Mr. Suiter was born October 29, 1935 in Northampton County, NC, the son of the late John Arthur Suiter Sr. and Myrtle Anderton Suiter. He was also predeceased by a sister Martha “Peggy” Watkins Slade. He was a former member of the National Guard.

He was a local business man for many years and operated Suiter’s Store in Garysburg. He also operated a trucking service, but his love was in music. A very gifted musician he played the steel guitar and played for many years at the Lasker Barn Dance in Lasker, NC.

He is survived by his wife Joyce Bridgers Suiter. His daughters, Jan Suiter and Beth Suiter White, both of Halifax, NC. His son Ghi Suiter and his wife Susan also of Halifax, NC.  His granddaughters Emily and Madison Suiter. A sister Elizabeth Suiter Robinson of Skippers, VA and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 11:00 AM at

Garysburg United Methodist Church Cemetery in Garysburg with Rev. Steve Formo officiating.

The family will receive friends at Massey Funeral Home in Roanoke Rapids

Friday from 7:00 until 8:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas TX 75231 or The American Cancer Society, 930 Wellness Drive # B, Greenville, NC 27834.

A special thank you to Dr. Mario Fiorilli and staff for such kind care.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.haroldmasseyfuneralhome.com

Doug is survived by his wife Donna Ramsey Hardy and his daughters Kayla Hardy Pittman and her husband J.C. of Roanoke Rapids and Paula Hardy of Roanoke Rapids.  He is also survived by his father John Paul Hardy Jr. and his wife Jackie of Scotland Neck, his sister Flora Beth Butts and her husband Marvin of Roanoke Rapids, his niece Addyson Butts, his nephew Marvin Butts, his mother-in-law Helen McCoy Ramsey of Franklin, NC, his sister-in-law Debi Vinson and her husband Dexter of Franklin, NC and a brother-in-law Michael Ramsey and his wife Candy of Franklin, NC.

Doug was a great daddy, husband, father and brother. He loved coaching his girls in basketball and softball. Doug was an active member of First Christian Church where he served as an elder and a Sunday school teacher. In its existence he was a member of the Roanoke Rapids Exchange Club. Doug, a Scotland Neck native, Doug was a 1982 graduate of Hobgood Academy and graduated from Western Carolina University in 1986 with a degree in Criminal Justice. He was a Chief Probation and parole officer for Halifax County. Doug was an avid hunter and a UNC Tar Heel fan.

The family will receive friends at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services on Thursday, August 29, 6:30-8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at 3:00pm on Friday at   First Christian Church in Roanoke Rapids with Reverend Bane Angles officiating. Burial will follow in the Baptist Cemetery in Scotland Neck.

Arrangements are being handled by Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids.

In lieu of flowers if you would like to, please make donations to the family for Paula’s college fund.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com.

Aubrey a Native of Halifax county was the son of the late James Raleigh, Sr. and Lucy Ester Warren Dickens. He was also preceded in death by a sister Lula Dickens Loflin and two brothers James R. “J.R.” Dickens, Jr.; and Grady Dickens.

He was a life-long member of Rocky swamp Primitive Baptist Church having served as a Deacon and Sunday school teacher for many years. He was active in many farming organizations. He was a founding member of the Darlington volunteer fire department and a founding trustee of Enfield Academy.

He is survived by his wife Julia Foster Dickens; four daughters Betty Ann Mohorn and her husband Bentley of Halifax; Michelle Dickens of Wilmington; Carolyn  Wood and her husband Tom of Columbus, Ga.; and Lisa Bullard and her husband Bill of Stanfield, NC; two sons Nick Dickens and his wife Margaret and Jeff Dickens and his wife Sylvia all of Littleton; twelve granddaughters; two great granddaughters and six great grandsons; two sisters Mary Elizabeth Alford of Littleton and Peggie Auten and her husband Dean of Irmo, SC; three brothers Winford Dickens and his wife Rose of Lake Gaston; Johnny Dickens and his wife Jean of Williamston and Perry Dickens and his wife Hortense of Roanoke Rapids.

The family will receive friends Wednesday from 7-8:30 at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday August 29, at 2 P.M. in the Chapel of Askew Funeral Services with Elder Harold Pittman and Elder Garland Vick officiating.

Interment will follow in the Rocky Swamp Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com

Mr. Futrell was born May 9, 1952 in Hertford County, NC, the son of the late Berder T. Futrell Sr. and Janice Meredith Martin Futrell. He was also preceded in death by a brother Steve Albert Futrell. He was retired from Hampton Farms and a US Army Veteran and served his country during the Vietnam war.

He is survived by his sister Julia Ann Jeffries and her husband Charles of Franklin, VA. His brother Jan Meredith Futrell and his wife Helen of Odessa, TX. His niece, Janice Futrell, his nephews Charles Lane Jeffries Jr., Timothy Short, Jordan Futrell, and Nathan Short.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Severn Cemetery with Rev. Ricky Browder officiating.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.haroldmasseyfuneralhome.com.

She was born March 20, 1931 in Weldon, NC to the late Ed and Lydia Knox Dowles.  

She was a wonderful loving mother who would give you her last dime.  She loved church and God.  

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Robert Lee Merritt, Jr., a son Bobby Lee Merritt, a daughter Shirley Ann Merritt, and four brothers and sisters, Hazel Leigh Dowles; Samuel Edward “Hot Rod”  Dowles, Nancy Dowles Clary, and Charles Dowles.

She is survived by two daughters Connie Merritt Pernell and husband Tony of Skippers, Va., and Mary Merritt Williford and husband Tommie of Ahoskie.  She is also survived by the love of her life, her oldest grandson Fitzhugh Lee Merritt and wife Dana of Roanoke Rapids; Rebecca Acree Reed and husband Jason of Brodnax, Va.; Bobby Lee Acree and wife Amy of Roanoke Rapids; Roger Liverman and wife Wendy of Ahoskie; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Memorial Services will be held Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 2:00 PM at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service with Billy Meinsen, Minister officiating.

Online condolences may be made at www.hockadayfs.com.

Mr. Shearin was born in Warren County, NC, January 1, 1948 to the late Ray Jackson Shearin and Lula Belle Ricks Shearin.  He was a painter by trade and loved fishing and going to yard sales.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Shearin is preceded in death by three sisters, Judy Shearin Sanders, Peggy Shearin Harris and Charlotte Shearin and one son, Roy Jackson Shearin, Jr.

Surviving is one son, Michael Wayne Shearin of Roanoke Rapids; three daughters, Donna Walters and husband, Lennie, of Littleton, Jacqueline Shearin and Hannah Evans, both of Roanoke Rapids; one brother, Linwood Shearin and wife, Carolyn, of Roanoke Rapids, and one sister, Edith S. “Dolly” Roundtree and husband, William, of Roanoke Rapids.  Also surviving is three grandchildren, Ashley Shearin, Chelsey Shearin, and Faith Walters, and three great-grandchildren, Scott Shearin, Brantley Shearin, and Ayden Dale.

The family will receive friends Thursday, September 5, 2013 at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service from 7-8:30 pm.  Rev. Wayne Marshall will conduct a graveside service in Cedarwood Cemetery Friday, September 6, 2013 at 11:00 am.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com

Nadine was the daughter of the late Tommie and Ruby Della Taylor Williams. She was also preceded in death by a son Keith Dean Archer and her sister Sarah Lee Moore.

She was a member of East 10th street Church of Christ.

Nadine is survived by her husband Robert A. Archer and their son Bob T. Archer of Littleton.

Nadine’s Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. at the Graveside on Saturday September 7, 2013 in Crestview Memorial Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids with Minister Dave Chapman officiating

The Family will receive friends after the service at the Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids.

Ezra Jr. was born June 19, 1938 in Halifax County NC.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ezra Bowers Daniel, Sr. and  Marie Daniels Daniel.      

He is survived by a brother, James Arthur Daniel Wilson of Winston-Salem NC, his aunt, Ruth Roberts of Midland, Texas, his special friend, Jean Crutchfield of Roanoke Rapids, and many cousins and friends.

Ezra Jr. attended Bear Swamp Baptist Church and Aurelian Springs High School.  He spent most of his working years at Hardees Restaurant and some at McDonalds.  He liked to visit with his extended family and seldom missed the annual Bowers Family Reunions.

A graveside service will be held at Bear Swamp Church Cemetery near Brinkleyville, 15227 NC Highway 48 on Tuesday, September 10, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Howard Guidry

The family would like to thank Jean Crutchfield for the special attention and care she gave him during his illness.

Askew Funeral and Cremation Service in Roanoke Rapids is in charge of arrangements. 

Mrs. Stainback was born October 22, 1922 in Suffolk, VA to the late Harvey Keene and Claude Wicker Keene. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 67 years Everett S. “Dick” Stainback.  She graduated from Roanoke Rapids High School and later graduated from the “old” Rex Nursing School as a Registered Nurse.  She worked as a nurse on the Roanoke Rapids and Gaston Dam projects and later retired from the Halifax County Health Department after nursing for 45 years. She was also a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church. 

Mrs. Stainback is survived by her two sons: Mike Stainback and Wayne Stainback and his wife Ann both of Roanoke Rapids; her granddaughter: Sommer Stainback Duenow and her husband Hjalmer of Minnesota ; her great granddaughter: Sofia Duenow of Minnesota; two nieces: Bobbie Worrell and her husband Charlie of Kingsport, TN and Loretta Mason and her husband Thomas of Roanoke Rapids.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Joe Sandoval officiating. Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, September 9, 2013 from 7:00 – 8:30 P.M. at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service and other times at the home.  

Online condolences may be made at www.hockadayfs.com. 

Dustin was born April 18, 1988 in Richmond, VA. He loved his son and family very much and he loved living. One of his many enjoyments was playing the guitar.

Dustin was preceded in death by a grandfather William “Bill” Harvey Urbahns Sr.

Survivors include his mother Deborah Shearin Urbahns, his father William Harvey Urbahns, both of Roanoke Rapids. His son, Samuel William Urbahns of Charleston, SC. His half brother, David Alan Mooney of Columbia, SC and his half sister, Lisa Marie Urbahns of Clayton, NC. His grandparents Betsy S. Urbahns, Jeannette Jones and Donnie David Shearin Sr. Also several nieces and nephews and many other family members.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, September 8, 2013 at 4:00 PM at

Massey Funeral Home in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Michael Mooneyham officiating.

The family will receive friends after the service at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at 

www.haroldmasseyfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Warren was born October 3, 1937 in Halifax County to the late Sydney Parker and Bessie Worrell Parker.  She was also preceded in death by her husband: Harry “Buddy” Warren; and her son: Ricky Warren.

Mrs. Warren was a member of Quankie Baptist Church. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She worked for the Halifax County School System as a teacher’s aide and also drove a school bus for many years. She also loved playing the piano whenever she had the opportunity.

She is survived by her son: Joseph B. Warren and his wife Vicky; her daughter: Kim Johnston and her husband Joe Mike both of Roanoke Rapids; her grandchildren: Amy Jeffries and her husband Hilton, Joe Johnston, II and his wife Shelley, Rhonda Johnston and Richard Warren and his wife Tammy; nine great-grandchildren; her brother: Milton H. Parker of Rocky Mount; her twin sister: Maxine Bobbitt and her husband Perry of Littleton; a number of nieces and nephews and many special friends.

Graveside services will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, September 14, 2013 at Tabor United Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Hilton Jeffries and Rev. Sid Collins officiating.  The family will receive friends from 7:00 – 8:30 P.M. Friday, September 13, 2013 at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service and other times at the home of her daughter, 126 Savannah Circle.

Online condolences may be made at www.hockadayfs.com. 

Renee’ was born March 4, 1968 in Duval County, Florida to Bobby Doan and Carol Garner Werner.

She is preceded in death by her father.

She was baptized at Calvary Baptist Church in 2011.

She is survived by her longtime special friend Tim Glasgow of the home; her daughter Heather Rees Rosenberger and her husband David of Elizabeth City; her Mother Carol Werner of Gaston; sister’s Regina Taylor of Gaston; Doris Tart of Roanoke Rapids; Darlene Brown of Nashville; Chrystal Adams of Durham; special niece Savannah; friend Wes Allen of Gaston and her loving Cat “Pretty Boy “

Graveside service for Renee’ will be held Sunday September 15, 2013 at 2:00 P. M. at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Randy Martin officiating.

The Family will receive friends, Sunday from 12:45 until 1:45 at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids.

Online condolences maybe made to the family at www.askewfs.com

Mr. Kirby was born June 16, 1941 in Johnston County to the late James Capo and Lynell Kirby. He was also preceded in death by his son: Little Benny Kirby of Kenly, NC.

He is survived his wife Barbara Kirby of the home; his mother-in-law: Georgie Sykes Gray of Roanoke Rapids; his son: Maxie Kirby and his wife Shannon of Kenly; his daughter: Kelly Swartzel and her husband David of Raleigh; his brothers: Mac Capo and Earl Capo of Jacksonville, FL; his sisters-in-law: Beth Gray-Robertson and her husband Billy, Beverly McKee and her husband Jeff, Pam Keeter and her husband Wayne and Melinda Speight all of Roanoke Rapids; five grandchildren: Webb, Kaitlyn and Bailey all of Kenly, NC,  Carson and Ashton both of Raleigh, NC and his adorable little girl Muffin.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. Sunday at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Halifax, 220 Smith Church Road, Building C, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com. 

Virginia, a native of Halifax County was the daughter of the late Charlie Cleveland Barnes and Mary Elizabeta Sabrovich Barnes. She was also preceded in death by three sisters, and one brother.

Virginia is survived by her son Butch Coons and wife Patricia of Roanoke Rapids; her daughter, Karen Coons Prince and husband Scott of Virginia Beach, VA; 2 grandchildren, Samantha Leigh Meeks and Grady Lee (Gray) Neal III; and several nieces and nephews.  

The family will receive friends Thursday, September 19, 2013 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids.

Memorial services will be held Friday, September 20, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church with Reverend Randy Martin officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the COPDFoundation.org or the charity of one’s choice.  

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Roanoke Rapids location of H.D. Pope Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent via:  www.hdpopefuneralhome.com

Ruby was the daughter of the late James Henry Leggett and Mary Louise Wobbelton Leggett.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Willie Ivey and her son, James Willie Ivey, Jr. 

She was a long time member of Weldon Baptist Church and enjoyed being very active in the church choir.  

Ruby is survived by her daughters, Inez I. Futrell and her husband John of Woodland; Margo I. Smith and her husband Ashley of Roanoke Rapids; Angel I. Whitby and her husband Andy of Weldon; her sisters, Helen Bryant and Hazel Smith of Roanoke Rapids;  her daughter in law, Janet Ivey of Wendell; 6 grandchildren, Scott Davis, Darrin Davis, Lee Smith, Erin S. Earle, Kelly Ivey, and Leslie Ivey; 6 great grandchildren, Dayne Smith, Miranda Smith, Jonathan Earle, Conner Earle, Kayleigh Smith, and Merrigan Smith.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids and other times at 701 Henry Street, Roanoke Rapids.  

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Weldon Baptist Church with Reverend Billy Howell officiating.  Burial will follow in Crestview Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids.

The family expresses a special thanks for the concern and loving care provided by Roanoke Rapids Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Memorial donations may be made to Weldon Baptist Church, 609 Washington Avenue, Weldon, NC 27890.  

Phyllis grew-up in Gaston and then Rheasville, just outside of Roanoke Rapids.

She was a graduate of Aurelian Springs High School, Class of 1961.

She and her husband, Tommy, were residents of Darlington.

She was a life-long learner, taking accounting classes, computer classes, and business courses. She and Tommy`s work with Warren Brothers, and later Warren Bros. Farms, was widely known.

After Tommy’s death in 2010, Phyllis continued farming growing cotton, soy beans, and peanuts up until her death.  

Everyone who knew Phyllis recognized her love for her family and for others in the community.

She was actively involved in the community, with particular support for Roanoke Rapids’ Union Mission. Her volunteer efforts were extensive and will be missed.



She is survived by her sons, Christopher (Gretchen), of Stafford, Va., and Patrick Warren, of Darlington; her grandchildren, Britney, Justin and Tyler Warren, of Darlington, and Chad Warren, of Stafford; her sister, Lana (Larry), niece Tracy (Eric), and great-nephew Jake: sisters-in-law, Faye Sanderford, Bettie (Curtis) Carlisle, Dean Gorman; her brothers-in-law, Dan (Marie) and Billy (Sandra) Warren, all of the Darlington Community; the best of life-long friends, Mary Ann and Billy Sorie, of Roanoke Rapids.



A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, September 21, at Darlington Baptist Church.

A floating visitation with family and friends will follow in the Darlington Community Club.



In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Union Mission, P.O. Box 968, Roanoke Rapids NC 27870.


Mrs. Shaw was born May 2, 1932 in Halifax County to the late Jimmy Davis Hawkins and Carrie Daisy Hawkins.  She was also preceded in death by her husband: Jessie Davis Shaw; three sisters: Clyde Hawkins, Nellie Byerly, Maebelle Hawkins; four brothers: Vann Hawkins, Walter Davis Hawkins, John Hawkins and Hubert Hawkins.

She was a member of Hawkins Chapel United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Shaw is survived by her daughter: Kathy Liles and her husband Eddie of Roanoke Rapids; her sister: Alice Thompson of High Point, NC; three grandchildren, James Liles of Roanoke Rapids, Brett Liles and Amy Liles Copeland and husband Joey all of Aurelian Springs.  Two great grandchildren, Briar and Brynley Copeland.

Funeral services will be held 4:00 P.M.  Thursday, November 7, 2013 at Hawkins Chapel United Methodist Church with Rev. Sid Collins officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00 – 8:30 P.M. Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service and other times at the home of her daughter.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Roanoke Rapids location of H.D. Pope Funeral Home.

These professional services have been entrusted to H.D. Pope Funeral Home, located at 520 Smith Church Road in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Condolences may be sent via:  www.hdpopefuneralhome.com

He is survived by his sister, Beth D. Edwards and her husband, Greg of Roanoke Rapids; his brother Carl “Rabbit” Doughtie and his wife, Brenda; his niece, Kendall Edwards and Christopher Nowell of Roanoke Rapids; two nephews, Ryan L. Edwards and Shane D. Doughtie, both of Roanoke Rapids; and a great nephew, Landen Nowell; and special friends, R.C. and Wendy Riggan of Roanoke Rapids.  

Graveside Services for Todd will be held Friday, November 8, 2013 at 2:00 P.M at Cedarwood Cemetery with Minister Randy Martin officiating.

The family will receive friends Friday, from 12:30-1:45 P.M. at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com