Harold Collins

Harold Collins of Red Springs died January 12, 2023 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst at age 54. 

He was born on September 17, 1968 to the late Rebecca Collins in Robeson County. 

He was preceded in death by his mother; stepparents, Iula Lowery and Donald Lowery; and a special friend, "Smurf."

He is survived by his girlfriend, Connie Clark of the home; two sons: Joshua Clark (Wonda) of Charlotte and Harold Collins Jr. (Hillary) of Red Springs; three daughters: Rachel Milewski (Stephen) of South Carolina, Malinda Collins (Welton) of Red Springs, and Becky Collins (Cleon) of Red Springs; a special aunt, Wanda Sturdivant of Red Springs; seventeen grandchildren; along with a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral was held January 18, 2023 at Heritage Funeral Home in Red Springs.

Tommy Jacobs

Tommy Jacobs of Red Springs died January 24, 2023 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst at the age of 62.

He was born on October 1, 1960 to the late Harvey Jacobs and Mazinnie Sanderson Jacobs in Scotland County.

He was a graduate of Pembroke State University and spent many of his early professional years working at the House of Raeford in the accounting department. He is known by many as the owner of the Christian Book Store and Florist in Red Springs.

One of his biggest passions was being an educator and administrator. He transitioned into education and became a math teacher at Hoke County High School. After receiving his Master's degree from Fayetteville State University, he became an assistant principal at Hawk Eye Elementary School and the at Hoke County High School. His final professional accomplishment was leading the opening of Sandy Grove Middle School as principal, where he retired.

"Brother" Tommy as known by so many, was a devout Christian and servant of God. He was giving, thoughtful and well respected. He was a faithful and dedicated member at Sycamore Hill Holiness Church where he wore many hats. His roles included Youth Director, Senior Citizen Director, Sunday school Teacher, Piano Player, Brotherhood Member, and Choir Member.

His most notable effort was spreading the word of God through song. He was a member of the Sycamore Singers since the group originated 47 years ago. In doing so, he touched a lot of hearts ad helped so many people. If there ever was a need, he never hesitated to help, even after death choosing to be an organ donor. He loved being a blessing to others and found joy in giving back to the community.

He was a brother, an uncle, a mentor, and a dear friend to so many. Most importantly, he was a father figure to so many children, teens, and young adults. He will be missed and his memory will forever be cherished.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters: Evelyn Girdley, Yvonne Elkins, and Elaine Goins; and two brothers: Ernest Jacobs and Harold Jacobs.

He is survived by seven brothers: Charles Jacobs of the home, Rev. Willie Jacobs (Ivene), George Jacobs (Kathy), Rev. Arnold Jacobs (Jane), Harvey Jacobs (Anne), Wade Jacobs, and Rev. Donald Jacobs (Marie); two sisters: Linda Blue (William) and Brenda Locklear (Glenn); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation was held Saturday, January 28, 2023 from 6-9 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home in Red Springs. A funeral was held Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 3 p.m. at Sycamore Holiness Church in Maxton.

Doreen Sessoms Thomas

Doreen Sessoms Thomas of Raeford died January 20, 2023 at Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital at the age of 68.

She was born February 3, 1954.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles T. Thomas; a sister, Susie Turlington; and a brother, Steve Sessoms.

She is survived by a daughter, Tammy T. Myers of Raeford; a son, Charles W. Thomas and his wife Christy of Raeford; one grandson, Joshua T. Thomas of Raeford; two sisters, Brenda Messing of Parkton and Kay Wray of Thomasville; a sister-in-law, Debra Thomas of Raeford; and several nieces and nephews. 

A private memorial service will be announced. 

Pauline Jones McPherson

Pauline Jones McPherson of Red Springs died January 22, 2023 at her home, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 88.

She was born on February 2, 1934 to the late Johnny Jones and the late Lillie Mae Strickland Jones in Scotland County.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jessie McPherson; stepdaughter, Martha Ann Woods; and grandson, Marvin Ray Jones.

She is survived by two sons, Frank James McPherson (Jennie) of Red Springs; George Culbreth (Ann) of Rockfish; three daughters, Marilyn Jones (Marvin), Carolyn Hayes (Donnie) all of Red Springs; Doris Jacobs of Fayetteville; two brothers, Johnny Jones of Spartanburg, South Carolina; Robert Jones of Laurinburg; two sisters, Johnnie Lee McPherson of Laurinburg; Myrtle Wolfe of Columbia, South Carolina. A host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Piney Grove Independent Holiness Church on Andrews Road in Raeford. The funeral will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the church.