​Mary Wanda Strickland Cavenaugh, 93, of Magnolia passed away unexpectedly Saturday, July 5, 2025 at Warsaw Health and Rehab.  Mrs. Cavenaugh was born April 22, 1932 in Duplin County to the late Forest Strickland and Unity Willets.
A graveside service will be held 1:00pm  Wednesday, July 9,2025 at Devotional Garden of Warsaw.
A full obituary will be forth coming.   

Bobby Crawford West, 88, of Turkey passed away July 2, 2025 at Sampson Regional Medical Center.  Mr. West was born  July 30, 1936, in Sampson County to the late Thurman West and Macy McGee West.
 A funeral service will be held 3:00pm Monday, July 7, 2025 at the Turkey Baptist Church. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at 2:00pm.  Burial will follow in the Turkey Cemetery. 
 Left to cherish his memory are wife,  Elaine M. West 0f the home, sons, Terry West of Magnolia, David West of Wilmington, and Timothy West and wife, Britia ; daughter Sherry de'Wilde and husband Scott of Winterhaven, FL; step children, Andy Jackson and Mary Ann of Clinton and Carol Ann Jackson and husband, Lee of Clinton; grandchildren, Alex West, Ashton West,  Nikki West, Tabitha West, Jessica West, Kayla West Jacobs and Bobby Pope; step grandchildren Bella Cavenaugh, Olivia Houston, Parker Jackson and Wiley Jackson and 10 great grandchildren; sister, Sarah White of Turkey;  brothers-in- law, John Hudson of Columbia, SC, Bill Fortier of Londonderry, New Hampshire.
In addition to his parents, Mr. West was preceded in death by, sisters Gladys Horne, Ann Hudson, Faye Fortier and brother in law, Ken White.   

Leonard James "Len" Olmstead, 60, of Warsaw passed away Friday, June 13, 2025 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.  Len was born in Jo Davies County, Illinois to Helen Kittoe Olmstead .
Len was a good man with a big heart that always put his family first.  He was a disables veteran of the United States Marine Corps  due to numerous military injuries.   Len was a forever faithful veteran to his country.  
Left to cherish Len's memory is his wife, Connie Swokla Olmstead of the home, two step-children and six grandchildren, sisters,  Amy Payne & husband, Alan of Winterville, Crystal Eason of Warsaw, Marissa  Fisher of Jacksonville.
Len was preceded in death by his mother Helen Kittoe Olmstead.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm Thursday July 10, 2024 at Coastal Carolina Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, NC.

​David Ellison White, 73, of Magnolia passed away Friday, June 27, 2025 at ECU Duplin.  David was born February 11, 1952 in Onslow County to the late Ellison White and Akery Futrell White.
David was a devoted father and a deeply loving husband whose prescence brought strength and warmth to those he loved.  Among his greatest joys was being a grandpa-his eyes would light up around his grandchildren, and the love he gave so freely made him a cherished figure in their lives.
A proud truck driver, David spent many years behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler, traveling countless miles with dedication and pride.  But home was where his heart was, and it was there that his many talents shone.  He was a gifted carpenter with a sharp eye and steady hands, a skilled painter by trade and a man who could fix just about anything.
David had a passion for cooking, especially at his own grill.  He loved bringing people together with food and laughter.  When the work was done, you could often find him with a fishing pole in hand, finding peace and joy by the water.
David lived fully, loved deeply, and left a legacy of hard work, kindness, and unforgettable memories.  He will be deeply missed, but forever remembered.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00am Monday, June 30, 2025 at the Fellowship Church of God, 3304 US 117 hwy, Rose Hill, NC.  A visitation will be hel at 10:30am, prior to the service.  Burial will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery.
Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Beverly H. White of the home; daughter, Bridgett Jones and husband Brian of Kenansville; grandchildren, Jeremy Trey Maready, Harrison Maze Jones and Ava Claire Jones; sisters, Linda Foss of Warsaw, Mary Smith of Beulaville and Doris S. Kornegay of Warsaw.
In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by son, David Bradley White and brothers and sisters, Otis White, Jimmy White, J. T. White, Nell Ray Hollingsworth, Pauline Sanderson, Louise Stroud and Dorothy Garner. 

Opal Rosetta Lane King, 88, passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
Opal was born and raised in rural Jacksonville, NC.  She grew up at the end of a dirt road where the family home and farm was.  She and her brothers and sisters grew up in that farming community and attended the local church with Mama and Daddy on Dawson Cabin Road.  They were raised with a strong work ethic and family bond.
She later raised her seven children whom she lovingly worked hard to provide for their needs.  She had a 20 plus year career with the NC Forest Service as a firetower operator and climbed an almost 125 foot tall firetower seven days a week to look for smoke and forest fires in the forest of Holly Ridge, Dixon and Verona.
She would also work part time at nights with Roses Department Store.  Later in life she worked at Bob Grays Service Station in Richlands.
In her retirement years, she moved to Faison in Duplin County where she tended lovingly her flower gardens and vegetable gardens.  And always loved visits from her family.  She loved to get to see her grandchildren and greats and was very proud of all of them.  She was especially very proud of her seven children and how they turned out and that non of them were ever in trouble, and had good careers and jobs.
At her house on holidays every family member was expected to come and usually all did and she loved every minute, even though she had spent the night and the day before cooking and preparing tons of food.  And always at christmas her required Red Velvet Cake and pies and cakes of every variety.  She wanted everyone to have their favorites.
When  she later in life entered an assisted living facility she missed her independence  and flower tending.  Then covid happened not long after, and she could not be close to her family inside and that was hard.  But family came and stood outside her raised window and visited with her there.  After a heart attack she entered Woodbury Nursing Home in Hampstead.  She had some wonderful CNA's and RN' s that looked out for her and the family is forever grateful for them.  When her health took a turn for the worse, she died peacefully with her family by her side.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday,  June 29, 2025 at the Faison Cemetery in Faison, NC.
Opal is survived by her six children and their spouses, Debbie Dail of Jacksonville, Betty Lowery and Frinchie "Pete"  of Jacksonville, Kim Pardue and Currie Butler of Garner, Sheila Brock and Danny of Faison, Danny Hatfield and Vickie of Warsaw, Cheryl Hatfield Sanchez and ​Eric Sinclair of Michigan 14 Grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandhildren; one younger brother, Melvin King of Jacksonville and one younger sister, Janice King Holtsford of Swansboro.
Her parents, Ernest C. King, Sr. and Mary Rosetta Silance King preceded her in death, and her son Billy Ray Hatfield, Jr., grandson, Christopher Hatfield and granddaughter, Kelly Lowery Collins, her sister and brothers Irma King Williams, Ernest King, Jr., Herman King, Marvin King and Carlton King

​Mary Ellen Romanger Blackburn, 77, passed away unexpectedly on June 23, 2025 at her home.
Mary Ellen was born on August 30, 1947 in Sampson County to the late James Romanger and
Ruth Pope Romanger.

Mary Ellen was a good Christian woman with a big heart that was filled with love for her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family. She worked for Southern Bank for more than 40 years which allowed her to pour her love into the Warsaw community as well. Known y many as simply "Meme", she was a vibrant and joyful soul who treated everyone kindly and with a smile.

A service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Community Funeral Home Chapel of Warsaw. A visitation will follow the service. A private burial will be held.

Left to cherish her memory are husband, Jimmy Blackburn of the home; son Michael Blackburn and wife, Tammie, of Beulaville; daughter, Jennifer Atkinson and husband, Jeff of Hampstead; grandchildren, Austin Blackburn of Raleigh, Josh Blackburn and wife, Mallory of Raleigh, Chasen Persichetti and Cayden Persichetti, both of Hampstead, and David Atkinson of Wilmington; sister, Linda Jones of Warsaw; numerous nieces and nephews; and her four-legged companion,
Frisky.

In addition to her parents, Mary Ellen was also preceded in death by brothers Pete Romanger and Ray Romanger, and sister Shirley Faye Hatfield.

Warsaw- Wilbert Harris Wilkins, 84, of Warsaw passed away Sunday, June 15, 2025 at ECU Medical Center in Greenville.  Mr. Wilkins was born September 6, 1940 in Duplin County to the late Andrew Wilkins and Tharon Jane Harper Wilkins.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw.  A visitation will be held at 1:00 pm prior to the service.  Burial will follow at Pinecrest Cemetery.  

Left to cherish Mr. Wilkins memory are wife, Edna Brown Wilkins of the home; sons, Wilbert Wilkins, Jr. of Warsaw and Dennis Wilkins of Burgaw; daughters Brenda Wilkins Smith of Warsaw and Wendy Goff and husband, Michael of Warsaw; grandchildren, Nicholas Wilkins, Josh Wilkins, Jessica Wilkins Collier and husband Warren, Andrea Wilkins, Taylor Smith, Kirk Smith and Ambria Lane; ten great grandchildren; brother, Edward Wilkins and wife, Jody of Turkey. 

​In addition to his parents, Mr. Wilkins was also preceded in death by sisters, Mary Whaley and Shirley Carter.

Edwin Luis Camacho, 55, passed away Thursday, June 5, 2025 at his home. Mr. Camacho was born September 5, 1969 in Manhattan, NY to the late Victor and Angelina Camacho.

A memorial service will be held 3:30 pm, Friday, June 13, 2025 at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw, NC.

He is survived by children, Franklin Camacho of CA, Amber Camacho of Raleigh and Brandon Camacho of Raleigh; sister, Alice C Bland and husband, Keith of Magnolia, NC and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Eddie was preceded in death by brother, Victor Luciano Camacho, Jr.

​Michael "Mike" David Pate, 65, of Kenansville passed away quietly Friday, May 16, 2025 at the ECU Health, Home Health and Hospice - The Service League of Greenville.  Michael affectionately known as "Mike" was born June 7, 1959 at Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, South Dakota to the late Paul G. Pate and Eva Rosenlind Pate.
Left to cherish his memory are wife: Esther Rogers Pate of the home; daughter: Kaye Griffin and husband, Shane Griffin of Faison; grandchildren: Caden, Cheyenne, Joanna Griffin; siblings: Paul D. Pate and wife, Kimberly Pate of Nevada and their children nephew, Aaron Pate and wife,  Lindsay and their kids Emma and Luke Pate, nephew Benjamin Pate and wife, Lacey and their kids Marius and Alethea, Lisa Pate Woodward and husband, Steven of Florida and their kids Kelsey and Alexis. Mike  cherished all of his family. Aunts, Uncles, and many cousins. He held each of them near and dear to his heart and wanted you to know it when he saw you!
For many years Mike dedicated his skills as an auto mechanic, becoming a familiar face at Frank Steed's Tire Service. His favorite part of the job was being able to run the wrecker service. Frank was someone he looked up to and cherished and called him friend. Through that friendship, he proudly volunteered with the Warsaw Fire Department and EMS for a few years, demonstrating a desire to serve his community. He enjoyed being around people and never met a stranger. He loved going fishing and always found time to go when he could with his friends. He enjoyed working with his Son in Law, Shane, with lawn care and landscaping. He found pride in it because as he often said "Shane is the son I never had and I love him". Mike often reminisced about his childhood, particularly his time in New Mexico and at his late grandparents, Clarence and Sudie Pate's home where he had fond memories of cousins, aunt, uncles and friends. Becoming deaf as an infant led to a strong sense of belonging within the Deaf Community where he  encompassed meaningful bonds to friends at Eastern NC School for the Deaf of Wilson  NC and NC School for the Deaf in Morganton NC. He met his wife, Esther of 41 years there. He continued after school as a known supportive friend and always offered assistance to many before his health declined. He possessed a notable sense of humor and often aimed to bring laughter to those around him. Most importantly, Mike was a sinner saved by grace. We find comfort knowing that in Heaven, in the presence of Jesus, his spirit now joins the choir of praise-singing with sound. Isaiah 35: 5-6
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Community Funeral Home of Warsaw,   P. O. Box 336, Warsaw, NC 28398.
The family is receiving family and friends at the residence. 
In accordance with his wishes there will be no formal arrangements. A memorial fellowship for family and friends will be announced in the near future.

Dennis Lee Ezzell, 76, passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center.  Dennis was born June 26, 1948 in Duplin County to the late Norman Ezzell and Mattie Hare Ezzell. 
 
Visitation will begin at 11:00 am, Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw.  A funeral service will begin at 12:00pm in the funeral home chapel and burial will conclude the service in Devotional Gardens.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Maybelle Darden Ezzell of the home; daughters, Pam E. Futrell and husband, Herman of Warsaw and Lisa E. Humphrey and husband, Dwayne of Warsaw, grandchildren, Ashley Atchley and husband, Seth of AL, Madison Humphrey and Jackson Humphrey  both of Warsaw, and great granddaughter, Caroline Atchley.  Dennis is also survived by brothers, Norbert "Pa" Ezzell of Albertson, and Dwight Ezzell of Warsaw and sisters, Doris Southerland of Bayboro and Angie Blake and Tommy Kornegay of Jacksonville, NC and numerous nieces and nephews.

​In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by brothers, Tommy Ezzell, Burgus Ezzell, and Steven Ezzell and sister, Becky Ward.

In loving memory of Erlene Buckholts Gavin 07/12/1950 - 05/07/25

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Erlene, a cherished wife, devoted mother, treasured mammy, and faithful servant of the Lord, who went home to be with Jesus on May 7, 2025, at the age of 74.

Erlene was the heart and soul of her family, always full of love, laughter, and grace. A woman of deep faith, she loved Jesus with all her heart and lived her life as a shining example of His love and kindness. Her commitment to serving others was evident in all she did, especially through her work at Rose Hill Baptist Church, where she joyfully gave her time, talents, and heart to ministries that blessed so many.

She was a passionate golfer who found great joy in the game, not just for the sport itself, but for the fellowship and fun it brought into her life. Her greatest joys, however, were found at home-cooking up delicious meals in the kitchen, sharing stories and laughter around the table, and creating lifelong memories with her beloved children and grandchildren. She had a special gift for spoiling her grandkids, who lovingly called her "Mammy" and knew that a visit with her meant love, sweets, and plenty of hugs.

Alongside her devotion to family and faith, Erlene was also a sharp and determined businesswoman. She proudly ran and operated Coastal Exterminating, where she was known for her strong work ethic, integrity, and dedication to excellence. Her leadership left a lasting legacy in the community she served with pride.

Erlene united with her loving late husband, Lewis Gavin; her beloved children, Amanda Gavin, and Lee Gavin (Shannon Gavin); her adored grandchildren, Kaylee Gavin (Matt), Michael Peay (Makayla), Caden Gavin, and Mattie Gavin; and a host of extended family and friends who were all touched by her warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith.

Though we mourn her loss deeply, we rejoice in knowing that she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior. Her life was a beautiful testimony of love, service, and strength, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Please join us in celebrating her life Saturday afternoon, May 17th, 2025. Visitation is at 1 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. at Rose Hill Baptist Church.

​ In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice LifeCare in her memory. 1414 Physicians Dr, Wilmington, NC 28401. 

Gary Thomas Cook, 68, of Warsaw, North Carolina, passed away on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and community servant, Gary leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and quiet strength.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Becky Rivenbark Cook. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and dedication. He is also survived by his son, Thomas Cook and wife Jessica of Clinton, NC; daughter, Betsy Cook of Warsaw, NC; and his cherished grandson, Colton Ray Cook, who affectionately knew him as “Papa.” Colton was the apple of his eye, and Gary took great joy in spending time with him, especially attending his ball games.

He is also survived by his sister, Jo Ann Barrett, and his brother, Jeff Cook and wife Eva. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Ollie Rifton Cook and Gladys Ann Cook.

Gary served as a law enforcement officer for 18 years, including four years as Chief of Police, dedicating himself to the safety and well-being of his community. After his career in law enforcement, he transitioned to a maintenance role with Smithfield’s Hog Production, from which he retired.

A talented woodworker, Gary spent countless hours in his backyard shop, crafting pieces with skill and care. He was especially proud of his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America. An Eagle Scout himself, he served for many years as a Scoutmaster, mentoring and guiding countless young men—even beyond his own son’s achievement of Eagle Scout. Gary was honored with the prestigious Silver Beaver Award and was a member of the Order of the Arrow, testaments to his lifelong commitment to scouting and youth leadership.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 12th at 11:00 a.m. at Community Funeral Home in Warsaw, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Devotional Gardens in Warsaw, NC.

Gary will be remembered for his dedication to family, his service to others, and his unwavering integrity. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

​Kenansville - Nelson Sasser Baker, 67, of Kenansville passed away Friday, April 25, 2025 in Georgia.  Nelson was born August 6, 1957 in Duplin County to the late Earl Nelson Baker and Carolyn Sasser Baker.
 Nelson was a very loving husband, daddy to his children and poppie to his grandchildren. Nelson was a trusted member of the Kenansville Fire Department.  He served as a Town Commissioner for many years and served on the board of the State Employees Credit Union Board for 11 years.  Nelson was an avid supporter of James Kenan Sports.  Nelson touched most of the lives of  the people in our area in one way or another. 
A funeral service will be held May 1, 2025 at 2:00pm at Duplin Commons in Kenansville.  Burial will follow in the Devotional Gardens.  A visitation will be held from 12:30pm till 2:00pm prior to the service.
Nelson leaves to cherish his memory, son, Brian Baker of Wilmington; daughter, Dana Baker and husband, Brian Jonesof McClellanville, SC ; brother Stanley Baker and wife, Maria of Magnolia; grandchildren, Ella Grace, Easton, Lucas and Elsa Rose.
In addition to his parents, Nelson was preceded in death by wife, Pamela Sue Baker and son, Kevin Allen Chambers.

Tracy Carr Johnson, 67, of Warsaw, passed away Friday, April 11, 2025 at ECU Medical Center in Greenville, NC. Tracy was born on February 7, 1958, the son of the late John Anderson and Helen Brown Johnson of Warsaw, NC.


Tracy recently retired after a career as an IT/Computer Specialist with Carolina Turkey/ Butterball in Mount Olive, NC. In his free time Tracy enjoyed making music, taking care of his cats, rocking on the front porch, and spending time with those he loved.


Tracy is survived by his brothers, John A. Johnson, Jr, William Clark (Bill) Johnson and wife, Lisa, sister, Mary Best Reichard and husband Don, nieces, Carmen Ellis and husband, Ryan, and Danielle Johnson, nephew, John-Daniel Johnson and great nephew, Archer Ellis. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Debra Miller.


Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 22, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Clinton, 408 College St, Clinton, NC.