Obituaries

John Randolph Jones, Sr

John Randolph Jones, Sr

Mar 12, 2025

John “Randy” Randolph Jones Sr., 84, of Ivor, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. He was the son of the late John Paul Jones and Mary Virginia Edwards Jones. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jane Pittman Jones; sons, John “Johnny” Randolph Jones, Jr (Krista) and Douglas “Doug” Edward Jones; grandchildren, Kaylee Jones Wilson (Brad), Brooks...

Helen Mae Bell Minton

Helen Mae Bell Minton

Mar 10, 2025

Helen Mae Bell Minton, a beloved figure in her community, was born on January 25, 1933, in Surry, Virginia. She was the daughter of the late William Perry Bell and Lottie Jane Bell. Helen was the widow of James Allen Minton. She peacefully passed away on March 10, 2025, in Smithfield, Virginia, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy defined...

Richard Linwood Harris

Richard Linwood Harris

Mar 8, 2025

Richard Linwood Harris, aged 74, passed away on March 8, 2025. He was born on July 26, 1950, and had a meaningful life dedicated to his family, friends, and passions. Richard enjoyed a fulfilling career as a carpenter and builder and after retirement he loved spending time with his family, especially his sons and grandchildren.

As an avid outdoorsman, Richard cherished...

James Milton Carroll, Jr

James Milton Carroll, Jr

Mar 7, 2025

James Milton Carroll, Jr, 83 of Smithfield, VA, passed away peacefully in the house where he was raised on the family farm. He was the son of the late James Milton Carroll, Sr and Lula Thelma Deans Carroll. He was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years Jessie Barham Bell Carroll. He is survived by his wife of...

Raymond Bernard Nicholson

Raymond Bernard Nicholson

Mar 5, 2025

Raymond Bernard Nicholson, a devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on May 22, 1931, Raymond dedicated his life to his family and his career, shining brightly as a skilled union carpenter renowned for his ability to fix anything that needed repair.

Raymond proudly served in the U.S....

Billy Jack Somerset

Billy Jack Somerset

Mar 1, 2025

Billy Jack Somerset, 89, of Smithfield, went home to be with our Heavenly Father, on Saturday, March 1, 2025. He was the son of the late Anna Bell Somerset. He preceded in death by his wife of 65 years Dorothy Josephine Wiggins Somerset. He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie I. Scott (Dennis); sons, Bill Jack Somerset, II (Debbi) and...

Clifford Wayne Wiedel

Clifford Wayne Wiedel

Feb 27, 2025

Clifford Wayne Wiedel, 83, was a faithful husband, father and friend. He was quiet and kind; respected and loved by all who knew him. He and his wife of 50 years, Carol, raised their 4 children in Surry where they have resided for 40 years. Cliff grew up on a farm in Nebraska. He joined the Air Force after high...

Kurt Aaron Beach

Kurt Aaron Beach

Feb 24, 2025

We are heartbroken to share the passing of our son, Kurt Aaron Beach, who left us February 24, 2025, at home in South Carolina. He was 39. Kurt was a free spirit, a kind soul who saw beauty in the simplest things. He embraced nature, God’s creations and loved animals, especially his faithful companion dog, Mary Jane.

Kurt genuinely cared about...

Matthew Dylan Runde

Matthew Dylan Runde

Feb 22, 2025

Matthew Dylan Runde, age 32, passed away on February 22nd, 2025 at 11:05 am, on a cold but sunny Virginia day, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness. Matt was named by his PA (Great Grandpa), after Marshall Matt Dillon from Gun Smoke. A fact that he was very proud of. Matthew was born August 29th, 1992 at...

Richard Mack Brantley

Richard Mack Brantley

Feb 20, 2025

Richard Mack Brantley, 85, of Smithfield, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025. He was the son of the late Jessie James Brantley and Sallie Helen King Brantley.  

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce Love Brantley; son, Christopher James Brantley (Cassie Patt); daughter, Angela Love Vogel (Jon); granddaughter, Christianna Love Brantley, fiancé Joshua Brown and their...

Edward Arthur

Edward Arthur

Feb 17, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Edward Lee Arthur on February 17, 2025, at the age of 85. Edward was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, known for his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love for his family and friends. 

Born on April 21, 1939, in Victoria, Virginia, Edward lived a life full of purpose and dedication. He proudly...

Carl "Ted" Theodore Bright

Carl "Ted" Theodore Bright

Feb 16, 2025

Carl Theodore “Ted” Bright, 75, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 16, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Fleetwood “Pete” and Carolyn Bright, and his brother, Mark.

 Born in Elizabeth City, NC, on November 11, 1949, Ted grew up working on his family’s farm alongside his father and brothers. A natural...

Helene Rose Mele Biondi

Helene Rose Mele Biondi

Feb 11, 2025

Helene Rose Mele Biondi 81, passed away from complications of ALS at her home in Smithfield, VA on 11 February 2025.

Helene was born in New York, NY on 18 December 1943. Helene was married to Michael Vincent Biondi for 59 years. They were married on 8 January 1966 at St Helena's Church in Bronx, NY.

Helene was a member of Good...

David Matthew Nelms

David Matthew Nelms

Feb 10, 2025

David Matthew Nelms, 79, of Smithfield, passed away at his home on Monday, February 10, 2025. He was the son of the late Matt Thomas Nelms and Mary Josephine Crumpler Nelms. 

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Boothe Nelms; daughters, Pamela Duck (James) and Cindi Jackson; grandchildren, James Daniel Mildenberger (Sarah), Samantha Faucette, Ryan Duck and Justin...

Joseph Russell Turner, Jr.

Joseph Russell Turner, Jr.

Feb 7, 2025

Joseph Russell Turner Jr., 80, passed away February 7th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Eclipse, Virginia the son of the late Joseph Russell Turner Sr. and Mildred Etta Williams Turner. 

He was predeceased by his sister; Mildred Christine Turner Wright and his brother Michael Anthony Turner. 

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Frances L. Gardner...

Michael Ray Thacker

Michael Ray Thacker

Feb 4, 2025

Michael Ray Thacker, 68, passed away Tuesday February 4, 2025. He was the son of the late Shelton Lane Thacker and Anne Griffin Thacker. 

Michael is survived by his sister Sharon Thacker Carawan and nephew Justin Carawan. He was preceded in death by his brother, William Randy Thacker. 

Michael was a lifelong resident of Isle of Wight County where he farmed with...

Jeffrey Ray Wardsworth

Jeffrey Ray Wardsworth

Feb 3, 2025

Jeffrey Ray Wardsworth, age 52, of Lake Lure, NC passed away on February 3, 2025 at Advent Health in Columbus, NC. 

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Hassell Ray Wardsworth, Jr., and his mother, Connie Pittman Wardsworth of Roanoke Rapids, NC.

 He is survived by his wife, Dottie (Dot) Floyd Wardsworth of Lake Lure, NC, his stepmother, Janie Allen Wardsworth...

Dianne Sawyer Whitmer

Dianne Sawyer Whitmer

Jan 25, 2025

Dianne Sawyer Whitmer entered into eternal rest on January 25, 2025 at the age of 79. Born on March 22, 1945, Dianne spent much of her career at Newport News Shipbuilding, where her commitment to excellence and dedication to her work earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and friends alike.

Above all, Dianne cherished her family. She is survived...

Marilyn Ruth Jones Galloway

Marilyn Ruth Jones Galloway

Jan 24, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Marilyn Ruth Jones Galloway, who left this world on January 24th, 2025 surrounded by love and peace. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, whose kindness and strength touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born to Sam H. Jones Jr. and Vivian Lyons Jones on October 4th,...

Frances Sykes Vaughan

Frances Sykes Vaughan

Jan 22, 2025

Frances Sykes Vaughan, age 92, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025.

She is survived by her son, Frank Vaughan (Cindy); daughter, Linda Frasher; brother, William Sykes (Cindy); sister, Dylcie Daughtrey (Darien); grandchildren, Chris, Clay, Justin, Bonny; great grandchildren, Kayla, Alexis, Draven; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William W Sykes and Lessie Gilbert Sykes;...