Obituary
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 Rose Hill, North Carolina — Emma Catherine Brown Usher, 93, of Rose Hill, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Warsaw Health and Rehab.
Mrs. Usher was born November 14, 1932, in Duplin County to Lawton Brown and Ruth Kissner Brown. She attended East Carolina University (ECU), where she earned a bachelor’s degree. She had a lifelong love of learning and teaching and spent time as an educator. She especially enjoyed sharing the history of the “Old North State.” She was married to Marvin Usher. Mrs. Usher will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, and great great-grandmother who had strong faith and found her greatest joy in her family. She had a kind and strong presence, a love for storytelling, and a passion for preserving the history and traditions she held dear. Her warmth, wisdom, and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her, and her legacy will live on through the generations she so dearly loved. Mrs. Usher is survived by her sons, Dr. Timothy Usher (Carolyn) of San Bernardino, California, and Jeffrey Usher of Rayne, Louisiana; her daughter, Mary Albertson of Clayton, North Carolina; her grandchildren, Virginia Usher (Derek Whiting), Christian Usher, M.D, Charlotte Burns, Cherie Mattox (Tommy), Dustin Allen Albertson, Jake Tucker (April), and Samantha Tucker; and her great-grandchildren, Oda Whiting, Audrie Outlaw, Lydia Bonds, Danielle Mattox, Benjamin Burns, Jacob Usher, Taylor Rae Pierce, Melodie Albertson, Mylayla Albertson, Mira Belle Albertson, Malachi Sanders, Madison Tucker, Austin Tucker, and Hunter Tucker. She is also survived by one great-great-grandchild, Piper Fowler, and her sisters, Hilda Fowler and Patsy Brown. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Usher was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Usher; her daughter, Reba “Penny” Joyce Tucker; her son-in-law, Robert Tucker; her grandson, Nicholas Usher; her sister, Nella Faye; and her brother, Lawton “L.E.” Brown. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Concord Baptist Church. Visitation will follow the service.
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 Margaret Elizabeth Wagstaff Henderson, 92, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Warsaw Health and Rehabilitation. Margaret was born October 21, 1933 to the late James Seamore Wagstaff and Inah Langston Wagstaff.
Visitation will be held 1:00pm, Friday, April 3, 2026 at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw. A funeral service will follow at 2:00pm in the funeral home chapel and burial will conclude the service in Devotional Gardens, Warsaw, NC. Margaret is survived by daughter-in-law, Kathy Henderson of Kenansville; grandsons, Dustin Henderson and wife, Amanda and Jeremy Henderson and wife, Shelby both of Kenansville; granddaughter, Brooke Henderson Gwynn and husband, Kyle of Richlands; great grandsons, Dakota Henderson, Archer Gwynn, Bentley Henderson, Kole Gwynn, Brantley Henderson; great granddaughters, Taylor Henderson, Cayleigh Henderson, Malorie Henderson. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Margaret was preceded in death by sons, Jesse Henderson and Dennis Henderson and all of her siblings. Bertha Mae Bond Rogers, 90, passed away Wednesday March 18, 2026 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville, NC. Mrs. Rogers was born September 26, 1935 in Pender County, NC to the late Evander Bond and Exie Lanier Bond.
A funeral service will be held 1:00pm, Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Community Funeral Home in Rose Hill with burial to follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Rogers is survived by son, Delmar Rogers and wife, Patricia of Elizabethtown; daughters, Mary Catherine Leary of Wilmington, Linda Kaye Bristow, Sandra Rogers and Esther Pate all of Kenansville; grandchildren, Kenneth Leary, II, Aimee Gautier, Joani Usher, Tracy Rogers, Jamie Rogers, Kaye Griffin, David Leary, and Daniel Leary; 10 great grandchildren. She is also survived by brother, Martin Lee Bond and wife, Pat of Suffolk, VA; sister-in-law, Alice Bond. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Rogers was preceded in death by husband, James Lee Rogers, brother, Allen Bond, sister, Louise Baker and great granddaughter, Julia Porter.  Turkey - Elizabeth J. Zappas, 85, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Genesis Healthcare in Mount Olive, NC. Mrs. Zappas was born August 17, 1940 in Sampson County, NC to the late Luther A Jones and Lucille Smith Jones Bridger.
Mrs. Zappos graduated Turkey High School in May 1958. She married her husband, Louis G Zappas February 1, 1962 and went on to attend East Carolina University graduating in 1962 with a BS degree and a later her masters degree in 1972. Elizabeth taught school in North Carolina for three years before moving to Howard Illinois where she taught 28 years, then another year in Burton Bridge Illinois. She taught grades 3-8. Elizabeth was a member of New Hope Baptist Church since 1951 and served as church treasurer in 2002. She was a member of Harvard WOTM #500 since 1982 attaining the Academy of Friendship Degree, College of Regents Degree and the Star Recorder Degree. She is survived by many cousins Smith and Jones and special friends. In addition to her parents, Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Zappas; step-dad, Bob Bridger, sister, Carolyn Burnett, her in-laws, Gus and Lassie Zappas, and dear friend, Joan Lockwood. A visitation will be held 2:00pm, Sunday, March 22, 2026 at New Hope Baptist Church in Turkey, NC. A funeral service will follow at 3:00pm and burial will conclude the service in Pinecrest Cemetery in Warsaw, NC.  🚨🚨 Due to the threat of inclement weather the service is postponed till Tuesday! 🚨🚨
Harold Dean Lane, 75, of Warsaw passed away after a short illness on March 12, 2026. He was born to the late James T. Lane and Betty Inez Lane on February 9, 1951. A graveside service will be held at 1:30pm on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Devotional Gardens, Warsaw, NC 28398. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Calvary Baptist Church, 709 Memorial Drive, Warsaw, NC 28398 or Warsaw Fire Department, 714 N. Pine Street, Warsaw, NC 28398. Dean is survived by brother Bobby Lane and wife, Julie of Warsaw, nieces, Sarah Lanier and husband, Curtis of Beulaville, NC and Amy Bauer and husband, Justin of South Dakota, nephews John Lane and wife, Brittany of Washington, NC and Justin Lane. In addition to his parents, Dean was preceded in death by his brother, James Ray Lane.  Mary Catherine Burgett Brown Gregory
Birth- August 11, 1931 Death- March 4, 2026 Mary Catherine Burgett Brown Gregory, 94, formerly of Warsaw, NC, passed peacefully to her Heavenly home on March 4, 2026, in Mesa, AZ. She was born near Roseboro, NC, to the late Stephen Love and Ella Branch Burgett. "Cathy" was predeceased by her parents; 7 brothers and 2 sisters; husband, Joel C. Brown, Sr., and Alvin L. Gregory; sons Joel Jr. and Ronald She married Joel C. Brown, Sr., on May 11, 1947, and they had 5 children. Cathy was a farm girl who lived during the Great Depression and World War II. She attended Concord, McDaniels, and Mingo schools. Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 7-9 PM at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw and at other times at Faye Carter's home in Warsaw. A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 2PM at the Warsaw Community Funeral Home in Warsaw. Burial will follow in Pinecrest Cemetery. Her grandson, Dr. Mike Woods of Raleigh, will officiate. Basketball was her favorite sport, and she was a good player. Cathy developed her "fashion sense" from her friend Edna Baggett. She was an excellent cook and seamstress, loved old-time gospel music, and enjoyed entertaining at her home. As a young lady, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and was active in her church. In 1964, she and her children moved to Moore, OK, where she met and later married Alvin Gregory in June 1969. In 2009, after retirement, they moved to Warsaw, NC, where they became dedicated members of Warsaw United Methodist Church. Cathy moved to Norman, OK, to live with her daughter, Vickie, and later to Mesa, AZ, where she lived with her daughter, Denise, until her death. Both of her daughters gave her exceptional love and care. She will be missed and remembered by all who loved and knew her. Left to cherish her memory are: daughters, Linda Overby, Coats, NC, Vickie Kelly and husband, Skip, Norman, OK, Denise Whitehouse and husband, Brad, Mesa, AZ; sister, Faye Carter, Warsaw, NC; 12 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. The family is grateful for the loving care provided by Hospice, doctors, nurses, and caregivers in AZ. A special thank you to her granddaughter, Vickie Dawn Morris, for her love and care for her grandmother. The family would also like to thank the Southwest Airlines family for their support. Community Funeral Home of Warsaw is proud to serve the family.  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.  It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of April Noel Merritt, a beloved daughter, sister, mother, and friend, on February 2nd, 2026. She was 59 years old.
April was born on December 25th, 1966 to Hubert Merritt, Jr. and Lynn Merritt(deceased) in Clinton, North Carolina. During April’s younger years, she grew up in Warsaw, however, her family relocated to Mocksville, Waynesboro, Va., Sanford, and Kinston where she graduated high school. After high school, April attended James Sprunt Community College where she obtained an Associate of Arts degree. Following graduating from James Sprunt Community College, April attended the University of Mount Olive where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. April is preceded in death by her mother Lynn Merritt. April is survived by her son Merritt Long of Clinton, NC, son Walker Long (Kaya) of Fort Campbell, Ky, father Hubert Merritt, Jr. of Warsaw, NC, sister Tracy Merritt, of Wendell, NC, brother Jeff Merritt (Karen) of Warsaw, NC,bonus sister Lorrie Kester of Princeton, NC, best friend Christy Aldridge of Kenansville, NC along with a huge number of nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews in which she truly loved. April was a member of the Warsaw Baptist Church and attended other local churches throughout the community with her family and friends. She will be remembered for the love she had for her family, her churches, and her friends A memorial service to celebrate April Merritt's life will be held on February 9th, 2026 at the Warsaw Baptist Church. Friends and family will have an opportunity to visit with April's family at 12:00pm on February 9th in Powell Hall at the Warsaw Baptist Church and the memorial service will be at 1:00pm in the sanctuary of the church. Burial will follow in Devotional Gardens. We invite friends and family to join us honoring the memory of her remarkable life. Pastor David Gasperson and Rev. Joy Alford (April’s Friend) will be officiating the service. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the medical professionals and caregivers who provided comfort and support during April’s final days. As we say our final goodbye to April, may we find solace in the knowledge that her love and legacy will forever live on in our hearts.  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.  Turkey - Christopher Coy Reaves, 53, of Turkey passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Christopher was born in Wake County September 15, 1972 to Linda Faye Johnson Reaves Tadlock and the late Coy Cleo Reaves.
A private graveside service will be held in the Turkey Cemetery, Turkey, NC. Mr. Reaves is survived by, wife Susanne H. Reaves of Turkey; mother, Linda Tadlock and husband, Gerald of Clinton; sons, Christopher Allen Reaves and wife, Allyson of Teachey, and Zachery Reaves wife, Leah, and Matthew Austin Reaves; sisters Cathy Jo Hall and husband, Donnie of Smithfield, and Tina Reaves of Stem; grandchildren, Alaina Reaves, Anna Reaves, Mattie Reaves and Little Walker Reaves. He is also survived by nieces and nephew, aunts, uncles, cousins and a sister-in-law.  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. |
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