Magnolia - Ivey Lee  "Buck" Mathis, 76, of Magnolia passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at ECU Duplin.  Ivey was born  May 4, 1949 in Duplin County to the late I. J. Mathis and Alice Dean Carter Mathis.  

A funeral service will be held 4:00pm Friday, March 6, 2026 at Community Funeral Chapel.  A visitation will be held after the service.

Left to cherish his memory are sons, Danny Mathis of Rose Hill and Edward Mathis of Beulaville; daughter, Melanie Merritt of Beulaville; brothers, Tommy Mathis of Kenansville; sisters, Elizabeth Spann of Chinquapin, Jean Blanton of Rose Hill and Betty Mathis Harris of Warsaw; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Ivey was preceded in death by brother Kenneth Wayne Mathis and sister, Nancy Mathis.

April 4, 1948 - March 1, 2026

Kathryn “Kitty” Eloise Glover Pope, resident of Kenansville Rehabilitation and Health Care Facility in Kenansville, North Carolina went to her heavenly home on March 1, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hubert Dennis Pope of Magnolia, North Carolina and parents Russell and Louise Glover Of Mt. Crawford, Virginia. She is survived by her sister Annette Glover Watts of Marquette, Michigan, Betty Glover Cornwell and husband Ronney of Mt. Crawford, Virginia, and one brother, Roland Glover and wife Diana of Rockledge, Florida, special friend (sister) Judy C. Sherron of Warsaw, North Carolina. She is also survived by her daughter, Connie Louise Pope of Virginia, and stepsons, Darrell Pope and wife, Wanda of Sneed's Ferry, Mark Pope of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, Walt Pope and wife, Carol of Warsaw, North Carolina, Jeffrey Kirk Pope and wife, Joy of Roseboro, North Carolina, Timothy Pope and wife Vickie of Clinton, North Carolina, grandchildren; Dennis Pope and wife Lori, Justin Pope, Joshua Pope, Jordon Pope and wife Kim, Jeffrey Pope and Abby Pope, Madeline Fetterman and husband Trey, Samantha Faison and husband Wyman, In addition, she leaves behind ten great-grand children. She is survived by nieces and nephew: Salem Prince and husband Loren of Green Bay Wisconsin, Rusty Cornwell and wife Chasity, of Mt. Crawford, Virginia, Jami Cornwell and wife Maria Brown of Mt. Crawford, Virginia, great nieces and great nephew: Zoey Prince, Anya Prince of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Avery Cornwell and McKenzie Cornwell, of Mt. Crawford, Virginia.

Mrs. Pope was born on April 4, 1948 to Russell and Louise Glover in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She was one of four children. She was a graduate of Turner Ashby High School in Bridgewater, Virginia, East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina with a Bachelor in Education, Science/Math, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. with a Master's Degree.

Mrs. Pope was at one time employed at The Town Hall in Magnolia, North Carolina.  She also taught at Penderlea School in Pender County, North Carolina, Charity Middle School, Warsaw Middle School, and Wallace Rose Hill High School all in Duplin County, North Carolina. Mrs. Pope was a respected educator and advocate for children. She was recognized numerous times by the Duplin County Board of Education as Teacher of the Year.

Kathryn Pope was an active member of the Magnolia Methodist Church prior to returning to Virginia, where she became active in her hometown childhood church, Mt. Crawford Methodist Church.

She was an avid crafter and versed in many craft skills. As a result, she won numerous blue ribbons at the Duplin County Fair, Duplin County and Rockingham County Fair in Virginia for her cross stitch pieces.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to: Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue 16th Floor, New York, New York 10001, Phone & Help Line:866-232-8484, [email protected]

A graveside service will be held 11am, Friday, March 6, 2026 at Magnolia Town Cemetery.

Warsaw-Donna Kaye Johnson Ellis, 70, of Warsaw passed away Wednesday,February 11, 2026 at her home after an extended illness. Donna was born November 11, 1955 to the late Edward Daniel Johnson and Doris Rackley Johnson.

A graveside service will be held 11:00am Monday, February 16, 2026 at Devotional Gardens of Warsaw. The family will receive friend and family at the Ellis home after the graveside service, 1039 Carlton Chapel Church Rd, Warsaw, NC.

Donna is survived by Significant Other Jimmy Quinn of Pink Hill; son, Christopher Shaun Ellis, daughter, Heather Nicole Melton both of Warsaw; brother, Edward Forest Johnson and Deborah of Magnolia; sister, Beth J. Bathcelor and Danny of Teachey; grandchildren, George Floyd Melton, III, and Haley Dawn Colee; great grandchildren, Bailey Kaye Colee, Gabriel Colee, Lilth Colee, Khole Melton, Levi Holmes, Beau Melton, Harlyn Holmes and Lori Holmes.

In additiion to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by brother, Fred William Johnson.

Warsaw-Doyle Vernon Taylor, 66, of Warsaw passed away suddenly Monday, February 9, 2026 at his home. Doyle was born in Wayne County March, 30, 1959 to Charlotte Taylor Henderson and the late John Vernon Taylor.
  
A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm Friday, February 13, 2026 at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw. Burial will follow in the Devotional Gardens.  A visitation will be held Thursday night from 7 to 9 pm at Community Funeral Home.

 Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Charlotte Taylor Henderson of Jacksonville, daughter, Amanda Jo Taylor of Mt. Olive; son, Matthew Hardison of Smithfield; brother, Johnny Taylor and wife, Karen of Warsaw; sisters, Karen Taylor Nichols and  Nick  of Warsaw and Dawn Taylor of Warsaw; grandson, Daniel Hardison. 

Mr. Taylor was preceded in death by his father, John Vernon Taylor.

Beulaville - Robert Kent "Slim" Taylor, 61, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026 at his home.  Mr. Taylor was born June 24, 1964 in Wayne County, NC to the Robert Taylor and Myra Phipps Taylor.  Kent, also affectionally known as "Slim", was a die hard Tarheels fan.   

A funeral service will be held 6:00 pm, Monday, February 16,  2026 in Community Funeral Home Chapel with visitation to follow the service. 

Mr. Taylor is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Charity C. Taylor of the home; sons, Nicholas Locklear and wife, Celeste, Matthew Hall, Jaron Hall and Harrison Bennett all of Beulaville. daughters, Carrie Taylor of Beulaville, Rachel Pender and husband, Kalvin of Kenansville, Hailey Locklear of Beulaville, Bella Hall of Beulaville; grandchildren, Sara Baines, Maddie Baines, Gabreial Hernandez, Andrew Pender, Sienna Pender, Kai Pender, Jasper Caron-Locklear, Liam Caron- Wilson. Mr. Taylor is also survived by parents, Robert Taylor and Myra Phipps Taylor; brothers, Phillip Taylor of Clinton and Eddie Taylor and wife, Karon of Warsaw; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Mr. Taylor was preceded in death by daughters, Brandi Taylor and Samantha Taylor and brothers, Rodney Taylor and "John Boy" Taylor.

The family is welcoming donations towards funeral expenses. Donations can be made in person at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw or by mail Community Funeral Home of Warsaw, P. O. Box 336, Warsaw NC 28398.

Ella Mae Starling, 94, passed away Monday, January 26, 2026 at The Gardens of Rose Hill. Miss Starling was born in Cumberland County, NC to the late Maurlus Gainey Starling and Jannie Elizabeth Ward Starling.

Miss Starling spent a career teaching in Cumberland County and she was also a member of the Rose Hill Baptist Church.

Miss Starling is survived by sister, Sarah Parker of Georgia; nephews, Ralph Starling of Denver, NC, Steve Starling of Franklinton, NC and Wayne Parker of FL; and nieces Sandra Ross of GA and Jennifer Dinnsen of Charlotte, NC.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Warsaw-Charles Martin Lockamy, 83, of Warsaw passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital.   Charles was born January 14, 1943 in Duplin County to the late Aldridge Crosby Lockamy and Emma Allen Scott Lockamy.

A funeral service will be held 2:00pm Monday, January 19, 2026 at the Devotional Gardens Mausoleum.  A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw.

Left to cherish his memory, Mr. Lockamy is survived by son, Troy Lockamy of Raleigh, and sister-in-law, Rebecca Lockamy. 

In addition to his parents, Mr. Lockamy was preceded in death by wife, Sandra Lanier Lockamy; son, Charles "Chuck" Martin Lockamy Jr., and brother, Bobby Scott Lockamy.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Pet Friends of Duplin, P. O. 
Box 152, Wallace, NC 28466.

Warsaw - Rita Sutton Quinn, 89, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Rex Hospital, Raleigh, NC.Born November 28, 1936, Rita was the daughter of the late James Lewis Sutton and Alberta Strickland Sutton of Warsaw. In addition to her parents, Rita is predeceased by husband, Gerald Haywood Quinn, Sr. and grandson, Dillon James Rouse.
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Surviving Mrs. Quinn are her daughter Carla Quinn Rouse and husband, Rick; and son, Gerald Haywood Quinn, Jr. and wife, Patricia, of Kenansville. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Leslie Rae Rouse, Ivey Quinn Rouse and fiancé, Zach McLamb; and Gerald Haywood ‘Luke’ Quinn, III and wife, Madison; and sister Helen Sutton Steed and brother, Charles Lee Sutton and wife, Jane; and sister-in-law, Faye Quinn Williams. Heartfelt gratitude for the comfortable lifestyle care given by Kate Kendro and other friends from Golden Harmony.

Rita graduated from Warsaw High School in 1954, and went on to attend High Point Business School. Before starting her family, Rita worked at BB&T Bank and Vance Gavin’s law office. A devoted wife and mother, Rita supported her husband, children and grandchildren in business, education, sports, and civic activities. Rita was a member of Warsaw Baptist Church and prided herself in her strong Christian faith. She and Gerald were married for 58 1/2 years. They enjoyed many years of traveling with friends and family.
Visitation will be in Powell Hall at Warsaw Baptist Church at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 10. Funeral services will follow at 2:30 PM in the Warsaw Baptist Church. Entombment will follow at Devotional Gardens.

The family requests memorial donations be made to Warsaw Baptist Church - 209 E. College Street, Warsaw, NC 28398, or Charity Mission Center - 1333 W. Charity Road, Rose Hill, NC 28458.

Warsaw - Joyce Alene Braswell Boyette, 84, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, NC. Mrs. Boyette was born June 4, 1941 to the late Leland Braswell and Mattie Mae Bostic Braswell.

A memorial service will be held 2:00pm, Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Warsaw Baptist Church, with visitation to follow.

Mrs. Boyette is survived by two sons, Thomas Brooks, Jr. and wife, Susan of Wake Forest and Patrick Boyette of Raleigh; grandchildren, Peyton Boyette, Tanner Boyette, Thomas Brooks Boyette, III, and Riley Christopher Boyette.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Boyette was preceded in death by husband, T. Brooks Boyette; brother, Bobby Braswell and sister, Linda B. Taylor.

Kenansville - Willie Ray Arnette, 67, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at his home. Willie was born December 7, 1958 in Duplin County to the late Lannie Edward Arnette and Flora Lee Dail Arnette.

A memorial service will be held 3:00pm, Friday, January 9, 2026 at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw, with visitation to follow.

Willie survived by his wife, Joyce H. Arnette of the home; step daughters, Stephanie Renee Hardin of Kenansville, Kimberly Ann Henderson Bradshaw and husband, George Bradshaw of Warsaw; grandchildren, Courtland Ray Bradshaw; niece and nephew Betty Sue Arnette Anderson of Surf City and Dexter Gene Arnette of Mount Olive; great nieces and nephew, Ashley Arnette, Brandi Anderson and Timothy Anderson; brothers-in-law, Jackie Horne and wife, Judy, Roy Horne and wife, Cathy, and Tony Horne. He is also survived by Joseph Hardin of Texas and Blaze Hardin, David Hardin of Clinton, Mark Hardin Rameaur, NC, and Jeff Hardin of Ashville, NC and numerous cousins.

In addition to his parents, Willie was preceded in death by son, Courtland Wayne Arnette; brother, Paul Edward Arnette, Dexter Arnette; brother-in-law, Troy Horne, maternal grandparents, Dobson and Annie Pate Dail.

Sally Mae Jones Herring, 92 passed away peacefully Saturday, December 27, 2025 at The Gardens of Rose Hill. Sally was born August 23, 1933 in Duplin County, NC to the late Dallas Emmett Jones and Sallie Barwick Jones.

After graduation from Magnolia High School Sally attended King's Business College in Raleigh. Upon graduation she returned to Magnolia, married T. A. "Bo" Herring and later had two sons, J. D. and William.

Sally loved her boys, but the apples of her eye were her grandchildren, Kyle and Samantha and later, a great grandson, Hayes. She loved every minute she could spend with them.

Outside of working on the family farm, Sally worked for Godwin Building Company and later spent many years managing Warsaw Block Company. After losing her husband to cancer and retiring she spent countless hours with her sisters and her many friends. She loved having 'get togethers' with her friends and classmates.

Sally was a member of Kenansville Baptist Church. Her faith and love for the church were unwavering. When she wasn't entertaining or traveling you would find her mowing grass or working in her yard, as she loved plants and flowers. Many times you would find her outside talking to her beloved cat, Callie.

With grateful appreciation, the family would like to thank everyone for their kindness--visits, calls, cards and prayers. Many thanks to the staff at the Gardens of Rose Hill for their dedicated care.

A memorial service will be held 2:30pm, Friday, January 2, 2026 at Kenansville Baptist Church in Kenansville, with visitation following the service. A private family burial will be held in Devotional Gardens in Warsaw, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kenansville Baptist Church in Kenansville.
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Sally is survived by two sons, J. D. Herring of Kannapolis and William Herring and wife, Rose of Warsaw; grandchildren, Samantha Herring Wade and husband, Blake and Kyle Herring; great grandson, Hayes Wade; sister, Carolyn Kimrey and a host of nieces and nephews.

Sally was preceded in death by husband, Thomas Alva "Bo" Herring; sisters, Hazel Holland, Roberta Chesnutt, Pauline Cottle and Annie Louise Hoover and brother, Dallas Jones, Jr..

Douglas Earl White, 71, passed away Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center in Wilmington, NC. Mr. White was born October 13, 1954 in Lenoir County, NC to the late Otis and Geraldine Whitley White.

A visitation will be held 7:00-9:00pm Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Community Funeral Home in Rose Hill.

Mr. White is survived by his wife of 47 years, Faye G. White of the home; brothers, Dennis White of Kenansville; Kenneth "Kenny" White and wife, Debbie of Faison, Raymond White and wife, Linda of Warsaw and Rex White and wife, Sara of Warsaw sister-in-law, Terry White and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. White was preceded in death by brother, Otis H. White, Jr.