Obituaries

James Bryant Elixson, Jr.

James Bryant Elixson, Jr.

Jul 10, 2026

James Bryant Elixson, Jr., 74, passed peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026 at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born January 5, 1952 in Duplin County, the son of James Bryant Elixson, Sr. and Reba Hardee Elixson. In addition to his parents James was preceded in death by his siblings, Barbara McLaughlin, David Elixson, and Reba Phillips.

James is survived...

Susan Mathews Rose

Susan Mathews Rose

Jul 10, 2026

Susan Mathews Rose, 83, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026.

She was born on December 30, 1942, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to the late Lawrence H Mathews and the late Elizabeth Sullivan Mathews.

For more than 40 years, Susan dedicated herself to her career in accounting. She took great pride in her work and was known for...

Stephen Ross Justice, Jr.

Stephen Ross Justice, Jr.

Jul 9, 2026

Stephen Ross Justice Jr., 54, passed from his earthly Thursday, July 9, 2026 at home.

He was born February 24, 1972 in Wilmington, the son of Stephen Ross Justice, Sr. and Janice Blanton Richardson.

In addition to his parents Stephen is survived by his wife, Paula Gales Justice; son, Steven Ross Justice III; several cousins and many extended family members.

A full obituary...

Dr. Donald Ray Garris

Dr. Donald Ray Garris

Jul 9, 2026

Dr. Donald Ray Garris, 78, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington, NC.

He was born October 23, 1947 in Wilmington, the son of the late Thurman and Mamie Holden Garris

Donald is survived by his sister, Delane G. Miller and her husband, Calvin (deceased). Also, surviving are nephews, Ricky Miller (Karen) and...

Holly Feline (Bila) Parsons

Holly Feline (Bila) Parsons

Jul 8, 2026

Holly Feline (Bila) Parsons, born February 3rd, 1960, to Gerald and MaryAnn Bila in El Paso, Texas passed away peacefully in her home in Hampstead, North Carolina on July 8th, 2026. Holly was the second oldest of eight children.

After serving in the United States Air Force, Holly had her only daughter Kari Feline on October 18th, 1983, and was a...

Annette McLawhorn Page

Annette McLawhorn Page

Jul 8, 2026

A gracious and loving Christian lady, Annette McLawhorn Page, entered her heavenly reward on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at the age of 89 while surrounded with love and family.

She was born September 24, 1936 in Greenville, the daughter of Blany Edward McLawhorn and Rachel Bright Holmes. In addition to her parents, Annette was preceded in death by her beloved husband...

Jean Moore Grimsley

Jean Moore Grimsley

Jul 7, 2026

Jean Moore Grimsley, 90, of Winnabow, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the Commons at Brightmore of Wilmington.

Jean was born on August 21, 1935, to Joseph Miah Moore and Susie Shearer Moore in Bladen County, North Carolina. She was the youngest of seven children. Her mother was 46 years old when Jean was born.

She graduated from Elizabethtown High...

Marvin Patrick "Pat" Wells

Marvin Patrick "Pat" Wells

Jul 7, 2026

For 93 years we were blessed by the life of Marvin Patrick “Pat” Wells who went to his Heavenly home on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

He was born September 3, 1932, in Pender County. He was the son of Floyd Nicholas Wells and Mildred Judson Croom Murray.

Pat is survived by his daughters, Stephanie Wells Johnson, husband Joab “Ab” F. Johnson III,...

Jane Frances Robson

Jane Frances Robson

Jul 6, 2026

Jane Frances Robson, age 69, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on July 6, 2026, with her husband, following a long battle with illness. She was born on August 26, 1956, in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Oliver Ulric and Sarah D Woodard.

Jane graduated high school at 16 years old, moved to the San Francisco Bay...

Roger Lee Carlton

Roger Lee Carlton

Jul 5, 2026

Roger Lee Carlton, 77, of Ivanhoe, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

Born on September 15, 1948, in Rockingham County, North Carolina, Roger was the fifth son of thirteen children of the late Raymond Carlton and the late Lessie Bright Carlton.

Roger found his greatest happiness in the outdoors. Whether he was hunting in the woods or casting...

Willie Holmes Wells

Willie Holmes Wells

Jul 5, 2026

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Willie Cavenaugh Wells, who peacefully entered the presence of her Lord on July 5, 2026 at the age of 95.

Born on August 25, 1930, Willie devoted her life to caring for others. She was a faithful wife, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and...

John Ralph Iacovino

John Ralph Iacovino

Jul 4, 2026

“We die twice. First when we pass from this earth. Second when memories of us are forgotten.” Dr. Ducky Mallard, NCIS

"Things that have form will all disappear. But certain feelings stay with us forever.” M. Murakami, South of the Border, West of the Sun.

John Ralph Iacovino, M.D., the son of Louis John Iacovino, M.D. and Adeline De Rosa Iacovino was born in...

Samantha Kay Bolton

Samantha Kay Bolton

Jul 4, 2026

Samantha Kay Bolton, 42, of Rocky Point, passed from her earthly life on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

She was born on March 15, 1984, in Tyler, Texas, the daughter of Timmy Odell Malone and the late Lisa Vee Johnson Deal.

Samantha was a loving and devoted mother. Her kindness, gentle heart, and unconditional love touched everyone who knew her. She will be...

Elsie M. Cates

Elsie M. Cates

Jul 3, 2026

Early Friday morning, Elsie M. Cates quietly slipped home to heaven. We are so thankful she was ready and knew Jesus was waiting for her.

Elsie was born on March 14, 1921, and entered heaven on July 3, 2026, at the age of 105.

Elsie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Austin E. Cates; her son, Melvin E. Cates "Gene";...

Carolyn Moore Howard

Carolyn Moore Howard

Jun 30, 2026

Carolyn Moore Howard, 82, of Wallace, North Carolina, passed peacefully to her eternal rest on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at ECU Health Duplin Hospital following an extensive stroke.

Born on October 10, 1943, in Duplin County, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Thomas William and Essie Browder Moore. Preceding her in death was her beloved husband of 47...

Thaddeus Jackson Squires

Thaddeus Jackson Squires

Jun 28, 2026

Thaddeus entered into the presence of the Lord Sunday June 28, 2026 at his home with his loving family surrounding him.

He was born May 14, 1943 in Bladen County, the son of Cecil Gladston Squires and Margaret Bigford Squires. In addition to his parents and stepmother, Viola Phillips, he was preceded in death by brothers, Leon Squires and Norman Squires;...

Lucille Pierce Rivenbark

Lucille Pierce Rivenbark

Jun 24, 2026

Lucille Pierce Rivenbark, 96, a gracious and loving Christian lady passed from her earthly life Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

She was born September 25, 1929 in Pender County, the daughter of Roosevelt Pierce and Mary Groves Rivenbark. In addition to her parents Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, Troy William Rivenbark; son Ronald M. Rivenbark; and sisters, Jean Cooper...

Eugene Rhodes Davis

Eugene Rhodes Davis

Jun 23, 2026

Eugene Rhodes Davis, 74, of Wilmington, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at his home.

He was born on October 12, 1951, in New Bern, NC, to the late Jasper and Reba (Bishop) Davis.

Gene was a lover of music and would often attend rock concerts. His collection of music was extensive as was his knowledge of rock and roll history....

Linda Taylor Balcombe

Linda Taylor Balcombe

Jun 23, 2026

Linda Taylor Balcombe, age 82, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on August 2, 1943, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Linda was raised in Ivanhoe, NC. She lived a life marked by unwavering faith and devotion to her Savior Jesus Christ, extraordinary love for her family, and remarkable creative...

Billie Katherine "Kathy" Cherry

Billie Katherine "Kathy" Cherry

Jun 20, 2026

Billie Katherine “Kathy” Cherry, 79, of Burgaw, NC, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 20, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born March 4, 1947 in Wilmington, NC, and spent her life as a mother and grandmother and as a public and academic librarian. She was known for her strong spirit and dedication to her faith in Christ.

Kathy is...