Dorene Cothran

Dorene Duncan Cothran died March 6, 2023 in Dallas, Texas at the age of 90.

She was born February 19, 1933 in Raeford. She was the oldest of six children raised by mother, Ruby Potter Duncan, and father, Earnest Carr Duncan.

After completing her education, she began her banking career at Raeford Bank in 1951. On April 5, 1953 she married her high school sweetheart, Tiffany "Tiff" Cothran. They began their lives together in Raeford, later moving to San Diego, Los Angeles, Overland Park, Kansas; and then to Dallas, Texas where she retired from Chase Bank after 40 years of service. Active in her church community, she served in several leadership roles for The Village Church and Christian Community Action.

She was an avid reader all her life, describing reading as a "gift." She loved working in her yard and was a great friend to many, maintaining those friendships over decades. Most prevalent in her life was her devotion to Jesus Christ. As a mother, grandmother, friend and volunteer her walk with the Lord was obvious. Her family's relationship with the Lord is proof of how she led her family well.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tiffany; her parents; sisters, Treva Gherna and Pat Bacos.

She is survived by her daughter, Tonya Lawson and son-in law Scott; grandchildren, Kyle and Zack; brothers, Linwood and Steve Duncan; and sister, Brenda Barton.

The viewing was held Thursday, March 9 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Mulkey-Mason funeral home Lewisville, Texas. Services were held at 11 a.m. March 9, 2023 at The Village Church - Highland Village campus, with burial at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery Wednesday, March 15, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Christian Community Action at https://ccahelps.harnessapp.com/wv2/donate?checkout=4726

Sallie Stone

Sallie Ann Stone of Wade died March 9, 2023 at the age of 83.

She was born in Hoke County on April 29, 1938 to the late Rhodae Locklear and Henry Herreson Pierce.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Stone; brothers, Fletcher Pierce, Plez Pierce, Casby Pierce, and John Pierce; sisters, Elizabeth Taylor, Inez Locklear, Queen Ella Allen, Nurseann Locklear, and Florence Perkins.

She is survived by a sister, Margie Thompson of Wade; brothers, Tilmer Pierce of Maxton, Clemiller Pierce of Lumberton; sister-in-law, Gladyis Pierce and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral was held on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 3 p.m. at Cape Fear Baptist Church. The family received friends at the church from 2-3 p.m.

Online condolences may be sent to www.jerniganwarren.com

Francis Elmore

Francis (Frankie) Elmore of Fayetteville died Saturday, March 11, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his family, at the age of 52.

He was born in Baltimore, Maryland on June 25, 1970 to the late William and Nancy Elmore.

He was a dedicated father, and coach to his two sons' sports teams when they were younger. He loved fishing, playing pool, and spending time with his friends and family. He was an avid coin collector.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Kathy and Nancy; and one niece, Pacia.

He is survived by his two sons, Caleb and his wife Sabrina, and Noah and his wife, Isabella; his lifelong partner, Wanda; two brothers, Bill, and Thomas; and one sister, Elizabeth "Beth"; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

A visitation will be held 2-3 p.m. Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the Jesus First Church, 7467 Camden Rd, Fayetteville, N.C., 28306. A service will follow at 3 p.m. at the church.

Helen Opdenhoff

Helen Josephine Goyette Opdenhoff of Raeford died March 10, 2023 in her home, surrounded by love and her treasured pets, at the age of 91.

She was born in Pontiac, Michigan on April 13, 1931 to the late Dale and Leona Goyette.

She was a member of the Community Methodist Church of Raeford. She loved her animals and crocheting.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gus Edward Opdenhoff, and her daughter, Joey Balmer.

She is survived by her children, David Opdenhoff, Richard Opdenhoff, Roberta Diaz, Kris Hamilton; and many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whom she loved with all her heart. 

A graveside viewing was held at noon Sunday, March 12, 2023 at the Community United Methodist Church of Raeford Cemetery, 2999 Calloway Road, Raeford, NC 28376.