​Betty Jean Curtin 82, formerly of Warsaw, NC passed away peacefully on September 14, 2020 with her three daughters by her side. For the last four years Beaver, Pennsylvania was her home. She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Jim Curtin. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Donna (Aubrey), Cathy (Woody), and Terri (Gary). Five grandchildren, Cory, Kyle, Logan, Donnie and Curtis and six great grandchildren. Betty had a gift for taking care of others, a love of gardening and a talent for decorating.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday September 22, 11:00 AM at Johnson Baptist Church with burial to follow at Devotional Gardens in Warsaw, NC

​Warsaw-James Franklin Harper, age 83, of Warsaw, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 12, 2020, at his home after a brief but brave battle with cancer.

James was born in Calypso, NC, on August 29, 1937, and remained his entire life in Duplin County. He was well known for his sense of humor, strong work ethic, love of people and his great head of hair.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth Wilkins Harper Whaley and Benjamin F. Harper; his brother, Charles J. Harper; and his grandson, Joshua R. Wallace.
James is survived by his devoted wife and caretaker, the former Sheraldine Howard. They were married June 29, 1957, sharing over 6 decades of marriage. Also, surviving are their 5 children; Joyce H. Albertson (Dennis), of New Bern; Carolyn H. Smith (Bobby), of Mt. Olive; Janet H. Lewis (Glenn), of Warsaw; Bobby W. Harper, of Dudley; Jennifer H. Delisio (Doug) of Faison.
James was Grandpa or PaPa to 11 grandchildren: Sarah Bailey (Derrick), of New Bern; Robert Smith (Kelly), of Mt. Olive; Joshua Wallace (deceased) (Carly), Louisburg; Susan Lane (Josh), of Goldsboro; Lydia Dail (Spencer), of Snow Hill; Paige Pickett (Tim), of Beulaville; Ryan Albertson, of New Bern; Josh Lewis (Marissa), of LaGrange; Wesley Lewis, of Magnolia; Dynah Delisio, of Faison; and Triston DeLisio, of Faison, James was blessed with 7 great grandchildren; Ford Bailey, Harper Bailey, Lloyd Wallace, Gracelyn Quinn, Easton Lewis, Campbell Pickett, and Ella Katherine Smith.

At age 17, James enlisted with the Warsaw National Guard unit. He honorably served 3 years. James was a gifted man with uncanny mechanical and machinery abilities. His career included operation of heavy equipment for many years. He assisted in the excavation of Bay Tree Lakes, formerly Black Lake. He opened a welding business and years later transitioned to a muffler business. He was locally known as the “muffler man”. He continued this work until retirement in 2007. He was talented, determined and confident. During his working years he developed wonderful longstanding friendships with people from all walks of life. Especially close were his Trooper buddies. Life and work were synonymous for James. He never fully embraced retirement.

He enjoyed “piddling” on projects, mowing his and the church yard, watching westerns, listening to old country music, visiting with family and friends, and spending time with his dog, Bella.

James was a faithful member of Friendship United Methodist Church, in Warsaw, NC.

The family will receive guests at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 from 10:00am to 11:00am. A Celebration of Life service will be held immediately following the visitation, at 11:00am. Pastor Delores Summerlin and Pastor Bobby Smith will officiate the memorial and graveside services. Burial will follow at the Devotional Gardens, Warsaw, NC.

The family request that because of several at risk family members that you wear a face covering to the visitation and service. Thank you for your cooperation.

Warsaw - Rayford Kennedy, husband, father, PaPa, builder, and Jesus Follower died in his home on September 9, 2020, at the age of 77.  Born on January 12, 1943, he leaves a legacy of hard work, generosity, and most importantly family.  

Rayford is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rachel.  Together, the two of them raised 6 children:
Sons: Steve (Tammy) and their children: Isaiah (Anne); Gabriel (Abby); Angel, and Nicholas
Bryan (Joy) and their children: Brenton (Brooke)-Blaize and Addie; Brandy (Grant)-Falyn and Fisher; and Devan            
Daughters: Dianne Everett (Lee) and their children: Michael (Amanda)-Lacey and Quinn; Matthew; Allison (Matt Wrenn); Morgan Chestnutt (Matt)-Dakota and Landon          
Rebecca Brown (Dodd) and their children:  Hanna and Ashton
Sharon Painter (Jonathan)
Beth Beckwith (Jonathan)

Rayford was quick-witted, generous, and hard-working.  Everyone who knew him was blessed.

A graveside service will be held 1:00pm, Saturday, September 12, 2020 in Devotional Gardens, Warsaw, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: West Duplin FWB Church, Christmas Cheer Program, 987 NC 24 and 50 Hwy, Warsaw, NC 28398 or Samaritan’s Purse, P. O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Betty Sue Clifton Hall, 68, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at her home in Turkey, NC. Mrs. Hall was born March 12, 1952 in Sampson County, NC to the late Richard Harold Clifton, Sr. and Katie Lovesteen Parker Clifton.

A graveside service will be held 3:30pm, Sunday, September 13, 2020 in Turkey Cemetery, Turkey, NC.

Mrs. Hall is survived by her husband, James Michael Hall of the home; daughters, Susanne Hall Reaves and husband, Chris of Eureaka Springs, AK and Magon Ashley Hall and fiance, Nicholas Johnson of Turkey, NC; grandchildren, Allen Reaves and wife, Allyson, Zachery Reaves and wife, Leah, Aysha Johnson, Nicholas Johnson, Matthew Reaves and one great grandchild on the way. She is also survived by brother, Richard H. Clifton, Jr. and wife, Janice Jones of Turkey and sister, Wanda Clifton Powell of Surf City.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hall was preceded in death by sister, Joan Clifton Bordeaux.