Jack was asked to serve as assistant chaplain at the Duke University Chapel, where he served before being called to serve as assistant chaplain at the US Military Academy at West Point, NY, where he lived and raised his family until 1971. After receiving a second master’s degree in sacred theology in pastoral counseling at New York Theological Seminary, he served as chaplain resident at the National Institute of Mental Health in Washington, DC. In 1973, he moved his family to Chattanooga, where he became chaplain at the Moccasin Bend Psychiatric Hospital, later Director of Pastoral Services for the Greenleaf Health Systems, Inc., finally, as Pastoral Counseling Program Director at Memorial Hospital. In 2001, he retired to spend more time sailing and making beautiful furniture in his woodworking shop. Jack was an avid and accomplished sailor, racing and spending many happy hours with his children and grandchildren on the Hudson River, the Potomac River, winning many races on Chickamauga Lake and the Tennessee River, and taking time off to relax in the BVI’s.

Jack was preceded in death by his first wife Kit McLeod Wilson, his high school sweetheart, whom he married in 1959 and took care of until her death from ALS in 1993. Jack’s beloved mother Julia Lundy Wilson, also died in 2006. Jack is survived by his beloved wife Ginny Simms Wright-Wilson, his and Kit’s children, Julia Wilson Hilton of Montgomery, AL, John McLeod Wilson (Marianne) of Birmingham, AL, and Katharine Wilson Eyre (Bill) of Haverford, PA, and Ginny’s children, Virginia Wright Belk (B.V. III) and Henry M. Wright, Jr., DDS (Suzanne), of Charlotte, NC, all of whom he cherished and who were devoted to him. He had nine grandchildren, plus Ginny’s six: Christie Sutherland Bryan of West Hartford, CT, Mary Katharine Virginia Bryan of New York, Julia Ann Starke, Elizabeth Lundy Starke, and Bolling Powell Starke IV of Atlanta, Katharine Wilson Starke of Tuscaloosa, AL and Mary Neill Starke of Montgomery, AL, John McLeod Wilson, Jr. and Samuel Timmons Wilson of Birmingham, AL, Madison MacMillan Wright, Mackenzie Maffitt Wright,


Marley Madeline Wright, Lindsay Nicole Strickland, Hannah Leslie Strickland, and Harrison Nash Belk of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Dr. C. Neill McLeod of Raleigh.

Jack’s sure faith guided all of his life choices and served as an example to his children and grandchildren. He lived a life of honor and duty to God and his fellow man. Jack exemplified the words of St. Paul: “…..faith, hope, love…these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

His daughter

Peggy Duncan-Wood1938-2015

The Reverend Peggy Jo Duncan Wood was born April 16, 1938, the daughter of the Duard and Mildred Duncan. She died in High Point at the Piedmont Hosice House, June 1, 2015.

Peggy Jo was a formidable person that never hesitated to rise up in support of those who she felt needed her comfort, protection, or needed a voice for them. She was fervently compassionate for those who are most vulnerable in this life, especially women at risk, children, and animals. A Service of Death and Resurrection celebrating her life and ministry was held on Thursday June 4, 2015, at the First United Methodist Church of Lexington, with the Reverends Jamie Armstrong and Jenna Grogan officiating. Burial followed at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Greensboro.

Peggy Jo was predeceased by her parents and one brother, James Duncan. She was survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, the Reverend Max Wood, her brother, Cully Duncan and his wife Barb, her two sons, Mark and wife Patricia, Chip and wife Cheryl, and Peggy’s adopted daughter, the Reverend Jenna Grogan. She lost her granddaughter Misty Morning, in 2012, but is survived by granddaughters Emily Wren, Violet Skye, grandson Jeremy Blair, adopted granddaughter Amber Nicole, and step granddaughters, Gwyneth Marie, Julianne Denby, and Ashley Cate. Her great grandchildren have been the joy of her life, and Caroline Grace, Violet Isadora, Lauren Cyanna, Magdalena Grey, Anabelle Grace, Madilyn Rose, Zachary Orion, Lily Wren and Mordecai Fox have filled her home with their laughter and life. All were able to visit her in her final days.

We honor and celebrate her service to God, the church and her family.

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, Steals on the ear the distant triumph song, And hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong. Alleluia, Alleluia!

William C. Simpson, Jr.


Eldon G. Woodcock1930-2016

Eldon G. Woodcock was born May 12, 1930, in Washington, D.C. , the son of the late Virgil and Beulah Griffith Woodcock. He served in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict and attained the rank of corporal. He was admitted to the North Carolina Annual Conference in 1961 and served as a professor at Appalachian State, Methodist University and Nyack College in New York, from which he retired. He was also active in the Evangelical Theological Society. He entered the Church Triumphant after a long life of service to God, his family and his country, January 28, 2016.

Woody was the author of Hell: An Exhaustive Look at a Burning Issue, Proverbs: A Topical Approach and over a hundred periodical articles. As a conservative theologian he was a supporter of the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky.

A funeral service was held February 4, 2016, at Goodwill Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Montgoemry, New York, conducted by the Rev. Josh Stewart and the Rev. Doug Rhine. Burial was in the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Texas.

At the funeral service it was noted that he loved the Lord, his family, the “Phillies,” and Star Trek. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth; son, Michael Woodcock of Kvinestadl, Norway; daughter, Ruth Chanowitz and husband, Michael of Wallkill, NY; eight grandchildren and one great grandchild, Ella, He was also survived by a sister, Mary Ann Scott.



Roll of Deceased Members, 2008 – 2016Roll of Deceased, 1794 – 2011 included in the 2011 Conference JournalName Date/Place Joined Date/Place Place ofof Member of Birth Conference of Death Burial

Ralph I. Epps 1920 South Carolina 1948 Greenville, N.C. 2008 Edenton, N.C. Edenton, N.C.Haywood L. Harrell 1913 Rich Square, N.C. 1939 Fayetteville, N.C. 2008 Goldsboro, N.C. Seven Springs, N.C.Robert Freeman Moore 1921 Washington County, Md. 1950 Kinston, N.C. 2008 Fairmont, N.C. Fayetteville, N.C. Eric O. Murray 1914 Durham, N.C. 1965 Raleigh, N.C. 2008 Raleigh, N.C. Raleigh, N.C.Walton N. Bass 1920 Rosewood, Wayne Co., N.C. 1953 Durham, N.C. 2008 Durham, N.C. Durham, N.C.John R. Blue 1929 Missouri 1952 Maryville, Mo. 2008 Florida FloridaJames A. Auman 1923 Randolph County, N.C. 1947 Elizabeth City, N.C. 2008 McLeansville, N.C. Graham, N.C.Grady Lee Kingley 1919 Davidson County, N.C. 1949 Sanford, N.C. 2008 Durham, N.C. Mebane, N.C.Clingman Carter Capps 1931 Flat Rock, N.C. 1959 Wilmington, N.C. 2008 Reidsville, N.C. Reidsville, N.C.John H. “Jack” Crum 1926 Georgia 1953 Durham, N.C. 2008 Littleton, N.C. Littleton, N.C.John Milton Roberts 1927 Wayne County, N.C. 1967 Goldsboro, N.C. 2008 Princeton, N.C. Princeton, N.C. Susan Lutz Allred 1938 Shelby, N.C. 1983 Fayetteville, N.C. 2008 Durham, N.C. CremationClyde M Creech Sr. 1935 Greene County, N.C. 1958 Wilson, N.C. 2009 LaGrange, N.C. LaGrange, N.C.Charles Spence Hubbard 1913 Sanford, N.C. 1939 Elizabeth City 2009 Pittsboro Pittsboro, N.C. Doris J. Johnson 1929 New York (Local Pastor) 2009 Ahoskie, N.C. Ahoskie, N.C.John E. Reed Sr. 1922 Springdale, Ark. 1956 Greenville, N.C. 2009 Hot Springs, Ark. Mena, Ark.Rene O. Bideaux 1931 Meadville, Penn. 1955 Fayetteville, N.C. 2009 Asheville, N.C. Asheville, N.C. Riley Tex Hamilton 1929 Wake County, N.C. 1987 (Local Pastor) 2009 Raleigh, N.C. Montlawn Cem., Raleigh, N.C.Barney Lee Davidson 1920 Amarillo, Tex. 1949 West Texas Conf. 2009 Cary, N.C. Cary, N.C.Robert Joseph Rudd 1929 Burlington, N.C. 1956 Atlanta, Ga. 2009 Raeford, N.C. Hoke County, N.C. Wayne Esmond Thomas 1931 Nakomis, Fla. 1961 Lakeland, Fla. 2009 Washington, N.C. Oakdale Cem., Washington, N.C.Roger Everett Thompson 1934 Hoffman, N.C. 1961 Kinston, N.C. 2009 Laurel Hill, N.C. Richmond Mem. Pk., RockinghamClyde Gay McCarver 1919 Burke County, Ga. 1944 Raleigh, N.C. 2009 Hartsville, S.C. Hartsville, S.C.Richard Jerome Williams 1939 Nash County, N.C. 1997 Fayetteville, N.C. 1939 Raleigh, N.C. CremationBenjamin Ray Melvin 1932 Fayettevile, N.C. 1979 Fayetteville, N.C. 2009 Fayetteville, N.C. Lafeyette Me. Pk, Fayetteville, N.C.Pernicie C. Yelverton 1933 Nahunta, N.C. 1953 Durham, N.C. 2009 Wayne County, N.C. Elmwood Cem., Fremont, N.C.Bobby Powell Tyson 1935 Middlesex, N.C. 1962 Kinston, N.C. 2009 Raleigh, N.C. Lillington, N.C.Hobart W. Burnside, Jr. 1935 Fairmont, West Va. 1971 Fayetteville, N.C. 2010 Smithfield, N.C. Fellowship, Princeton, N.C.Leonard Edward Mayo 1931 Eureka, N.C. 1966 Rocky Mount 2010 Candor, N.C. Green Lake, N.C. Samuel Williams Dixon, Jr. 1949 Asheville, N.C. 1974 Fayetteville, N.C. 2010 Port-au-Prince, Haiti CremationHarold “Pete” McElroy Chrismon, Sr. 1923 BrownSummit, N.C. 1969 Chapel Hill, N.C. 2010 Apex, N.C. Apex, N.C.Herman Nathan Ward, Jr. 1938 Columbus County, N.C. 1965 Fayetteville, N.C. 2010 Durham, N.C. CremationNeil H. Thompson 1919 Swepsonville, N.C. 1960 Fayetteville, N.C. 2010 Raleigh, N.C. Raleigh, N.C.Robert Lee Moser 1912 Alamance County, N.C. 1939 Greensboro, N.C. 2010 Burlington, N.C. Bellemont, Burlington, N.C.Camille Ogle Yorkey 1946 San Francisco, Calif. 1984 Fayetteville, N.C. 2010 Chapel Hill, N.C. Cremation - Bur. Ellis Ch. DurhamJefferson Woodrow Davis 1916 Watauga County, NC Local Pastor 2011 Lemon Springs, NC Lemon Springs, NCJoseph Kent Bostick, Sr. 1922 Greensboro, NC 1945 Goldsboro, NC 2011 Raleigh, NC Oakwood Cem., Raleigh, NCWilliam Franklin Williams 1943 Ellerbe, NC 1985 Fayetteville, NC 2011 Pinebluff, NC Pinebluff, NCRobert Edward Shelton 1959 High Point, NC 2002 Fayetteville, NC 2011 Burlington, NC Robbins, NCFrank Edward Wier 1930 Tennessee Local Pastor 2011 Sevierville, TN Sevierville, TNMartha Claire Lewis 1949 Camden, New Jersey 2008 Greenville Local Pastor 2011 Durham, NC Tuttle’s Grove Beaufort, NCForrest Donley Lamneck 1916 Columbus, Ohio 1948 Western Pennsylvania 2011 Coshocton, Ohio Warsaw, OhioWilliam Devine Sabiston III 1935 Wilmington, NC 1963 Greenville, NC 2011 Durham, NC Cremation, Roxboro, NC


Name Date/Place Joined Date/Place Place ofof Member of Birth Conference of Death Burial

Thaddeus Clifton West 1933 Wayne County, NC Local Pastor 2011 LaGrange, NC LaGrange, NCBrooks Patten 1918 Greenville, NC 1943 Rocky Mount, NC 2011 Lake Junaluska, NC Chapel Hill, NCNeal Eddins Wingfield 1943 Charlottesville, VA 1997 Fayetteville, NC 2012 Wilmington, NC. CremationWilliam Russell Rudd 1931 Burlington, NC 1963 Kentucky Conference 2012 Clinton, NC.. Epworth Cem. ClintonJames Alvin Williams 1920 Pender County, NC 1962 Kinston, NC 2012 Vance Co., NC Plank Chapel, Kittrell, NCRobert Blair Craig 1937 Dixonville, PA Local Pastor 2012 Newport News, VA Newport News, VASamuel Sunghwan Lee 1925 Korea 1957 Korean UMC 2012 Bell, California Bell, CaliforniaJames Winfred. Hamilton 1928 Biscoe, NC 1953 Durham, NC 2012 Pinehurst, NC Ether, NCSimeon Foster Cummings 1920 Robeson County, NC 1953 Durham, NC 2012 Pembroke, NC Prospect, Pembroke, NCKenneth Eugene Bean 1924-Chatham Co. 1951-Wilmington, NC 2012 Ramseur, NC Siler City, NCRobert F. McKee 1927-Pennsylvania 1952-Burlington, NC 2012 Spartanburg, SC Spartanburg, SCRonnie Richard Dawson 1956-Durham, NC 1994-Fayetteville, NC 2012 Wilmington, NC Graham, NCWalter Neill McDonald 1922-Lillington, NC 1950-Kinston 2012 Louisburg, NC LouisburgHerbert F. Horne 1923- Chowan County, NC Local Pastor 2012 Maysville, NC Maysville, NCLuther Vance High, Jr. 1920-Old Fields, Wilson Co., NC Local Pastor 2012 Richlands,NC Richlands,NCCharles Edgar Sparks 1926 Durham, NC 1957-New Bern, NC 2012 Winston-Salem, NC Winston-Salem, NCWilbur Carol Teachey 1931- Rose Hill, NC 1959-Wilmington, NC 2012 Beaufort, NC Beaufort, NCJulius Oscar Jernigan 1930 - Dunn, NC 1955-Fayetteville, NC 2013 Hunterville, NC CrematedNevin David Snyder 1928 – Pennsylvania 1949-West Virginia 2013 Florida FloridaCharles John Hause 1928 – New York Local Pastor 2013 Wilmington, NC Wilmington, NCJames Allen Starnes 1936-Mooresville, NC 1964-Burlington, NC 2013 Waynesville, NC Lake Junaluska, NCJoseph C. Parker 1926 – Craven County, NC 1964-Burlington, NC 2013 New Bern New Bern, NCRussell Ray Knowles 1920 – Roper, NC 1974-Fayetteville, NC 2013 Supply, NC Supply, NCDavid Richard Thick 1940 - Michigan Local Pastor 2013 Greenville, NC CrematedJames Frederick Thompson, Jr. 1935 – Scotland County, NC 1961-Kinston, NC 2013 Durham, NC Durham, NCHarvey Langill Watson 1925 - Tuscararora 1950-Kinston, NC 2013 New Bern New Bern, NCNathan Hooks Byrd 1934 – Calypso, NC 1958-Virginia 2013 Banner Elk Banner Elk, NCWilliam Edward Cummings 1935 – Richlands, NC 1980-Fayetteville, NC 2013 Fayetteville, NC Fayetteville, NCRichard C. Sharp 1934 – Bath, NC 1992-Fayetteville, NC 2013 Boiling Springs, NC Boiling Springs, NCJohn Cleveland Andrews, Jr. 1929 – Pitt County, NC 1960-Rocky Mount, NC 2013 Greenville, NC Devotional Gardens, Warsaw, NCRobert Francis Bundy 1930 Pasquotank Co., NC 1957 New Bern, NC 2013 Moore Co., NC Pinehurst, NCLeon Graham Royall 1939 Sampson Co., NC 1974 Fayetteville, NC 2013 Edgecombe Co., NC Edgecombe Co., NCEllis Jennings Bedsworth 1925 Baltimore, MD 1955 Fayetteville, NC 2013 Greenville, NC Victoria CemetaryMorris Lee Barber 1934 Alamance Co., NC 1967 Ohio 2013 Carthage, NC Eagle Springs, NCCarroll L. Fitzgerald 1928 Brunswick Co., NC Local Pastor 2013 Southport, NC CremationJulian Warren Scott 1930 Onslow County, NC 1961 Durham, NC 2013 Pinebluff, NC Moore County, NCMichael William Leburg 1961 Lafayette, IN 1990 Fayetteville, NC 2013 Fort Wayne, IN Lafayette, INBilly McCoy Carden 1931 Nash Co., NC 1961 Durham, NC 2013 Durham, NC Person Mem. GardensA.J. Eure 1930 Gates Co., NC 1984 Fayetteville, NC 2013 Wilson, NC CremationKelly J. Wilson, Jr. 1921 Durham, NC 1949 Sanford, NC 2013 Durham, NC Durham, NC Denny C. Wise 1942 Manteo, NC 1966 Rocky Mount, NC 2013 Graham, NC Graham, NCCharles L. Herrin 1948 Alabama 1974 N. Alabama 2014 Raleigh, NC Raleigh, NCGayle C. Felton 1942 Pinetops, NC 1983 Fayetteville, NC 2013 Rougemont, NC Pinetops, NCWalter P. Weaver 1934 Elkin, NC 1959 Fayetteville, NC 2014 Florida Lakeland, FLRufus H. Stark II 1931 Greenville, NC 1954 Raleigh, NC 2014 Durham, NC Raleigh, NCRobert M. Poulk, Sr. 1924 Cairo, GA 1960 Rocky Mount, NC 2014 Fayetteville, NC Fayetteville, NCEugene G. Purcell, Jr. 1922 Durham, NC 1943 Rocky Mount, NC 2014 Lenoir, NC Lenoir, NCRichard Claybourne Baldwin, Sr. 1946 Wilmington, NC Local Pastor 2014 Craven County New Bern, NCGeorge C. Smith 1935 Columbus County, NC 1972 Durham, NC 2014 Whiteville, NC CremationJerry E. Mitchell 1952 Wayne County, NC 2003 Fayetteville, NC 2014 Goldsboro, NC Fairview Cem., Wayne Co., NCHarold T. Pickett 1929 Fayetteville, NC 1960 Rocky Mount, NC 2014 New Bern, NC Trenton, NCRonald J. Snider 1952 Greenville, NC 1986 Durham, NC 2014 Durham, NC Roxboro, NCDonald L. Harris 1931 Enfield, NC 1966 Rocky Mount, NC 2014 Laurinburg, NC Rowland, NC


Name Date/Place Joined Date/Place Place ofof Member of Birth Conference of Death Burial

George R. McKenzie 1928 Wilmington, NC 1953 Durham, NC 2014 Burlington, NC Cremation Paul W. Aitken 1924 Colver, Penn. 1952 Charleston, W.VA. 2014 Durham, NC Durham, NCMillard R. Baker 1927 Kentucky 1953 Knoxville, TN 2014 Kinston, NC Kinston, NCGlenn B. Everett 1942 Havelock, NC 1981 Fayetteville, NC 2014 New Bern, NC Havelock, NCJack Manly Hunter 1930 Lee Co., NC 1964 Burlington, NC 2014 Sanford, NC Sanford, NC Peleg D. Midgett III 1923 Durham, NC 1957 New Bern, NC 2014 Wilmington, NC Southport, NCHenry W. Lee 1936 Johnston Co., NC 1975 Fayetteville, NC 2014 Dunn, NC Benson, NC John G. Olive 1933 Tampa, FL 1959 Florida Conf. 2014 Johnson City, TN Johnson City, TNClarence Garner, Sr. 1927 Eagle Springs, Moore Co., NC 1967 Goldsboro, NC 2014 Durham, NC Robbins, NCJames M. Waggoner 1933 Jacksonville, FL 1958 Wilson, NC 2014 Raleigh, NC Smithfield, NCAmos H. Stone 1921 Atlanta, GA 1953 Durham, NC 2015 Fayetteville, NC Fayetteville, NCLeland J. Fogleman 1952 Alamance Co., NC 1976 Fayetteville, NC 2015 Raleigh, NC Southern Pines, NCFrank O. Fitzgerald, Jr. 1928 Kinston, NC 1952 Burlington, NC 2015 Raleigh, NC CremationHaywood W. Gillikin 1943 Goldsboro, NC 1990 Fayetteville, NC 2015 Smithfield, NC Smithfield, NCLeon D. Fowler 1934 Danville, VA 1988 Wesleyan Church 2015 Asheboro, NC Asheboro, NCGerald R. Massey 1927 Turkey, NC 1972 Durham, NC 2015 Raleigh, NC Eureka, NC James C. P. Brown 1927 Lasker, NC 1950 Kinston, NC 2015 Southern Pines, NC Southern Pines, NCJean L. Hood 1923 Grantham, NC 1964 Burlington, NC 2015 Goldsboro, NC Wayne Mem. Pk. Dudley, NCJohn M. Bowman 1935 Augusta Co., VA 1987 Fayetteville, NC 2015 Wilson, NC Wilson, NC Tommy L. Evans 1935 Craven Co., NC 1984 Fayetteville, NC 2015 Burlington, NC Lebanon Church, Mebane, NCGeorge F. Cribb 1925 St. Petersburg, FL 2015 Newport, NC Newport, NCHugo L. Lopez 1930 Santiago, Chile 1995 Deacon 2015 Wilmington, NC Wilmington, NCCharles C. Smith 1939 Carteret Co., NC 1981 Fayetteville, NC 2015 New Bern, NC Beaufort, NCJohn T. Smith 1932 Chapel Hill, NC 1963 Greenville, NC 2015 Raleigh, NC Cremation Franklin L. Alexander 1932 Tyrrell Co., NC 1977 Fayetteville, NC 2015 Creswell, NC Columbia, NCJohn S. Norman 1932 Edgecombe Co., NC 2015 LaGrange, NC LaGrange, NCHoward M. Wilkinson 1925 Richmond, VA. 1967 Goldsboro, NC 2015 Garysburg, NC Pleasant Grove, Jackson, NC William Rankin CrowderPeggy Jo Dunacn-WoodEdward C. ElliottSidney Earl StaffordThomas Given HoltsclawJames Lee HobbsLacy V. “Buck” FryeDavid Curtis SteinmetzRobert Harry JordanJames Thomas HinsonArthur John Wilson, IIIHenry Robert “Bob” WarrenEldon Griffith WoodcockLuis Felipe ReinosoFranklin D. DanielsElva Leroy Morton, IIIRayford Homer MethvinLawrence Clayton HigginsLeo Clifford ThompsonDavid Wesley JohnsonThomas Garland KnottLester Cefare BissetteEdwin Lee EarnhardtNorma Faye Baines RouseJames Lough WilsonJerry Jay Juren

1919 Guilford Co., N.C.1938 Catawba Co., N.C.1938 Illinois1934 Hattiesburg, Miss.1938 West Virginia1936 Clinton, N.C.1931 Moore Co., N.C.1936 Columbus, Ohio1926 Siler City, N.C.1945 Richmond Co., N.C.1939 Old Hickory, Tenn.1919 Cumberland Co., N.C.1930 Washington, D.C.1935 Peru1933 Tarboro, N.C.1947 Lenoir Co., N.C.1921 Trimble, Cullman Co.,,Ala.1953 New Bern, N.C.1935 Roseboro, N.C.1930 Greenville, S.C.1927 New Albany, Miss.1930 Nash Co., N.C.1926 Henderson, N.C.1937 Enfield, N.C.1949 N.C.1934 Pitt Co., N.C.

1948 Greenville, N.C.Local Pastor1975 Central Illinois1959 Gulfport, Miss.1969 Trans. West Virginia1961 Durham, N.C.Local Pastor1972 Trans. E. Pennsylvania1951 Wilmington, N.C.Part-time Local Pastor1962 Kinston1970 Greenville, N.C.1961 Durham, N.C.1963 Peru1960 Trans. From VA Conf.Local Pastor1975 Fayetteville, N.C.1984 Fayettevill, N.C.1958 Wilson, N.C.Local Pastor1972 Trans. Mississippi Conf.1959 Wilmington, N.C.1952 Burlington, N.C.Local Pastor1972 Durham, N.C.1964 Burlington, N.C.

2015 Greensboro, N.C.2015 Lexington, N.C.2015 Raleigh, N.C.2015 Louisburg, N.C.2015 Roxboro. N.C.2015 Burlington, N.C.2015 Biscoe, N.C.2015 Chapel Hill, N.C.2015 Wilson, N.C.2016 Rockingham, N.C.2016 Charlotte, N.C.2016 Knightdale, N.C.2016 Montgomery, M.Y.2016 Louisburg, N.C.2016 Fayetteville, N.C.2016 New Bern, N.C.2016 Garner, N.C.2016 New Bern, N.C.2016 Raleigh, N.C.2016 Southern Pines2016 Durham, N.C.2016 Wilson, N.C.2016 Edwenton, N.C.2016 Wilmington, N.C.2016 Henry Co., Va.2016 High Point, N.C.

Greensboro, N.C.Forest Lawn Greensboro, N.C.Raleigh, N.C.Louisburg, N.C.Roxboro, N.C.Clinton, N.C.Biscoe, N.C.Durham, N.C.Oakwood, Siler City, N.C.Rockingham Co., N.C.Davidson, N.C.Lafayette Mem. Park FayettevilleNew YorkFranklinton, N.C.Fayetteville, N.C.Pollocksville, N.C.Hollands, Wake Co., N.C.Craven Co., N.C.Raleigh, N.C.Spring Lake, N.C.New Albany, Miss.Bailey, N.C.Edenton, N.C.Wilmington, N.C.Henry Co., Va.High Point, N.C.


Historical StatementI. Composition

The North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church is composed of:A. The eastern portion of the former North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Protestant Church.B. The former North Carolina Conference of The Methodist Episcopal Church South.C. The coastal region of the former Blue Ridge Atlantic Conference of The Methodist Episcopal

Church.D. The Eastern District, North Carolina Virginia Conference, Central Jurisdiction.

II. OrganizationThe organizing dates of the four former Conferences were as follows:A. The North Carolina Conference of The Methodist Protestant Church 1828, at Whitaker’s

Chapel in Halifax County, North Carolina.B. The North Carolina Conference of The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, 1837.C. The Blue Ridge Atantic Conference of The Methodist Episcopal Church, 1879, at Greensboro, North Carolina, first named Southern Central Conference; two years later,

1881, renamed Blue Ridge Atlantic Conference.D. The Eastern District North Carolina Virginia Annual Conference was organized at a special

session on August 11, 1964, at Bennett College, Greensboro, North Carolina.

III. Sessions of The Constituent Conferences Before Union In 1939: (See 1988 Journal.)

IV. Union: The Unification of the North Carolina Conferences was accomplished by the Unification of the three major branches of American Methodism in the United States at Kansas

City, Missouri, May 10, 1939.

V. Sessions Since Union In 1939: (See 1988 Journal.)

VI. Sessions Of Other Conferences: (See 1988 Journal.)

VII. Sessions Since Union In 1968 Of The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren ChurchSessions of the NC Conference of The United Methodist Church, 1968-2014

Held When President Secretary143 Fayetteville June 1968 Paul N. Garber W. Carleton Wilson144 Chapel Hill June 1969 W. R. Cannon W. Carleton Wilson145 Greenville June 1970 W. R. Cannon W. Carleton Wilson146 Fayetteville June 1971 W. R. Cannon W. Carleton Wilson147 Durham June 1972 W. R. Cannon W. Carleton Wilson


148 Fayetteville June 1973 R. M. Blackburn A. Kimsey King149 Fayetteville June 1974 R. M. Blackburn A. Kimsey King150 Fayetteville June 1975 R. M. Blackburn James H. Coile151 Fayetteville June 1976 R. M. Blackburn James H. Coile152 Fayetteville June 1977 R. M. Blackburn James H. Coile153 Fayetteville June 1978 R. M. Blackburn James H. Coile154 Fayetteville June 1979 R. M. Blackburn James H. Coile155 Fayetteville June 1980 R. M. Blackburn James H. Coile156 Fayetteville June 1981 W. R. Cannon L. T. Wilson157 Fayetteville June 1982 W. R. Cannon L. T. Wilson158 Fayetteville June 1983 W. R. Cannon L. T. Wilson 159 Fayetteville June 1984 W. R. Cannon L. T. Wilson160 Fayetteville June 1985 C. P. Minnick, Jr. L. T. Wilson161 Durham June 1986 C. P. Minnick, Jr. L. T. Wilson162 Fayetteville June 1987 C. P. Minnick, Jr. L. T. Wilson163 Fayetteville June 1988 C. P. Minnick, Jr. L. T. Wilson164 Fayetteville June 1989 C. P. Minnick, Jr. James H. Coile165 Fayetteville June 1990 C. P. Minnick, Jr. James H. Coile166 Fayetteville June 1991 C. P. Minnick, Jr. James H. Coile167 Fayetteville June 1992 C. P. Minnick, Jr. James H. Coile168 Fayetteville June 1993 C. P. Minnick, Jr. James H. Coile169 Fayetteville June 1994 C. P. Minnick, Jr. James H. Coile170 Fayetteville June 1995 C. P. Minnick, Jr. James H. Coile171 Fayetteville June 1996 C. P. Minnick, Jr. James H. Coile172 Fayetteville June 1997 Marion M. Edwards James L. Bryan173 Fayetteville June 1998 Marion M. Edwards James L. Bryan174 Fayetteville June 1999 Marion M. Edwards James L. Bryan175 Fayetteville June 2000 Marion M. Edwards James L. Bryan176 Fayetteville June 2001 Marion M. Edwards James L. Bryan177 Fayetteville June 2002 Marion M. Edwards James L. Bryan178 Fayetteville June 2003 Marion M. Edwards James L. Bryan179 Fayetteville June 2004 Marion M. Edwards James L. Bryan180 Fayetteville June 2005 Alfred Wesley Gwinn Jr. James L. Bryan 181 Greenville June 2006 Alfred Wesley Gwinn Jr. James L. Bryan182 Greenville June 2007 Alfred Wesley Gwinn Jr. James L. Bryan183 Greenville June 2008 Alfred Wesley Gwinn Jr. James L. Bryan184 Greenville June 2009 Alfred Wesley Gwinn Jr. James L. Bryan 185 Greenville June 2010 Alfred Wesley Gwinn Jr. James L. Bryan186 Raleigh June 2011 Alfred Wesley Gwinn Jr. James L. Bryan187 Raleigh June 2012 Alfred Wesley Gwinn Jr. James L. Bryan188 Greenville June 2013 Hope Morgan Ward James L. Bryan189 Greenville June 2014 Hope Morgan Ward James L. Bryan190 Wilmington June 2015 Hope Morgan Ward James L. Bryan191 Greenville June 2016 Hope Morgan Ward James L. Bryan

section v: historical recordsjournal.nccumc.org/journal/2016/journal_sec5_2016.pdf270 the north...

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