The Obituary Section

Barbara Melvin

, North Carolina

Barbara Jean Melvin, 73, of Goldsboro, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a beautiful testimony of faith, love, and devotion to her Lord and Savior. Born on September 29, 1952, in Wayne County, Barbara was the daughter of the late James and Pearlie Melvin.Barbara accepted Christ at an early age, and her faith remained a cornerstone of her life. She was a longtime and faithful member of Mt. Zion Church Ministries, where she joyfully served as a member of the Mt. Zion Adult Mass Choir and Praise Team. Barbara had a special love for singing praises to the Lord. Her voice was not simply heard in song; it was an expression of a heart that trusted God. She would often say, “I love you Lord, yes I do,” and “I will trust You and obey.” Those words beautifully reflected the faith she carried throughout her life and the trust she placed…

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Margaret Helen Williams

, North Carolina

Margaret Helen Ellis Williams,of 220 Bunche Drive, passed peacefully on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Clear Creek Nursing and Rehab Center in Mint Hill, NC. She was born on July 5, 1942 in Green County to the late Robert and Lila (Ma Pie) Taylor Ellis.Margaret attended Wayne County public schools and was a proud graduate of Dillard High School Class of 1960 where lifelong bonds were made and she wholeheartedly supported the efforts of the Dillard Alumni Association until her health prevented her from doing so. Dillard High School is also where she met Lendell Williams, Sr. The two were married soon after graduation, and to this union three children were born: Lendell, Jr., Gregory, and Tangela.Following high school, Margaret joined the workforce at Barry’s of Goldsboro. Margaret took pride in the work she did at Barry’s and also enjoyed the fellowship and friendships made there. She often told stories…

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Herbert Turner Pitt Jr.

, North Carolina

Herbert Turner Pitt Jr., born April 25, 1966, peacefully entered his eternal rest on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.As family and friends come together to celebrate Herbert’s life, they will cherish the memories, laughter, love, and special moments that made his life meaningful. His presence will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.Compassionate and professional services are entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

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Helen Devon Cox

, North Carolina

In submission to the will of God our Father, we announce with heavy hearts the peaceful passing of our sweet sister, Helen Devon Cox, who transitioned from this earthly life on August 17, 2026, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, North Carolina.Helen was a longtime resident of Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro and was a beloved sister, cherished by Edna and Sheryl Cox. Her presence will be remembered with love, and her life will remain a treasured part of the hearts of those who knew her.A Celebration of Life will take place Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM at White Oak Grove OFW Baptist Church, Pikeville.  Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery Goldsboro.  The family will receive friends Wednesday, August 26, 2026 from 5 PM-7 PM at Hamilton Funeral Home.Professional and compassionate services are entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc.

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Gerald Calvin Simmons

, North Carolina

Gerald Calvin Simmons was born May 26, 1937, in Wayne County, North Carolina, to Coy Simmons and Gladys Jenkins. He transitioned peacefully on the morning of September 9, 2026, leaving a rich legacy of faith, education, family, service, and the written word. Gerald attended Dillard High School, graduating in 1955, before continuing his education at North Carolina Central University, where he earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in English. A lifelong educator, he taught in South Carolina and Florida before returning home to Goldsboro to care for his mother.He later joined the Wayne County Public Schools, teaching at Carver High School in Mount Olive and, following school integration, at Southern Wayne High School. In 1973, he began a distinguished career at Wayne Community College as a Liberal Arts instructor, where he spent nearly three decades educating and encouraging generations of students.Before beginning his career at Wayne Community…

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Peter Cooper

, North Carolina

October 8, 2026

Goldsboro NC Peter Cooper 79 passed away on October 9th 2026. He was born to the late Sherman and Phyllis Cooper. A lifelong resident of North Haven Island Maine Peter spent his final months in the loving care of his son Gabriel Cooper and Gabriels family in Goldsboro North Carolina. Born to the late Sherman and Phyllis Cooper. Peter is survived by his wife of 55 years Sarah Hurd Cooper. His large extended family including his siblings and their spouses David Cooper Roberta Cheryl Beaverage Raymond Kathrine Quinn Paul Candace Brown Jimmy Harold Cooper Faye Rebecca Parsons John Timothy Cooper Victor Cooper Wendy Cooper and Tammy Webb Edwin. Along with his brotherinlaw Guy Hurd Fiona. He also leaves behind his son Gabriel Cooper Jennifer two grandchildren Lauren Otellio Joseph and Isaak Cooper and his cherished greatgrandchildren Jacob Otellio Teagan Cooper Emberlyn Cooper Greyson Otellio and Evalynn Otellio along with several…

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Kay Bazemore

, North Carolina

September 29, 2026

Kay Phillips Bazemore age 76 passed away Wednesday September 30 2026 in her home.Born in Henderson KY she was the daughter of the late John Durbin Phillips and Kathleen Virginia Thomas Phillips. She is survived by her husband Melvin B. Bazemore sons Steven Bazemore and Michael Bazemore wife Margaret daughter Jenny Sexton husband Robert grandchildren BriAnna Kyra Bazemore and Kathleen Sexton brothers and sisters Ray Ethel Phillips June Ken Bazemore Jenny Hoggard Terry Maria Phillips Jimmy Sharon Phillips Jerry Roberta Phillips Dottie Alan Cunningham Larry Cheri Phillips Bobby Jennifer Phillips and Billy Christie Phillips sisterinlaw Vickie Phillips. Funeral Services will be held Friday October 9 2026 at 200 pm at ShumateFaulk Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Wayne Memorial Park. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held Friday October 9 2026 from 100 pm to 145 pm at the funeral home. ShumateFaulk Funeral Home Crematory…

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Michael Jones

, North Carolina

October 4, 2026

Michael Anthony Jones age 64 passed away Monday October 5 2026 at his home. Born in Roanoke Rapids NC. He was the son of the late Raymond C. Buck Jones and Betty Edwards Jones. Michael was employed with the family business as a ironworker Michael knew the value of hard work. He loved hot rods and motorcycles but nothing meant more to him than spending time with his family. His greatest pride was found in the people he loved and the life they shared. Michael was a devoted husband a loving daddy a cherished brother and a loyal friend. He was a strong man with a big heartthe kind of man who showed up when he was needed. Those who knew him best would tell you he was a hell of a man with a toughness all his own and a love for his family that ran deep. Above all…

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Ii Carl Shumate

, North Carolina

October 7, 2026

Carl William Shumate II known affectionately as Shu Big Shu and Billy Bob age 70 of Princeton passed away at home on Thursday October 8 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Carl married the love of his life Karen Knick Shumate on July 19 1980. They shared many cherished years together until her passing on July 24 2016. He was also preceded in death by his beloved son Marc Harris Shumate who passed away on August 19 2014. Carl was a proud graduate of Tunstall High School in Dry Fork Virginia graduating in 1974. He went on to attend Virginia Tech in Blacksburg Virginia where he graduated in 1978. Following college he returned to his alma mater Tunstall High School to serve as an agriculture teacher beginning a career that would shape the lives of generations of students over the next 33 years. Teaching was more than a profession for…

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Nelson Mclamb

, North Carolina

October 5, 2026

Nelson Wayne McLamb 64 of Newton Grove passed away at his home on October 6 2026. Born in Johnston County on February 17 1962 he was the son of the late Roy Nelson McLamb and Janice Fay McLamb. Wayne worked as a selfemployed concrete contractor but his life was defined by far more than his work. He was a kindhearted man who readily helped anyone in need. Whether you were a lifelong friend or a stranger Wayne was willing to lend a hand. His generosity and genuine concern for others left a lasting impression on those who knew him. He enjoyed fishing especially surf fishing at the beach and the freedom of riding his motorcycles. He loved a good conversation enjoyed cooking and sharing a good meal and found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. Wayne was an allaround good person whose company made others feel welcome. Above all…

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George Joyner

, North Carolina

September 26, 2026

George Isaac Joyner 87 of Goldsboro North Carolina passed away peacefully on Sunday September 27 2026 surrounded by his loving family at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Born on Christmas Eve in 1938 to the late Roy and Lizzie Jackson Joyner George lived a life defined by faith hard work laughter and above all an extraordinary love for his family. George proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1957 to 1963. Following his military service he worked in dairy delivery before becoming the proud owner of Joyners Exxon where he spent many years serving his community until his retirement. His strong work ethic was matched only by his remarkable ability to build fix or figure out just about anything. Whether he was tinkering with something tending to his garden or tackling one of his neverending projects George was happiest when he had something to keep his hands…

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Mother Helen Simmons

, North Carolina

Mother Helen B. Simmons age 104 of Goldsboro NC transitioned peacefully on Saturday September 5 2026 at her residence. Funeral arrangements are listed under "Obituary Service Details" tab. Professional services are entrusted to McIntyre Funeral Home LLC. This obituary is published with permission of the family of Mother Helen B. Simmons and may not be copied 2026

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