Kenansville-Judy Henderson Holmes, 78, of Kenansville passed away Saturday, September 30 at Warsaw Health and Rehab. Mrs. Holmes was born August 10, 1945 to the late Duncan Henderson and Vissie Davis Henderson.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 am Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw. Burial will follow in Devotional Gardens of Warsaw.

Mrs. Holmes leaves to cherish her memory son, Gene Holmes (Jo Ellen) of Warsaw; daughter, Kay Raynor of Kenansville; brothers, Arnold Henderson (Carolyn) of Kenansville and Bruce Henderson (Debbie) of Faison; sister, Annette Bostic of Chinquapin; grandchildren, Johnathan Tyler Holmes, Elizabeth Grace Marshall (Chris) and Cody Herring (Katelyn); great grandchildren, Jayden Marshall, Gracin Marshall, Gibson Ray Herring and Mack Herring.
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Mrs. Holmes was preceded in death by grandson, Carl Gene Holmes, Jr. and great grandson, Channing Holmes.

Warsaw - Ronnie Howard Knowles, 61, passed away Friday, September 29, 2023 at his home. Ronnie was born March 5, 1962 in Duplin County, NC to the late George Astor Kennedy Knowles and Hattie Ruth Pike Knowles.

A graveside service will be held 2:00 pm, Tuesday, October 3, 2023 in Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill.

Ronnie is survived by son, Anthony Knowles and wife, Krystal of Warsaw; granddaughters, Olivia and Jade Knowles, brothers, Randy W. Knowles of Pink Hill, Sam Knowles of Chinquapin, Joseph E. Knowles of Warsaw; sister, Ceila "Sissy" Knowles Davis of Pink Hill and sister-in-law, Paulette Mills Knowles of Kenansville.

In addition to his parents, Ronnie was preceded in death by brother, Gerald Knowles.
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In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be made to the Duplin County 4-H, c/o NC Agriculture Extension Service of Duplin County, 165 Agriculture Dr., Kenansville, NC 28349. 

Eric Lee Best, 58, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Eric was born November 13, 1964 in Wayne County, NC to the late Melvin and Hazel Sanderson Best.

A visitation will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 3:00 pm in the funeral home chapel.

​Eric is survived by daughter, Kristy Best, brothers, Mark Best and wife, Joan of Kenansville and Tim Best and wife, Barbara of Mount Olive, NC and sisters, Glenda Helton of Mount Olive, NC and Kim Best Boyette of Mount Olive grandchildren, Brandi Best and Cody Best, 4 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Magnolia-Isibell Swinson Cavenaugh Quinn, 87, of Magnolia passed away Sunday, September 24, 2023 at her home.  Mrs. Quinn was born in Duplin County November 11, 1935 to the late Jobe Swinson and Sally Swinson. Mrs. Quinn was a homemaker and a very accomplished seamstress.
A funeral service and visitation will be held beginning with the service at 7:00pm Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw.  An 11:00 graveside burial will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at Duplin Memorial Gardens in Teachey.
Mrs. Quinn leaves to cherish her memory, son, Louis Cavenaugh of Magnolia; daughters, Myra Gray-Futrell (Bruce), Rita Lynn Cavenaugh both of Magnolia; brother, George Swinson (Emma Lou) of Pink Hill; grandchildren,  Jason Cavenaugh (Maggie), Susan Cavenaugh, Joe Gray (Tonya) and David Gray (Mallory), great grandchildren, Franklin Gray (Olivia) Ashley Smith, Tiffany Smith, and Madison Gray; great great grandchild, Jaxon Sanchez.
Mrs. Quinn was preceded in death by husbands, Bill Cavenaugh and Louis Quinn, and several brothers and sisters.

Margaret Hayes Wood Oakley died September 14, 2023. She was born in Duplin County on July 12, 1923, to Arthur Ray Wood and Louise Sloan Wood. She was educated at Chinquapin High School and East Carolina College where she met her husband, Francis Fowler Oakley. They were married in a home wedding on August 6, 1942, and were together for 56 years.

She was a member of Cedar Fork Baptist Church until moving to Kenansville in 1953. She then became a member of Kenansville Baptist Church.

She was a retired civil servant working 25 years for Selective Service. After leaving Selective Service, she spent the next 19 years driving for Mrs. Pat Brinson, Social Worker for the Blind. During this time she was also a dedicated volunteer at Duplin General Hospital/Vidant Duplin until her mid nineties. For her many years as a faithful volunteer, she was proud to have been awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

She is survived by her son, Woody Oakley, and his wife, Sara; daughters, Rebecca Lockamy and Ann Batts and her husband, Ronnie; as well as grandchildren, Hayes (Carlie) Oakley, Ross (Meg) Oakley, Tamara (Daniel) Stevens, Shawn (Pam) Batts, Megan (Joel) Fletcher, Ron Batts, Jessica (Brandon) Holmes, Margaret Batts, and 18 great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by husband, Francis Oakley, great granddaughter, Samantha Batts, and son-in-law, Scotty Lockamy.

Visitation will held 3:00 - 5:00 pm, Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw.  A funeral service will be held 3:00 pm, Sunday September 17th at Kenansville Baptist Church. Burial will be held 10 am Monday September 18th in Devotional Gardens.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Kenansville Baptist Church, PO Box 865, Kenansville, NC. 28349.

Warsaw - Nancy Louise Turner Barnette, 84, passed away Thursday, September 7, 2023 at her home.  Mrs. Barnette was born October 31, 1938 in Jones County, NC to the late D. B. Turner and Catherine Griffin Turner.

A graveside service will be held 11:00 am, Monday, September 11, 2023 at Devotional Gardens, Warsaw, NC.

Mrs. Barnette is survived by son, Timmy Barnette and wife, Isabelle of Clinton; daughter, Suzette Burke and husband, Wade; grandchildren, Stephanie and James Carter, Judy Barnette, Nancy and Brandon Murray, and Johnathan and Shenna Burke; and great grandchildren, Madison Nicole Pogue, Emily Michelle Croft, Hope Marie Burke, Chloe Danielle Burke, Steven James Carter, Johnny Quinton Murray, and Katelyn Rose Carter. 

​In addition to her parents, Mrs. Barnette was preceded in death by husband, John Barnette; and two sisters, Diane Russell and Dollie Powell.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Lynn Rouse Merritt (Lynn), a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, on September 3, 2023. She was 79 years old.

Lynn was born on February 2, 1944 to Clinton and Hazel Rouse in Kinston, North Carolina. She grew up in Kinston and had a deep love for her Lenoir county farm community. In her teenage years, Lynn’s family moved to Warsaw North Carolina. In high school Lynn met and married her high school sweetheart, Hubert ‘Pepsi’ Merritt, Jr.  They were married on February 3rd, 1962. Lynn and Pepsi were married 61 years.  Lynn is preceded in death by her parents Clinton and Hazel Rouse, brother Sonny Rouse, brother Mike Rouse, mother-in-law Mary Costin, and sister-in-law Gloria Piner.

Lynn is survived by her husband Pepsi Merritt of Warsaw, son Jeff Merritt (Karen) of Surf City, daughter Tracy Merritt (Lorrie Kester) of Goldsboro, April Sprague of Kenansville, sister Judy Brown (Guthrie) of Richlands, NC, sister-in-law Mary (Bud) Harrell of Warsaw, sister-in-law Peggy Rouse of Kinston, and sister-in-law Gloria Richardson of Wilmington along with a huge number of nieces and nephews in which she truly loved. Also cherishing her memories are her grandchildren Lauren and Cameron Smith, Logan Merritt and Billy Gonzalez, Merritt Long, Walker Long, Katie and Zach Davidson, John Merritt, Kristin Merritt, and great-grandchildren Shepherd and Sunny Davidson.  

 Lynn was a faithful member of the Warsaw Baptist Church and enjoyed weekend visits from her children and grandchildren, shopping with her friends, especially her sister Judy, family reunions, and an occasional a trip to Cherokee. She will be remembered for the love she had for her family, her church, and her friends. Lynn had the opportunity to live in many different locations throughout her adult life and made life-long friends in each of those locations. 

 A memorial service to celebrate Lynn Merritt's life will be held on September 6th, 2023 at the Warsaw Baptist Church. Friends and family will have an opportunity to visit with Lynn's family at 1:30pm on September 6th in Powell Hall at the Warsaw Baptist Church and the memorial service will be at 3:00pm in the sanctuary of the church. We invite friends and family to join us in honoring the memory of her remarkable life. Pastor David Gasperson 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 Lynn’s final days. As we say our final goodbye to Lynn, may we find solace in the knowledge that her love and legacy will forever live on in our hearts.

Turkey-James T. "Jim" Burnett, Jr. 76, of Turkey passed away at Sampson Regional Medical Center in Clinton on Thursday, August 31, 2023. Mr. Burnett was born in Knox County, Kentucky April 29, 1947 to the late James T. Burnett and Cordia Mason Burnett.

Mr. Burnett retired from Cannon Ball in Beloit, Wisconsin. After retirment Mr. Burnett moved to Turkey, NC and enjoyed several years of farming. Mr. Burnett was Baptist by faith. He loved to fish, but enjoyed nothing more than being with family and playing live music as he came from a very musical family.

Mr. Burnett leaves to cherish his memory, sons, Jeff Burnett and wife, Renee of Columbus, Wisconsin and Bradley Burnett and wife, Ellyn of Arlington Heights, Illinois; daughter, Pamela B. Kallio of Beaver Creek, Ohio; brothers, Michael Burnett and wife, Laura of London, Kentucky, Bob Burnett and wife, Beverly of Ashton, Illinois, Bige Burnett and wife, Avon of Walsworth, Wisconsin, Clifford Burnett of London, Kentucky, Wrondle Burnett and wife, Judy of Barbourville, Kentucky, Bill Burnett and wife, Beverly of Hinkle, Kentucky; sisters, Marlene Napier and husband, Paul of Pineville, Kentucky, Wanda Sue Mills and husband, Bill of London, Kentucky and Peggy McCartt and husband, Ron of Barbourville, Kentucky; grandchildren, Ashley Kallio, Brittany McDewitt, Brooke Burnett, Matthew Burnett, Andrew Burnett and Angie Wirtala; great grandchildren, Raelyn Faltys, Maeve McDewitt, Sloane McDewitt, Roy McDewitt and Kayla Fluger. Also left behind are many loving nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn J. Burnett.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time in Kentucky. A graveside service will be held 2pm, Thursday 7, 2023 in Pinecrest Cemetery

​Warsaw-John Daniel Kornegay, 83 of Warsaw passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023 at ECU Duplin.  Mr. Kornegay was born in Duplin County October 28, 1939 to the late Richard Kornegay and Beulah Summerlin Kornegay. 
A graveside service will be held 2:00 pm Friday, September 1, 2023 at the Devotional Gardens of Warsaw.
Mr. Kornegay is survived by his wife, Doris W. Kornegay and many other relatives and friends.

Faison - Melvin Leinbyrd Andrews, 89, passed away Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Warsaw Health and Rehabilitation. Melvin was born May 27, 1934 in Sampson County, NC to the late Henry J. Andrews and Ellen Lane Andrews.

A funeral service will be held 10:00 am, Wednesday, August 23, 2023 in Community Funeral Home Chapel in Warsaw with burial to follow in Devotional Gardens.

Mr. Andrews is survived by son, Tony Andrews and wife, Barbara of Faison and Donnie Andrews and wife, Shelley of Warsaw; four grandchildren, Chris Andrews, Michael Kennedy, Bradley Andrews and Joshua Andrews; and eight great grandchildren, Mackenzie Andrews, Savannah Andrews, Mary Jane Andrews, Michelle Andrews, Alaina Andrews, Camden Jackson, Haven Andrews, Lily Andrews, Nathan Holloman, and Aubrey Holloman

​In addition to his parents, Mr. Andrews was preceded in death by wife, Joyce Maxine Wilson Andrews and daughter, Sherry Lynn Andrews Kennedy.

​Warsaw - Susan Eleanor Darden Potter, 79, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, peacefully at home. She was born February 18, 1944 and was originally from Mt. Olive. She was a beautiful, humble, loving, kind, compassionate, humorous, Christian lady who loved God, her family, and her church family with her whole heart and soul. She was a long time member of Root Branch Church in Mt. Olive.

She is survived by daughters Toledo Kemmer (Bill) of Clinton, Susan Bennett of Warsaw; son Wayne Ezzell (Pam) of Warsaw; step-children Johnny Potter (Linda) of Vanceboro, and Ann Potter of Vanceboro; grandchildren Bruce Jackson of Clinton, Bryan Jackson of Clinton, Bella Wiggins of Warsaw, Emily Ezzell of Warsaw; great-grandchildren, Zachary Harman of Burgaw who is a US Marine stationed in California, Brianna Jackson of Clinton, Savannah Jackson of Clinton, Morgan Jackson of Clinton, Kyndall Jackson of Clinton; sister Maybelle Ezzell (Dennis) of Warsaw; brothers Dan Darden (Rose) of Mt. Olive, Phil Darden of Little Washington; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 29 years, John Potter of Mt. Olive; her precious mother who she adored Myrtie Darden of Mt. Olive; father MacEnnis Darden of Mt. Olive; brothers Frank Darden of Mt. Olive, Lewis Darden of Faison; sister Jessie Peaden of Elm City, who we know she is rejoicing with!

There will be a visitation on Thursday, August 17 at Community Funeral Home in Warsaw from 6pm-8pm, and a graveside service on Friday, August 18 at 10am at Maplewood Cemetery in Mt. Olive with Pastor Mickey Whitfield officiating.

Warsaw - Henry Allen "Bud" Byrd, 88, passed away at his home on Sunday, August 13, 2023.  He was born October 9, 1934 in Sampson County to the late John S. Byrd and Martha Ann Hare Byrd.  

​A graveside service will be held 11:00 am, Saturday August 19, 2023 in Devotional Gardens, Warsaw, NC.

Mr. Byrd proudly served his country earning the rank of SFC in the US Army, serving a career in the military. 

Left to cherish his memory are son, David Byrd and wife, Debby of Decatur, Texas; daughter, Karen Byrd Gladden of Hampstead; grandchildren, Amanda Huibregtse and husband, Jason, Jeff Oaks, Brad Oaks, Eric Gladden and Taylor, and Matthew Gladden and fiancee' Kalen;  great grandchildren, Jed and Zach Huibregtse, Ella and Hudson Oaks, Mayleigh and Carter Gladden.  He is also survived by sisters, Virginia Todd of Warsaw, Margaret Fields of Kenansville, and brother, Dr. Luther Byrd of Seabrook, TX.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Byrd was preceded in death by wife, Adelaide Byrd; and sisters, Annie Duryea, Betty Dail, Lillian Argot, and Gertrude Rouse.

Ruth Warren Dail, 78, died August 10, 2023 after a brief health emergency. She was born in rural Beaufort County to Ray Roosevelt Warren and Cora Lee Edwards of Washington, NC.
 Services will be held Sunday, August 13, 2023 with a visitation at Calvary Baptist Church at 4 pm and a funeral to follow  at 5 pm Pastor Josh Thomas and Pastor David Elks officiating.  Burial will be held privately at a later date.
Mrs. Dail is survived by her husband, Billy Rabon Dail of the home, daughter, Lisa Tyndall of Calypso, Granddaughter Cora Gore of Calypso, grandson David Tyndall (Liz) of Clayton and Great Grandchildren Vance Carter, Bailey Foster, Bryce Foster, and Blair Cox.
In addition, Mrs. Dail is survived by her brother  Aubrey Warren (wife Nonnie) of Kernersville, NC; brother in law Gerald Elks of Franklin, VA; sister in law, Eloise Honeycutt  of Macon, GA; Sister in law Marty Dail  of Stanfield NC,  and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Dail is preceded in death by her parents, her son Vance Warren Dail, her Grandson Joel Cox, great granddaughter Cora Cox, and son-in-law David “T-Bone” Tyndall. Also preceding her in death were her siblings, Walter “Pat” Edwards, Opal E Elks, Helen W Chambers(Earl), and Rosa Edwards; Brother in law, Currie” Bud” Dail, and sister in law Louise Evans.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to Calvary Baptist Church, Warsaw NC.
The family expresses gratitude to many friends, family, and medical providers that have shared their expertise, time, and kindness during these final days of Mrs. Dail’s life. 

Burgaw - Mr. Luther James Stanley, 85, of Burgaw passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. Mr. Stanley was born in Duplin County February 24, 1938 to the late Luther Stanley and Effie Knowles Stanley. Mr. Stanley proudly served his country in the Navy, and continued to serve as a teacher in the public school system.

A graveside service will be held 1:00 pm Friday, August 11, 2023 at the Knowles Family Cemetery in Rose Hill.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Ozella Stanley of Burgaw; son Brent Stanley and wife, Karen of Burgaw; daughters, Lynda Ligon and husband, Mike of Bolivia, and Debbie Pavlovich of Wilmington; brother, Lacy Stanley and wife, Peggy of FL; grandchildren, Kristy Gibson and husband, Clark, Kimberly Ligon and husband, Rich Mortimer, Laura Howard and husband, Trey, Lee Pavlovich and wife, Casey, Blake Stanley and Zeb Stanley; great grandchildren, River Gibson, Ellie Gibson, Avery Howard, Jack Howard and Kaylee Pavlovich.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Stanley was preceded in death by son-in-law, Mike Pavlovich, and brother, Daniel Stanley and sister Elizabeth Jernigan.
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Flowers welcome or memorial may be made to Lower Cape Fear Life Care, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.