Grace E. Kelton

The Rockfish community sadly lost a pillar on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 when Grace Evelyn Kelton, known by many as Amazing Grace, peacefully passed away at home from natural causes at the age of 86. She was born December 12, 1932.
She attended Fayetteville State University and the School of Nursing in Wilmington. Her contributions to the lives of many include, among other things, her lifetime membership at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic church, where she served on many committees, her distinguished service to early education in the Hoke County School System for more than 40 years, her co-founding the Lawrence Ray Scholarship fund, a 20-year stint as a member of the NAACP, supporter of the Rockfish Neighborhood Community Watch Program, and the development of a student mentoring program.
She is survived by her husband Worthy F. Kelton, children and grandchildren, Philip C. Kelton of Yardley, Pennsylvania, Karen M. Kelton of Atlanta, Georgia, Kristopher C. Kelton of Raeford, Paul F. Kelton of Ft. Washington, Maryland, Dr. Teresa P.M. Kelton of Milford, Connecticut, Kristen C. Kelton of Rockfish,  Emily R. Kelton of Durham, and Howard Bailey, Willie Ellerbe, Kara Kelton, Olivia Kelton, Lauryn Kelton, Sean Kelton, K'marion Ellerbe and Aniyah Ellerbe; a sister, Brenda Parkins; her brother, Anthony Martin; and Betsey Bailey. She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Martin and one brother, Fred Currie.
Visitation will be Thursday, April 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Herring Funeral in Fayetteville. The funeral will be Friday, April 12, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Eastlawn Cemetery in Raeford. Pallbearers are David Avilla, Ervin Dudley, Maurice Parkins, Michael Parkins, Philip Kelton and Paul Kelton.

In lieu of flowers or food for the family, you may donate to or volunteer at one of the organizations she loved: North Carolina Association of Educators; NAACP; or Catholic Charities.
(www.herringfuneralcare.com)

Carson A. Clippard

Carson Alexander Clippard Jr. of Raeford, formerly of Raleigh, passed away Monday, April 08, 2019 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital at the age of 81.

He was born in Hoke County on July 23, 1937 to Carson Alexander Clippard and Ruby Haire Clippard

He was a professional engineer with the North Carolina Department of Transportation when he retired.  He was a member of Raeford Presbyterian Church, an Eagle Scout, Hamlet Troop 150, and recipient of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. He was Secretary Emeritus of the Masonic Lodge #198 in Cary,  a 32-degree Scottish Rite Mason, a charter member of Amran Shrine Temple and chaplain of the Edith Chapter 160 Order of the Eastern Star.

He is survived by two sisters, Glenda C. Lester of Raeford and Deborah C. Wellington of New Bern; two nephews, Jason Bryant Wellington (Laura) of Wilmington, and Patrick Brock Wellington (Theresa) of Indian Land, South Carolina; two great-nephews, Charlie Wellington and Luke Wellington; and one great-niece, Betsy Wellington.

A visitation will be held  from 11 a.m. until noon Saturday, April 13, 2019 at the Raeford Presbyterian Church in the John C. Ropp Fellowship Hall.

The funeral will follow at noon in the church with the Rev. Dr. Steve Fitzgerald officiating.

Burial will be in the Raeford Cemetery with full Masonic Rites.

Memorials may be made to: Raeford Presbyterian Church Building Fund, P.O. 1570 Raeford, NC 28376.