Flora E. Finkley

Flora E. Finkley, 85, of Raeford, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012.
Survivors are: son, Harry; daughters, Doreatha Purcell, Flora Johnson and Sheila Mitchell.
The funeral was held Wed. Jan. 2 at 2 p.m. in Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Burial was in church cemetery.

Carolyn J. Baker

Carolyn Juanita Baker, 54, of 212 Neill Sinclair Rd. died Monday, December 31, 2012.
Survivors are her daughters, LaChey Baker Green and Takisha Baker; sisters Debbie Baker and Edna Kearns; brothers William Campbell and Mitchell; and two grandchildren.
The funeral was held Mon. Jan. 6 at 1 p.m. at M. Rouse Jr Community Resource Center. Burial was in Highland Biblical Gardens.

Gertrude C. Johnson

Gertrude Cottingham Johnson of Garland, Texas peacefully went to be with our Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 30, 2012.
She was born in Dillon, South Carolina on April 28, 1918. She grew up in , and Rockingham, Raeford, and Fayetteville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles B. Johnson Jr.; her parents; her brothers, Worth Cottingham, Bill Cottingham, Thomas Cottingham and Ira Cottingham; and her sisters, Ann Green and Delia Shaw. She was a past member of Calvary Baptist Church and a current member of First Baptist Church of Garland.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, Charles T. Johnson and Sharon of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Beverly Panasik and Carl of Garland, and John P. Johnson and Anita of Midlothian, Virginia; her brother, Tracy Thomas Cottingham Jr. of Fayetteville; six grandchildren and their spouses, Daniel Johnson of Lexington, South Carolina, Bradley Johnson and Monica of Staunton, Virginia, Katherine Bishop and Chris of Richmond, Virginia, Kristin Butler and Matthew of Dallas, Texas, Alison Panasik of Fort Worth, Texas, and Ryan Panasik of Garland; four great-grandchildren, Benjamin Johnson of Lexington, South Carolina, Everett and Pyper Johnson of Staunton, Virginia, and Barrett Butler of Dallas, Texas.
Visitation will be 7-9 p.m., Friday, January 4, 2013 at Crumpler Funeral Home, 131 Harris Ave, Raeford.
The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Philippi Presbyterian Church, 2800 Philippi Church Road, Raeford with CLP Herman Autry officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Online memorials may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.

Geraldine B. Williams

Geraldine Bruton Williams, born July 6, 1926, died on January 1, 2013.
She was an active member of Bensalem Presbyterian Church in Eagle Springs, where she shared her musical talents with many families and friends. Many people remember Geraldine for her beautiful voice that graced many special events in her friends lives. She received a Honorary Life Membership for her involvement in the church. She also enjoyed traveling and was talented in various arts and crafts. She and James also enjoyed years of square dancing with their group of "Yellow Rockers." "Mema's Kitchen" was always the gathering place for a delicious Sunday lunch or an afternoon snack.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, James L.Williams, Jr. of Candor; parents, E. W. Bruton and Florence Clark Bruton of Jackson Springs; four sisters, Mary Stallings, Juanita Capers, Edna Ruth Causey, and Jeanette Crawley; two brothers, Henry Bruton and William Bruton; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
She is survived by her four children, Carolyn Futrell and Nicky of Candor, Bobby Williams and Helen of Eagle Springs, David Williams of Candor, Chris Williams and Sundee of Candor; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and two nephews, Ski and Mike Capers.
Visitation will be Friday, January 4, from 6 - 8 p.m. at Bensalem Presbyterian Church. A burial service will be held on Saturday, January 5, at 2 p.m. at Bensalem Presbyterian Church. Other times, the family will gather at the home in Candor.
Memorial contributions can be sent to Bensalem Presbyterian Church, PO Box 157, Eagle Springs, NC 27242.
The family is being served by Phillips Funeral Home in Star. Online condolences may be made at www.phillipsfh.com.

Clemateen H. Britt

Clemateen Harden Britt of 310 West Third Ave died Saturday, December 29, 2012 in her home at the age of 71.
She was born in Robeson County on April 17, 1941 to the late Dolan and Lula Edwards Harden. She was preceded in death by her son Wayne White; a brother, Talmadge Harden; and sisiters, Hazel Haire and Kathleen Hales. She attended the Church of God of Prophecy in Raeford. She retired from Cheseborough-Ponds in Raeford. She loved to cook and carry food to her neighbors and work in the garden. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and neighbor. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Survivors are her husband, Robert Britt; daughters, Carolyn Deese (Dennis) of Englewood, Colorado, and Teresa Dean of Pinebluff; sons, Ronnie Haynes (Julie) of Troy, and George Haynes of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; a brother Delton Harden (Juanita) of Raeford; three sisters, Ernestine Hinson (Frank) of Raeford, Geraldine Garrett of Livingston, Tennessee, and Carrie Jacobs (Harold) of Lumberton.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at the Church of God of Prophecy, 913 West Prospect Ave, Raeford, with Pastor Randall Snead officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.

David McFadyen

David Gratton McFadyen Sr. of Fayetteville died from complications of the flu Thursday, December 27, 2012 in FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital at the age of 70.
He was born in Robeson County on November 25, 1942. He was preceded in death by his father James Gratton McFadyen and his stepfather, Gus Parker. He was a member of Arran Lake Baptist Church, and was a past member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Rockfish where he served as deacon. He retired from the North Carolina Department of Transportation after 28 years of service and the Raeford Salvage Company after 10 years of service. He was also the owner and operator of McFadyen's Firewood Service for 28 years. He was a member of the Pee Dee Antique Power Club and a board member of the Sea Garden Home Owner's Association. He graduated from 71st High School in 1962.
Survivors are his wife, Otha Taylor McFadyen of Fayetteville; sons David Gratton McFadyen, Jr. (Debra) of Fayetteville, and Keith Taylor McFadyen (Anne) of Fayetteville; a daughter, Tracey McFadyen Tugwell (Randy) of Kure Beach; his mother, Grace Parker of Fayetteville; a brother, Gary Parker of Fayetteville; a sister, Norma Strother of Raeford; and eight grandchildren, Taylor, Caleb, Gabriel, Christian, Noah, and Joshua McFadyen, Graysen and Jett Tugwell.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Saturday, December 29, 2012 at Arran Lake Baptist Church, 1130 Bingham Drive, Fayetteville.
The funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, December 30, 2012 at Arran Lake Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Jeff Isenhour and Pastor Phil Horne officiating. Burial will be in LaFayette Memorial Park West.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Arran Lake Baptist Church, 1130 Bingham Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28304. Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.

Howard Craig

Howard Craig formerly of Raeford died Thursday, December 27, 2012 in Lower Cape Fear Hospice Brunswick Center at the age of 76.
He was born in Caldwell County on March 22, 1936 to the late Douglas Hayward Craig Maggie Estelle Sullivan Craig. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Douglas Craig and Ray Craig. He was the owner and operator of the Raeford Body Shop in Raeford before he retired in 2010. He was a member of the Coastal Tarheels Chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Glenda H. Craig of Supply; sons, Billy Craig of Supply, and Kenneth Craig of Raeford; daughter, Yvonne Whitmire (Bill) of Shallotte; sisters-in-law, Carol Craig of Hope Mills, and Jackie Craig of Converse, Texas; seven grandchildren, Beth Cook (Charlie), A.J. Combs, Brittany Combs, Christian Craig, Justin Craig, Kevin Craig, LeeAnna Craig; three great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m.. Saturday, December 29, 2012 at Crumpler Funeral Home, 131 Harris Ave, Raeford.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m., Sunday, December 30, 2012 at Crumpler Funeral Home Chapel with Otho Tew officiating. Burial will be in the Raeford Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, Attention: Brunswick Care Center, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.

Pearlie McDowell

Pearlie McDowell, 84, a long-time resident of Annapolis, Maryland, died December 1 at Anne Arundel Medical Center.
Known to his friends as "Jack", he was born on May 22, 1928 in Raeford where he attended school. He enlisted in the Army and served in Korea, and with peace keeping forces in Germany. He also served as a cook in the Army. After his military service, he began working at Bethlehem Steel in Sparrows Point, where he was employed as a steel worker for more than 35 years.
After retirement, he moved to Millsboro, Delaware, and enjoyed tending his flower garden, a hobby he continued until his death. He returned to the Annapolis area when he began having health problems, living at Gardens of Annapolis. There he met his wife, Barbara McDowell, whom he married on May 27, 2011.
He was a member of the United Steel Workers of America and attended Broadneck Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
He loved animals, had a lifelong passion for cooking, and was a country western movie aficionado, his favorites being John Wayne movies.
He is preceded in death by his brothers, Maxie, Curtis, Melvin and Walter McDowell.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and her son, Bill Tucker of Annapolis; two sons, Duane McDowell and Jack Albert McDowell, both of Salisbury; one daughter, Beverly Leigh Hartson of Virginia; two sisters, Earlie Mae Smith and Geneva Mckeithan; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
A Life Celebration was held on Friday, December 7 at 11 a.m. and a funeral at noon at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater.
Interment was at Faith Memorial Gardens, 5598 Trumps Mill Rd., Baltimore.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous, c/o Annapolis Area Intergroup, P.O. Box 2267, Annapolis, MD 21404. Online guestbook available at www.kalasfuneralhomes.com

Catherine M. Whitaker

Catherine Michaela Whitaker was born on Sunday, December 16, 2012 at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill. She passed away on Tuesday, December 18, 2012.
She is survived by her parents, Andy L. and Tonya Townsend Whitaker; her sisters, Savannah and Sophia; her grandparents, David and Karen Wheeler, Brenda Townsend and Paul Helvey; great-grandparents; and aunts, uncles and cousins.
A private memorial will be held at a later date.

James "Robert" McNeill

James "Robert" McNeill, age 75, of Raeford, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2012. He was born on March 3, 1937 in Raeford to William John McNeill and Addie Baker McNeill. He grew up in Raeford and graduated from Raeford High School.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Alona Mussmann McNeill. He is also survived by his loving daughters, Susan McNeill Powell, husband Paul, and Nancy McNeill Peterson, husband Jeff, all of Wilmington. He is also survived by his grandson Chase McNeill Peterson, who he affectionately called "my little buddy." He is survived by brothers, Lewis McNeill and wife Sarah Louise McNeill, St. Pauls, and Floyd McNeill and wife Joye McNeill, Raeford; sisters Janie McNeill Barbour and husband Eugene Barbour, Fayetteville, and Lucille McNeill Burkhart and husband Richard Burkhart, Edith McNeill Newton and husband Edwin Newton, both of Raeford. He is also survived by Melva Mussmann Nielsen and Richard Nielsen of Weeping Water, Nebraska, and Carol Mussmann Jordan and Larry Jordan and Gordan Mussmann, all of Lincoln, Nebraska.
He was also blessed with an abundance of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his brother William Edward McNeill and wife Hazel, and sister Margaret McNeill Willis and husband Clarence.
He served four years in the United States Air Force and then began a 16- year career with the US Postal Service. His interest in agriculture afforded him the opportunity for his career path to lead to farming, which he dearly loved.
His proudest accomplishments were his 52 years with Alona, his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandson. He was devoted to his family and friends and certainly never met a stranger.
He was a member of Galatia Presbyterian Church where he served on the board of deacons and was a dedicated fireman at Puppy Creek Volunteer Fire Department, and served as the chairman of the board of directors.
A service will be held to celebrate his life on December 22, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Galatia Presbyterian Church, Fayetteville. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Galatia Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 8800 Galatia Church Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304 or the charity of your choice. Crumpler Funeral Home in Raeford, NC will serve the family.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.

Rev. Everett Gates

Rev. Everett Gates Sr., 77, of Raeford, died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012.
Survivors are: wife, Doris; children, Sharon Thompson, Everette, Jamari; sisters, Lizzie Marion, Eva Harrigan, Jacqueline King; six grandchildren.
The funeral was held Mon. Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. in Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Wagram. Burial was in Nazareth Missionary Baptist Church cemetery in Wagram.

Robert W. Wilkes

Robert "Bobby" Wayne Wilkes, 73, of Wagram, formerly of Raeford, died Wednesday, December 12, 2012.
Born April 13, 1939 in Raeford to the late Mamie Currie and John Daniel Wilkes. He worked at Burlington Industries for 45 years as a foreman. He is also preceded in death by two brothers, James and Wilton Wilkes; and three sisters, Thelma Adcox, Ella May Cook, and Marie Hales.
Survivors are: wife, Shirley; sons, Robert and his wife Teresa of Rowland, Bryan and his wife Teresa of Raeford, and Donald and is wife Lisa of Aberdeen; brothers, J.D. of McColl, South Carolina, and Ervin of Clyde, North Carolina; sister, Peggy Inman of Raeford; brother-in-law , Roy Calhoun of Gibson, North Carolina; sister-in-law, Mae Anna Wilkes of Washington, North Carolina; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be held Sun. Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. in Caledonia UMC in Laurinburg with the Rev. Kelly Barr officiating. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Maxton.
Visitation will be held Sat. Dec. 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Caledonia UMC.
Memorials may be made to: Caledonia UMC, 15201 Barnes Bridge Rd., Laurinburg, NC 28352; or Hospice of Scotland County, PO Box 1033. Laurningburg, NC 28353.
Online condolences may be made at www.bckfh.com.

Audrey McRAe

Audrey McRae, 90, of Raeford, died Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.
Survived by a granddaughter.
The funeral will be held Fri. Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. in Buie Funeral Home chapel.

Carl W. Jackson

Carl W. Jackson, 63, of Raeford, died Monday, Dec. 10, 2012.
Survivors are: daughters, Sharon Pringle, Annie Willis and Merdine Jones; son, Edward Henegan; siblings, Lendora, Genetta, Naomi and Matthew; seven grandchildren.
The funeral will be held Sat. Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. Saturday in J.W. Turlington School Auditorium. Burial will be in Center Grove MBC Church cemetery in Red Springs.
Viewing from 1 to 6 p.m. today, Dec, 14 at Doby Funeral Home in Raeford.

Odessa L McZorn

Odessa L. McZorn, 69, of 3401 Army Road, died Monday, Dec. 10, 2012.
Survivors are: sisters, Doris Monroe, Sally Cole, Hattie McNeil, Jossie Pigford, Nancy Penn and Estella Martin; and brothers, Isaiah, Joe and Joeseph.

The funeral will be held Friday, Dec. 14 at noon in McZorn AME Zion Church in Wagram. Burial will be in McNair Cemetery.
Visitation, 6 to 7 tonight DEc. 13 at Jones & Little's Funeral Service in Aberdeen.