All Obituaries

Mary Ellen Joyner was born on January 18, 1952, to Julius Joyner and Helen W. Hudson in Washington, D.C. She moved to Durham, NC in 1962. Mary graduated Hillside High School class of 1970, received her Bachelor degree from Elizabeth City State University and her Masters of Business Administration from Strayer University. Mary worked at GTE (Verizon) and retired after 30 years of service. She then worked five years for Fidelity Investments. In 2017, along with her mother, daughter and...

Edgar Hunter, III, the second child of the late Gladys Elizabeth Dixon Hunter and Edgar Hunter, Jr. was born on April 30, 1960 in Durham, North Carolina.  He was preceded in death by his only son, Jarian Dowdy.  Edgar transitioned from earth to eternity on Monday, May 6, 2019 at UNC Hospital - Hillsborough, North Carolina . Edgar was educated in the Durham Public School system.  He was employed at Burroughs Welcome as a chef for 20 years which he enjoyed and loved.  He...

Born November 25, 1979 in Durham, North Carolina to Renita Henry & Kenneth Saunders, the beloved Jonathan Martrice Henry was the middle child of three. At an early age Jonathan gave his life to Christ. He attended W.G. Pearson Elementary, and Shepard Middle School where he would meet his forever love Dekida Doster. He later would graduate from Hillside High School. In his spare time, he loved to fish and loved sports. He loved to compete, and was known for his great basketball skills on...

Vernon Markham, son of the late Oscar and Lillie Markham, was born on October 19, 1919.  He departed this life on Sunday, April 14, 2019. He was educated in the Durham County School System  He was a dedicated employee of Young Roofing Company and retired as a foreman after more than 40 years of service. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Laura Spencer Markham; two sons, Vernon Markham and William Markham. He leaves to cherish his precious memories, his daughters, Angela...

James Eric Perry was born October 23, 1961 to the late James O. and Cleo M. Perry in Henderson, NC.  He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Junetta "Kitti" Richardson of PA and nephew Eric Richardson of PA. He passed away peacefully, on April 13, 2019, with his wife Cheryl at his side. As the youngest of three children, Eric was educated in the Warren County public school system and graduated from John Graham High School. While in high school, Eric excelled in Track...

Mother Louise Annie Mae Allen Smith, affectionately known as “Weezy”, was born on August 8, 1943 in Johnston County, North Carolina to the late Robert Alton and Novie Allen.  She attended Apex Consolidated High School. She was married to the O. D. James Smith, Sr. Mother Smith worked at Johnson & Foster Dry Cleaners, Wayne’s Dry Cleaners and Duke University Medical Center until she retired.  She was a faithful member of Jesus House of Prayer Holy Church...

Mrs. Martha Matilda Parker Turrentine, daughter of the late John R. and Pearlie Mae Parker, was born on April 4, 1928 in Edgecombe County, North Carolina.  She departed this life on Sunday, April 7, 2019 in her home. She was educated in the Edgecombe County Public Schools and continued her education in Durham to become one of the students in the first/second class of (LPN)-Licensed Practical Nurse. She began her career at Duke Hospital where she met her eventual husband, Nathaniel...

Kenneth “Wayne” Boone was born October 8, 1957 in Seaboard, North Carolina to Willis Boone and Fannie Castillo. After graduating from high school, Wayne joined the United States Army where he served 2 terms overseas in Germany.  After returning to the states, Wayne began working at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he worked for 15 years.  During his leisure, Wayne enjoyed watching his favorite basketball team, the Duke Blue Devils and dancing to his...

Cecilia Ann Trappier, daughter of the late Mell and Janice Shaw Trappier, was born on July 1, 1938 in Saint Stephens, South Carolina.  She departed this life on Friday, March 29, 2019 at Duke University Hospital. A son, Daniel Trappier and two brothers, Frank Trappier and Melvin Sherman Trappier, also preceded her in death. She was a graduate of Durham College and retired as a secretary from North Carolina Central University. She was a loving and caring person who challenged you in...