Salemburg - Benjamin Michael Vernon, 65, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at Sampson Regional Medical Center in Clinton, NC. Mr. Vernon was born July 14, 1958 in Wayne County, NC to the late Paul Edward Vernon and Alma Moore Vernon.

Visitation will begin 11:00 am, Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw. A funeral service will begin at 12:00 pm, in the funeral home chapel and burial will conclude the service in Devotional Gardens, Warsaw, NC.

Mr. Vernon is survived by wife, Laura Vernon of the home; sons, John Michael Vernon of Fayetteville, NC, Jesse James Sheffield and wife, Mariel of Salemburg, NC and Jimmy Darrell Sheffield, Jr. and wife, Amy of Wallace, NC, daughter, Melissa Jane Tibby of Salemburg, NC, brother, Stevie Vernon, sister, Judy Kay Vernon of Salemburg, eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Vernon was preceded in death by brothers, Paul Levi Vernon and Billy Daniel Vernon.

Warsaw - William Rex Carlton, 71, passed away Thursday, February 22, 2024 at ECU Health Duplin in Kenansville, NC.  Mr. Carlton was born May 25, 1952 in Duplin County, NC to the late Ward House Carlton and Mildred Gurley Carlton.

A graveside service will be held 1:00 pm, Wednesday, February 28, 2024 in Devotional Gardens, Warsaw, NC.

Rex is survived by sisters, Debbie Carlton Baker and husband, George of Warsaw; sister-in-law, Connie Carlton; and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

​In addition to his parents, Rex was preceded in death by brothers, Henry Ward Carlton and Johnny Carlton. 

The sweet Helen E. Thomas, 97, of Warsaw met her Heavenly Father Saturday February 17, 2024. She went peacefully and ready to embrace her loved ones who came before her.

She lived all her 97 years devoted to God, her family and friends. Whether you knew her from years of military wife duties, family gatherings, square dancing, the beauty shop, watching Braves baseball, church functions, her chocolate pies (grandchildren favorite), Avon selling, or just her ability to make all of those around her feel loved, you knew she was a one of a kind. Her loving eyes, long hugs and sweet smile reassured all they were always welcome to sit and stay a while at the farm.

Born February 7, 1927, in Duplin County, she married Steven R. Thomas Sr. July 4, 1943. She followed him around the world for more than 26 years embracing his military career. After raising their 2 boys while serving in the military they settled back in their hometown of Warsaw. She then owned and operated RaeBill Beauty Shop in Magnolia. She could be found smiling and working hard to make her clients look just perfect.

Helen, “Oma”, is preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Fred Eason and Bessie Tyndall Eason, her beloved husband of 50 years, Steven R. Thomas Sr., valued companion John Brookshire, precious son, William F. Thomas, and many friends and family.

She leaves with precious memories her Eldest Son, Steven R Thomas, Jr (Saunda), daughter-in- law Wilmoth Thomas, Grandchildren, Kelly Thomas (Sue), Thomas Thomas, Don Thomas (Tammy), Jodi E Lavigne and Heather L Thomas (Susan); Great Grandchildren, Kristen Cummings (Trey), Joel Thomas (Lindsay), William Thomas (Tyler), Cavan Thomas, Andrew Thomas (Franki), Jessica Thomas, Christina Lavigne, Amber Twisdale (Troy), Kristel Thomas; Great, Great Grandchildren, Camden Cummings, Adison Lavigne, Lilly Thomas, Ryder Cummings, Rylee Thomas, Luci Thomas, Serenity White and Kota Twisdale.

She wished for no flowers because “flowers are only good when I am alive”. Instead, please send all celebrations to the youth program at Warsaw United Methodist Church. Her passion was for her church to show future generations the love of Christ. The family requests, in honor of our sweet Oma, to hug each other tight.

The family will receive visitors from 10:00-11:00 Saturday February 24th at Warsaw United Methodist Church and will have a memorial service immediately following visitation. Burial will be Monday February 26th at 10:00 am in Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
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Written by: Kristen Cummings

Helen L. Thomas, 97, passed away Saturday, February 17, 2024 at ECU Health Medical Center, Greenville, NC.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Warsaw United Methodist Church with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 am. A graveside service will be held 10:00 am, Monday, February 26, 2024 in Coastal Carolina State Veteran Cemetery, Jacksonville, NC.
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** A full obituary to be posted when available.

Magnolia - Carolyn Sasser Baker, 87, passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024 at ECU Health in Kenansville, NC . Mrs. Baker was born May 11, 1936 in Wayne County, NC to the late Emmitt George and Wray Batson Sasser.

A graveside service will be held 11:00 am, Tuesday, February 13, 2024 in Devotional Gardens, Warsaw, NC.

Carolyn is survived by sons, Nelson Baker of Kenansville and Stanley Baker of Magnolia; grandchildren, Dana Baker and husband, Bryan Jones of McClellanville, SC and Brian Baker of Wilmington; great grandchildren, Ella Grace, Easton, Lucas, and Elsa -Rose; and numerous nieces and nephews.

​In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by husband, Earl Nelson Baker; daughters-in-law, Pamela Sue Baker and Carol Jeanne Baker; grandson, Kevin Allen Chambers Baker, and sister, Cumy S. Butler and husband, Arthur.

Magnolia - Maurice Nicholas Canipe, 73, passed away early Thursday morning February 8, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family. Mr. Canipe was born August 28, 1950 in Lincolnton, NC to the late George Elliott and Ola Mae Ridley Canipe.

​Nick sincerely loved and greatly valued his family and his friends. He also cherished his church and church community. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was proud to hold the title of veteran. Nick spent the majority of his working career in the textile industry and took great pride in his work.

Nick leaves behind to cherish his memories, his loving wife Katherine Quinn Canipe of the home; sons, James Hampton Quinn, II and wife, Hannah of Athens, AL and James Nicholas Canipe of Lincolnton, NC; daughters, Brittney Nicole Lane of Magnolia, NC, Tiffany Oxendine and husband, Matthew of Magnolia, NC, Angie Lane of Lincolnton, NC; grandchildren, Jared Katherine Quinn, Esther "Essie" Brook Quinn, Margaret "Willa" Williams Quinn, James Hampton Quinn, III, Karlie Lynn Oxendine, Adilynn Hope Oxendine, and Lilly Grace Oxendine; brother, Dennis Canipe and his beloved fur baby, his Yorkie, Lucy.

In addition to his parents, Nick was preceded in death by sisters, Andrea Sain and Cheryl Canipe.

Visitation will begin at 11:00am, Saturday February 17, 2024 at Rose Hill Penacostal FWB Church, 114 N Walnut Street, Rose Hill, NC, with a memorial service to follow visitation at 12:00 pm.