All Obituaries

Mrs. Shirley Barber Odom of Gibson departed this life for her Heavenly home at the age of 85 on Thursday, April 30, 2024. She was born in Marlboro County, South Carolina, on July 3, 1938, one of sixteen children of the late Arvin and Meta Rogers Barber. On December 23, 1961, she would marry the love of her life, Johnny, with whom she shared a beautiful life of 62 years. Shirley was a valuable employee of Doormeyer working as an Inspector for over fifteen dedicated years. She was a Godly...

Linda Geraldine Strickland Mitchell, the daughter of the late Somerset Strickland Jr., and the late Verna Strickland was born September 16, 1947 in Lumberton, North Carolina.  She was a devoted homemaker who loved reading her Bible, enjoyed reading mystery novels, along with watching television comedy and crime shows. Linda cherished her family and their times shared together.  She passed away at the age of 76 on April 29, 2024, a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend who...

Kerry Bernadette Kennedy (née McGill) 65, of Laurinburg, died on April 26, 2024 at the Atrium Health Cabarrus ICU in Concord, NC, with family surrounding her on this last journey. Kerry was an 18-year survivor of breast cancer. She was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and COPD several years ago. The youngest of five siblings, Kerry was nearly born in the back of an Air Force ambulance racing across London to reach the US military hospital at South Ruislip on 7 February 1959....

William “Bill” Ben Ellis, age 86 of Kinston, formerly of Laurinburg, NC passed to his Heavenly home on April 26, 2024. Bill was the son of the late Walter and Arrie Penny Ellis, born July 5, 1937 in Scotland County, NC.  He was a United States Navy Veteran who proudly served his country from 1955 until 1958.  He then worked in manufacturing, retiring after many years from the L.O.F. / Pilkington Glass Corporation.  He was a talented musician who loved playing all...

Jerry Lineau Gattis, 81, of Rockingham, NC, entered his Heavenly home on Friday April 26, 2024. He passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family. He was the youngest son of Edwin Allison Gattis and Ruby Meshaw Gattis. He grew up in Rockingham, North Carolina. Jerry graduated from Pembroke State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business and a minor in Agriculture. He went on to own and operate many successful businesses throughout the years. He is the owner and...

Betty Rye Lighthall, 83, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2024 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital - Richmond in Rockingham, surrounded by family.  Born on January 5, 1941, in Scotland County, she was the daughter of the late Franklin F. Rye and Martha Stewart Rye. Betty was born and raised in Scotland County and graduated from Laurel Hill High School in 1958.  In 1957, she met “Jack” and a true love connection was made.  They married later that same year and...

Bobby Sessoms, age 76 of Laurinburg passed away at his home on April 24, 2024. No services are being planned at this time.             

Nelma Cole Graham Ciarrocca, age 83 of Laurinburg passed away on April 2024. Nelma was born May 24, 1940 one of eight children of the late Farris W. Cole, Sr., and the late Blanty Carlisle Cole.   She was a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many.  Her career was in textiles retiring after many years from JP Stevens, Inc., as an Administrative Assistant.  Prior to her illness, Nelma served as a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church. ...

Teresa Lynn Emanuel Harris, age 60, entered her Heavenly home on April 20, 2024. Teresa was born in Dillon, South Carolina on October 24, 1963 to Carl Emanuel and Lillian Chavis. Anyone who knew Teresa knew of her amazing voice and her gift of singing and playing the piano for her Lord and Savior. She also loved working in her flowers and what an amazing green thumb she had! She came from a large family of nine brothers and sisters and some of her happiest times were hosting large family...

Timothy Belton Locklear, of Laurinburg passed away at the age of 65 surrounded by his loving family on April 18, 2024. Timothy was the loving son of Doris Jean Grooms Locklear and the late John Belton Locklear born January 27, 1959 in Scotland County, NC.  He was an Electrician who truly enjoyed his work.  He also enjoyed spending his time fishing, watching the Washington Redskins and Duke Blue Devils play ball.  He was an avid NASCAR racing fan, especially of the late Dale...