Grace Rubsamen

Grace Scilipoti Rubsamen, 98, formerly of Raeford passed away peacefully in her home on Friday afternoon, with family member present for a last goodbye. She began her life in Mineola, Long Island, New York, and later moved with her parents (Michael Scilipoti and Lillian Crossen Scilipoti) to Towaco, New Jersey. She attended Boonton High School, where she met her high school sweetheart and future husband, Robert "Bob" Brownlee Rubsamen.
She studied art and fashion design at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland, where she cultivated a talent as a cartoonist. She married Bob on February 19, 1937. In the early 1950's, the couple moved their young family to California, where Bob continued to pursue a successful career with General Motors. Grace worked as a Latin teacher, and later as a library assistant. Throughout her life, however, her passion remained for her art, and following Bob's retirement in 1979, the two moved to Mendocino, California, where they joined a thriving artists' community. Grace and Bob both dedicated much time and energy to the Mendocino Art Center, where Grace spent several happy years as director of the art gallery. Throughout, she continued her explorations in oil, acrylic, water color, and pastels, leaving a bounty of beautiful memories to be shared among family and friends.
After losing Bob to cancer in 1996, Grace moved to Raeford to be near her daughter, Christine, and family. She later relocated to Reno, Nevada, to be near her son, Richard, and his family, and settled in the Monaco Ridge assisted living facility, where she received loving care and continued painting until the last few months of her life.
Surviving are her children, Anne Rubsamen Miller and Thomas Miller of Federal Way Washington, Christine and James Wright of Raeford, and Richard and Jane Rubsamen of Incline Village, Nevada. She was the proud grandmother of nine grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.
The family is planning a memorial service in Mendocino, California in September 2013.

Mary Childers

Mary Annie Lee Childers, 91 years of age, went home to be with the Lord and her beloved husband, the Rev. Barney V. Childers on January 30, 2013. She was a devoted pastor's wife for over 50 years. She was always ready to serve the laity. Many remember the delicious coconut pies she baked for everyone she knew. She was available to anyone who needed a shoulder to lean on and was known for her ability to get a prayer through to God's throne.
Living to cherish the memories are a daughter, Pati Edwards and her husband, the Rev. Kevin Edwards of Four Oaks, and a son, Clyde Childers and wife Thelma of Spring Hill, Tennessee. Also surviving are a granddaughter, Elizabeth Ashlyn Edward; two grandsons, Mike Childers and wife Alisa and Mark Childers and wife Ivey; four great-grandchildren, Mychael Ashlyn, Ethan Wyatt, Dyllan Joi and Ayden Christopher Lane Childers. She is also survived by two brothers, Bobby Caudle and Paul Caudle and several nieces and nephews of State Road.
The family will receive friends and relatives at Wagram Church of God, 22741 McKay Street on Saturday, 2, 2013 from 1-2 p.m. followed by a Welcome Home Service at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Sammy Oxendine, a long time ministry friend and her pastor, and the Rev. Harry Clark officiating. Burial will follow in the Raeford Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.

Joyce C. Hendrix

Joyce Cole Hendrix of 128 Brooks Ave, died Monday, January 28, 2013 in FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital at the age of 77.
She was born in Moore County on March 20, 1935 to the late Richard and Thelma Thomas Cole. She was preceded in death by her sister, Peggy McCachren. She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Red Springs for more than 50 years. She was also an avid participator of the "Meals on Wheels" program within the church. She was sensitive and caring woman whose selflessness was inspirational to all that knew her.
Survivors are her husband, Bobby Hendrix of Red Springs; a son, Michael McCoin and his wife, Kathy of Lumberton; brothers, Billy Cole and his wife, Betty of West End, Bobby Cole and his wife Rosemarry of Roseburg, Oregon, and Richard Cole and his wife, Marsha of Winston-Salem; sisters, Kay Hacker and her husband, Bruce of Marietta, Georgia, and Lynn Pike and her husband, Gerald of Siler City; and a niece, Donna Lynn Williams of Laurinburg.
Visitation will be 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 30 at Crumpler Funeral Home-Red Springs.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Janaury 31, 2013 in the Alloway Cemetery with the Rev. Mary Frances McClure and the REv. Bradley Boberg officiating.
Memorials may be made to: Feeding Jesus, C/O Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 48, Red Springs, NC 28377.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.

Hallie M. Mitchell

Hallie Maynor Mitchell died January 20, 2013 at UNC Chapel Hill Hospital.
She was born June 4, 1925 in Robeson County to the late James and Ardenia Knight Maynor. She graduated from Robeson County Public School. She was an early member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. She later joined Jones Chapel Baptist Church. As a pastor's wife, she exhibited great care and compassion to everyone she encountered. She loved singing in the choir and her favorite song was "Amazing Grace". She loved animals, especially dogs, and she had an insatiable love for perfume or as she termed it "smell good."
She was united in holy matrimony to W.K. Mitchell on August 3, 1950. She was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters: Annie Mae Fullmore, Douglas Maynor, Peach Maynor, Hubert Maynor, Lillie McDonald, Joe Maynor, and Ernest Maynor. She leaves to cherish her memories: one son, William Antonio Mitchell, one granddaughter, Amber Mitchell, and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was at noon on Saturday, January 26 at Jones Missionary Baptist Church, 307 Phillips Ave, Red Springs.
(Crumpler Serenity Funeral Home of Red Springs.)

Sandra M. Wyatt

Sandra Miller Wyatt, age 59, of Hope Mills, passed away peacefully at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 26, 2013 at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center of complications resulting from a recent heart attack and pneumonia.
She was born June 8, 1953 in Ronceverte, West Virginia to the late Fred and Frances Miller. She was a graduate of Beckley High School in Beckley, West Virginia and earned a bachelors degree from West Virginia University. She later earned a masters degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She devoted her life to the education of students in West Virginia, Delaware, and North Carolina. In North Carolina, she taught at Whiteville High School, Hoke High School, and South View High School before retiring.
She is survived by her two sons, Daniel A. Wyatt and Joshua M. Wyatt and their families. She will always be remembered as a cherished mother, a loving grandmother, a dear friend to many, and a hardworking educator.
Visitation will be at 2 p.m. Saturday Feb. 2 at Pinecrest Funeral Home in Hope Mills, followed immediately by a service at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to the Susan G. Komen breast cancer foundation or the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be made at www.pinecrestfuneralservice.com.

Hazel T. Fitch

Hazel Thomas Fitch, age 90, of Aberdeen died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013 at Scotia Village a Presbyterian Retirement home in Laurinburg.
She was born in Roanoke, Virginia in 1922 and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1939. She attended Mars Hill Jr. College and Furman University graduating summa cum laude in 1945. She attended Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
She was one of the founding faculty members of Sandhills Community College. She began her 47 years of service in the Adult Basic Education Department in 1964 retiring in 2011 at age 88.
She dutifully served alongside of her husband as they ministered at Montrose Presbyterian Church, Richmond, Virginia; Summersville Presbyterian Church, Summersville, West Virginia, Culdee Presbyterian Church, West End; and Shiloh and Bethel Presbyterian churches, Raeford. She served in Presbyterian Women's work in many capacities and as president of the North Carolina Presbyterian Women in 1974. Most recently she served as lay minister at Euphronia Presbyterian Church, Sanford, for 18 years retiring in October, 2011.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Kemper Fitch, Jr., by her brothers, Robert WilsonThomas, Carleton Lee Thomas, and sister, Helen Virginia Thomas.
She is survived by her sons, William Kemper Fitch III and his wife, Carolyn of Asheboro, and Robert Thomas Fitchof Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren William Kemper Fitch IV and his wife Kelly of Dallas, Georgia, Cameron Walton Fitch of Dallas, Georgia; and great-grandson Cooper Walton Fitch of Dallas, Georgia. 6-8 p.m. at Fry-Prickett Funeral Home, 402 Saunders Street, Carthage. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013 at Bethesda Presbyterian Church, 1002 North Sandhills Boulevard, Aberdeen with Keith Miller and Jonathan Wallace officiating.
Memorials may be made to Euphronia Presbyterian Church, 169 Euphronia Church Road, Sanford, NC 27330, or Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374, or Hospice of Scotland County, P.O. Box 1033, Laurinburg, NC 28353.

William C. Lupo

William Clyde Lupo of Lumber Bridge died Tuesday, January 22, 2013 in Mannor Care at the age of 81.
He was born in Robeson County on July 21, 1931 to the late Alfred Edgar Lupo and Lola Jane Scott Lupo. He was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church where he served as deacon. He was preceded in death by his brother, the Rev. Earl Lupo and his sister, Carolyn Miller.
He is survived by his sons, Bill Lupo and his wife Nancy of Lumber Bridge, Dustin Lupo and his fiancée Crystal Palmer of Fayetteville; his daughters, Joan L. Taylor and her husband Howard of Charlotte, Gail L. Calloway and her husband Larry of Raeford, Pat L. Gray and her husband Tony of Lumber Bridge, Cathy L. Stedman and her husband Danny of St. Pauls, and Lori L. Lowery and her husband Larry of St. Pauls; his brothers, David Lupo and his wife Betty Jean of St. Pauls, Gerald Lupo and his wife Jackie of Raeford, Wade Lupo of Aberdeen, Joe Lupo and his wife Linda of Fayetteville, Jimmy Lupo and his wife Barbara of Pinebluff; his sisters, Marilyn L. Norris and her husband Bill of Aberdeen, and Rae L. Bates and her husband Ted of Aberdeen; 23 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 6-7 p.m. Thursday, January 24, 2013 at Crumpler Funeral Home, 131 Harris Ave, Raeford.
The funeral will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, January 24, 2013 at Crumpler Funeral Home Chapel. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Moore County, 181 A. Westgate Dr., West End, N.C. 27376.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.

Mary N. Creech

Mary Nobles Creech of 3697 Red Springs Road died Monday, January 21, 2013 in her home at the age of 85.
She was born in Columbus County on October 4, 1927 to the late Willie Lee and Minnie Lee Nobles. She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel L. Creech. She was a member of the Raeford Evangelical Methodist Church and also attended Hillcrest Baptist Church where she was active in the Ladies Missions group for 10 years prior to her death. She was also a member of the Woodmen of the World, and the Home Extension Club in Raeford. She was a very loving woman who enjoyed caring and talking with others and tending to their needs. She also enjoyed, and was dedicated to selling Stanley Home Products.
She is survived by her sons, Larry Creech and his wife Kay of Wilmington, Greg Creech and his wife Susan of Red Springs, and Chris Creech and his wife Angie of Mooresville; her daughter, Barbara Lippard and her husband Dickie of Raeford; her brother, Onzie Nobles and his wife Thelma of Chadbourn; her sisters, Sarah Robinson of Whiteville, Emma Lee Edwards of Chadbourn, Sadie Hammonds of Chadbourn, and Martha Duncan and her husband, Grady of Chadbourn; 10 grandchildren, Tim, Kristi, Marianne, Scott, Amy, Katie, Emily, Megan, Alana, and Samuel; 8 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; four brothers-in-law, James Creech of Loris, South Carolina, Charles Creech of Lumberton, John Creech of Red Springs, and Bobby Creech of Red Springs; sisters-in-law, Frances Ray of Red Springs, and Eunice Nobles of Hallsboro; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 23, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. at Crumpler Funeral Home, 220 E. 4th Ave, Red Springs.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 24, 2013 at Crumpler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. David Walters, Jr. and the Rev. Barren Nobles officiating. Burial will be in the Alloway Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.

Louis F. Lawson

Louis Franklin Lawson of 121 South College Street, Red Springs, died Thursday, January 17, 2013 in Woodhaven Nursing Home at the age of 78.
He was born in Robeson County on September 2, 1934 to the late Stephen Lawson and Dula Britt Lawson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lula Mae Lawson. He was a member of Westside Baptist Church.
Survivors are his son, Lewis "Teddy" Lawson and his wife Saundra of Lilesville; his daughter, Debra L. Osborne and her husband, Wayne of Red Springs; four grandchildren, Christina Sessoms and her husband Timmy, Denise Smith and her husband Ashley, Keisha Walker and her husband Brian, and Charity Cooke and her husband Keith; and great-grandchildren, Ryan Smith, Hannah Sessoms, Olivia Sessoms, Kasey Smith, Madison Walker, Makayla Cooke, Addison Cooke.
Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. Saturday, January 19, 2013 at Crumpler Funeral Home, 220 E. 4th Ave, Red Springs.
The funeral will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, January 20, 2013 at Westside Baptist Church, 527 North Vance Street, Red Springs, with Pastor Randy Locklear officiating. Burial will be in the Alloway Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.

Roger W. Apthorp

Roger W. Apthorp, age 66, of Raeford, passed away on Friday, December 28, 2012, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. He was born in Dunkirk, New York on October 28 1946, son of the late George W. and Joyce Collins Apthorp.
He lived in the Fredonia-Dunkirk, New York area for most of his life and was a graduate of Fredonia High School, Class of 1965. He joined the U.S. Air Force in July of 1965 and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan during the Vietnam War. He was employed as a pressman with Great Lakes Colored Printing in Dunkirk for 21 years, retiring in 1991. He was later employed with Anderson-Hiedel working out of Sarasota, Florida as Regional Manager-Supervisor of Maintenance in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina.
He is survived by his loving partner, Janet Pierce; one son, Todd W. Apthorp of Orlando, Florida.; one sister, Sharon Apthrop of Rochester, New York; his extended family, Virginia Kawaski (Scott) of Erie, Pennsylvania. and Jill Snow (Steven) of West End. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Joshua Kawski (Christine) of California, Melissa and Jerrett Kawski, both of Erie, Rebecca Mazanowski (Joe) of North East and Brandi and Brook Snow of West End; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
At his request, no calling hours or services were observed. Arrangements were handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc., East, 2607 Buffalo Rd., Erie, PA 16510. To send condolences, visit www.dusckasfuneralhome.com.

Donna P. Everette

Donna Everette, 55, of Charlotte, formerly of Raeford, died January 11, 2013.
She is survived by three daughters, Tiffany Dukes, Krystale Ganda and Danielle Everette; seven grandchildren; her mother, Wilma Poe; sisters, Shirley Johnson and Lisa Poe; and a brother, Randy Poe.
The funeral will be private.
Wiseman Mortuary is serving the family.

Buck Batton

Buck Batton, died Sunday, January 6, 2013 in Cape Fear Valley Medical Center at the age of 65.
He was born in Hoke County on December 30, 1947 to Horace Elbert Batton and Eva Mae Roberts Batton.
He is survived by his daughter, Ann Charles of Raeford; three sons, Johnny Batton (Ellen) of Chesnee, South Carolina, Neil Batton (Patsy Hunt) of Fairmont, and William A. Batton of Carthage; a sister, Virginia Willis of Raeford; a brother, Howard Batton (Barbara) of Raeford; 13 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, January 11, 2013 at Crumpler Funeral Home, 131 Harris Ave, Raeford, NC, and other times at the home, 415 Midway Drive, Raeford, NC.
A graveside memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Parker United Methodist Church Cemetery with David Schuchard officiating.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.

Lawrence Woods Jr.

Lawrence Woods Jr., 73, of Raeford, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013.
Survivors are: wife, Margaret; children, Ronnie, Lawrence III, Vivian Locklear, Michelle Weel, Avejo; siblings, Henry, Rossvelt, Clarence, Delton, Donald, Albert, Rosabell, Jessiebell Hunt, Blondell Lowery, Dottie, Patricia Locklear; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren.
The funeral was held Wed. Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. in New Beginning Baptist Church. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 8 in Thompson's Funeral Home in Pembroke.

Mary Humphrey

Mary Sue Page Humphrey of Shannon died Thursday, January 3, 2013 in Southeastern Regional Medical Center at the age of 83.
She was born in Walton County, Georgia on October 30, 1929 to the late John Roy Page and Mary Lou Davis Page. She graduated high school in Rome, Georgia and enrolled at Meredith College in Raleigh. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion in 1950 and married 10 days later Donald Hugh Humphrey, a graduate of N.C. State, who would be her best friend for the next 54 years. They raised three sons on the family farm in Shannon where she ran the household and a considerable garden.
Her love for the Lord and His service led her to the Red Springs Presbyterian Church where she was a Sunday school teacher, senior youth leader, women of the church officer and honorary life member. She loved the South, classical music, books, gardening, her children and grandchildren, who knew her as Mama Sue.
Her love of education led her to substitute and run the study hall at Red Springs High School for several years. Later, she taught adult high school education classes through Robeson Community College for 20 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Don.
Survivors are her sons, James Steven Humphrey of Durham, Michael Davis Humphrey and his wife, Deborah of Shannon, and John Randall Humphrey of Lumberton; grandchildren, Melissa H. Newhall and her husband, Scott, Joseph Nathaniel "Nathan" Humphrey, Kaitlyn V. Humphrey; great grandchildren, Alexander Scott Newhall and Michael Benjamin Newhall; and numerous cousins.
The funeral was held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Red Springs Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Michael McGehee officiating. Burial was in the Alloway Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Red Springs Presbyterian Church, 115 North Vance Street, Red Springs, NC 28377.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.

Jasper F. Canady

Jasper Frederick Canady, 77, of Hope Mills, passed away Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013at Cumberland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Fayetteville.
He worked for 40 years at Burlington Mills in Raeford. He was a lieutenant with the Gray's Creek Fire Department.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 56 years, Frances Canady; four daughters, Donna Canady, Betty Ann Westbrook and her husband William, Penny Canady, and Teri Ludwig; three grandchildren, Allison Suggs, Jeremy Suggs, and Molly Westbrook; four grandchildren, Taylor Carter, Aidan Suggs, Hunter Suggs, and Preston Suggs; and a brother, Herman Canady, Jr.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013 at Reeves Funeral Home in Hope Mills.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013 at Green Springs Baptist Church in Parkton. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.