WILMINGTON — Renae Lynn Greenough, 49, made the world a more beautiful place on July 13, 1967, in Wilmington, N.C. She earned her pink wings and flew to Heaven on November 5, 2016.

The epitome of southern grace sprinkled, with dry wit, Renae was easy to spot in traffic. Adorning her Lexus was a message that read, “Honk if the Twins Fall Out.” The two greatest loves of her life are her sons, Brandon and Trevor Donaldson, who survive their mother. She proudly stood by their sides on their high school graduation day on June 11, 2016.

Renae is now reunited with her first son, Austin Trent Donaldson, who predeceased her upon his birth on Jan. 16, 1996. Surviving her is the father of her children, Cy Donaldson, to whom she was married for 22 years. They met at John T. Hoggard High School, where Renae performed as a Vikette and from which she was a 1985 graduate.

Renae’s love of flying led her to a career as a flight attendant, starting at Piedmont Airlines in 1989 and continuing with US Air. After her diagnosis, Renae ministered to fellow cancer-fighters through a labor of love, fitting them for wigs at Sheila’s.

She was a life-long member of Masonboro Baptist Church where her faith was shaped at an early age. It was that faith and her God-given determination that helped to sustain her throughout her valiant, four-year battle with Stage IV breast cancer.

In addition to her twin sons, she is survived by her beloved parents, Wayne and Linda Greenough; her beloved younger brothers, Keith (Caroline) Greenough and David (Melanie) Greenough; a niece, Madison Greenough; a nephew, Parker Greenough; and a great-nephew, Oliver, all of Wilmington. She is also survived by her Aunt Lorraine and Uncle Art Johnson, and her Aunt Lana Kaye and Uncle Greer Craig, and cousins.

She is predeceased by her grandparents, Greer and Hazel Craig, Ernie and Lottie Mae Greenough, all beloved by her. 

Lastly, she is survived by her precious spaniel mix, Sweetie, who has been her constant and faithful companion for the past 10 years, and her many beloved friends.

The family would like to thank the many health care workers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Georgia and at Duke University Hospital in Durham, who provided treatment and hope to Renae for the past several years. A special note of gratitude goes to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, who provided aid and comfort to Renae in her peaceful transition, and to her many friends.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life at Masonboro Baptist Church on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016 at 11 a.m. Preceding the memorial service, Renae’s family will receive friends at the church at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Masonboro Baptist Church, 1501 Beasley Road, Wilmington, NC 28409.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

OCEAN ISLE BEACH — Henry Edward Stephens III, also known as Eddie or Snake, died at New Hanover Regional Medical center on Oct. 30, 2016.

He was born in Bladen County, North Carolina,  on July 16, to Rosa Carroll Stephens and Henry Edward Stephens II. He had been living at Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, during his years of retirement but had several health issues that he fought until the very last day.

He was predeceased by his Mother Rosa Stephens, Father Henry Stephens, and brother Charlie Stephens.

Surviving siblings are Miriam Taylor (Buie) and Craig Stephens (Waka). He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and cousins residing in Salisbury, North Carolina. He grew up in Bladen County loving to hunt and fish in his younger days. Eddie was the star football player at East Bladen High School and still to this day is known as a legend.

He worked over 20 years in the construction field as an instrumentation technician and superintendent in North Carolina.

Eddie is survived by his first wife, Cindy Grimsley, and their two children, Tanya Elsheimi and Seth Stephens, both from North Carolina. He also has a daughter, who he had been unable to find for many years, Michelle Stephens. His second wife, Kristie Pate and their daughter, Elizabeth Rose Stephens, and his beloved stepdaughter, Amber Pate.

His family will be celebrating his life by honoring his last wish to be cremated and his ashes spread in Colly Creek where he spent many happy years hunting and fishing with the Colly Creek Hunting Club.

On Nov. 19, at 2 p.m., anyone who would like to participate is invited to come to Kelly, North Carolina, to honor his memory. Please feel free to contact Cindy at bobcat1957@gmail.com for directions or any information regarding his celebration. You may also contact Tanya at 919-809-6072 for further information.

To share condolences with the family at www.coastalcremations.com.

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WILMINGTON — Wayne Morris Boswell Sr., of Wilmington, passed away Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. He was the son of the late William Archie and Nellie Carter Boswell.

He was Preceded in death by his brothers William “Billy” Boswell and Terry Lee Boswell; and nephew, Randy Joe Boswell. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his son, Wayne Boswell Jr.; daughter, Angela Boswell; grandson, Jaron Wayne Boswell; niece, Penny Turbeville; nephews, Ricky Boswell, Jamie and Jeffrey Stanley; and a very special friend, Geraldine Pugh.

A celebration of life will be held at Hadden Hall Apartments, 3625 Caswell Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12. Although not with us physically, He will forever be remembered in our hearts and memories for the kind personality, cheerful, uplifting conversation and heartfelt poems.

Share condolences with the family at www.coastalcremations.com.

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CAROLINA BEACH — Francis “Ed” Edward Howell, 80, of Carolina Beach, died Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, at home.

Ed was born Jan. 26, 1936 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, son of the late Thomas Henry Howell and Bertha Mae Cooper Howell. His son, Mark Howell, and a brother, Thomas Howell, preceded him in death.

He had retired from the Livonia Fire Department in Livonia, Michigan, where he served as a firefighter for 32 years.

He is survived by three children, his two sons, Jeffery Howell (Irma) and Eric Howell (Victoria), all of Michigan, and his daughter, Lorraine Brehmer (David) of North Carolina; seven grandchildren, Eric Howell Jr., Jeffery Howell Jr., Corey Howell, Ashley Howell, Allison Howell, Amanda Brehmer and Katelyn Brehmer; and four great-grandchildren, Jacob, Aubree, Lori and Lily.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, at Andrews Valley Chapel. A graveside funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Elkin, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ed’s memory may be made online to the International Association of Firefighters, or donate to the fire department of one’s choice.

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ABILENE, TEXAS — Albert B. “Buddy” Brown Jr. passed away on Oct. 25, 2016, in Abilene Texas. Buddy was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to Dr. and Mrs. Albert Brown on Feb. 7, 1952.

He graduated from Hoggard High School in 1970 and North Carolina State University in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. He also graduated from the Northwest University School of Executive Television Management.

Following graduation, Buddy began working in a series of television stations throughout the United States, progressing from a cameraman to general manager and vice president. He worked at stations in Washington, N.C., Wilmington, N.C. (WWAY), Winston-Salem, N.C., Raleigh, N.C., Norfolk, Va., Providence, R.I., Seattle Wash., Houston, Texas, Tulsa Okla., Spokane Wash., New Orleans and Abilene.

He is survived by his wife, Linnie, and son, Winston, of the home. He is also survived by his mother, and his brothers Maynard and Sandy, of Wilmington, N.C.; sisters, Sheila Herron of Raleigh, N.C., and Laurie Clark of Washington, N.C.; as well as many loving nephews and nieces throughout eastern North Carolina.

He was predeceased by his sister, Pamela Hatch, and wife, Judy Brown.

Buddy was general manager of WWL in New Orleans, La., during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath and WWL was the only television station in New Orleans to remain in continuous operation throughout the storm. He received multiple honors in broadcasting including several Emmy awards and a Peabody Award.

There was a memorial service on Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Buffalo Gap Historic Village Chapel at 3 p.m. celebrating Buddy’s life and legacy.

To share online condolences with the family at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.

SHALLOTTE — Mr. Kenneth Amos McNeil, 60, of 466 Tryon Road, NW, Shallotte, N.C., died Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016 in New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, N.C.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Nov. 14, at noon at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 587 Bricklanding Road. SW, Shallotte, NC 28470. Burial will follow in Pigott Cemetery in Shallotte, N.C. The viewing will be held Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016 from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM in the chapel of Peoples Funeral Home of Shallotte, 5190 Ocean Hwy. W. Shallotte, N.C. 28459.

WILMINGTON — Richard A. Cliette, age 74, of Wilmington, passed away, Friday, Nov. 4, 2016.

On Friday, Nov. 11, friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 6 to 8 p.m. at Davis Funeral Home, 901 S. 5th Ave., Wilmington, NC 28401.

The funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, at St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church, 709 Church St., Wilmington, NC 28401. The interment will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1311 Shipyard Blvd., Wilmington following services.

CURRIE — Gloria Ann Fussell, 65, of Currie, passed gently from her earthly life on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016, at Brunswick Cove Living Center surrounded with love by her family.

She was born July 31, 1951, in Warren County, Indiana, the daughter of the late Robert I. and Opal Best Barron. Also lovingly remembered is her son, John Lee Simmermon Jr., who preceded Gloria in death.

Gloria is survived by her daughters, Karen Arnold (Allen), Crystal Sewell (Wesley “Pete”), Diann Horton (Scott) and Megan Shisler (Anthony); daughter-in-law, Jacqui Simmermon; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Sally and Deborah; brother, Ike; and many extended family and friends.

She was so very proud to be a certified nurse assistant II, specializing in wound care, working at Brunswick Cove Living Center.

Gloria was a joyful, giving lady who dearly loved her family, especially including her sons-in-law. Her grandchildren were bright and shining stars in her life, calling her “Grandma Girlia.”

Being an energetic person, Gloria was always early to work, getting the coffee going for her much loved coworkers. All the folks she worked with at Brunswick Cove were her second family. During our country’s recent election process Gloria was probably our now new President Donald Trump’s most loyal supporter. Her glorious smile, heartfelt care for others, and sweet, sweet spirit will always be remembered.

Gloria was laid to rest in the Sewell Cemetery near her home in Currie. A celebration of life service in remembrance of Gloria will be held at a later date. God bless and be with all that shared in Gloria’s journey on this earth.

HAMPSTEAD — Dwight “Ty” Tyrone Medlin, 67, of Hampstead, died Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, at his residence.

He was born Nov. 2, 1949, in Rocky Mount, N.C., to the late Dwight Everette Medlin and Libbie Rhodes Medlin.

Ty was a graduate of Topsail High School in Hampstead and received his associate degree at Coastal Carolina College in Jacksonville, N.C. He was a longtime member of Orient Masonic Lodge No. 395 AF&AM, and more recently, Ashlar Lodge No. 765 AF&AM. He had a lifetime career in wholesale seafood with J.H. Lea and Sons and later with Atlantic Seafood.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Lea Medlin; son, Anthony Medlin, and wife, Barbara; daughter, Jennifer Craven, and husband, Shawn; three grandchildren, Casey Medlin, Bert Rudolph and Ava Craven; two sisters, Teresa Chamblee, and husband, Jack, and Denise Medlin; two brothers, Michael Medlin, and wife, Tina, and Ray Medlin; niece, Amanda Fabbie; and four nephews, Keith Chamblee, Jeremy Medlin, Jarrod Medlin and Ethan Carter.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, at Andrews Hampstead Chapel.

A graveside service will take place at 3 p.m., at Hampstead United Methodist Church Cemetery, 14840 Hwy 17, Hampstead, NC 28443, with Rev. Troy Harris and Rev. Joey Canady officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Masonic Home for Children or Disabled American Veterans.

WILMINGTON — Rufo Manuel Vaquilar, 71, of Wilmington, died Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, at home.

Rufo was born Nov. 18, 1944, in Fresno, California, son of Isabel C. Flores Vaquilar and the late Rufo Valoria Vaquilar. A son, Joseph Wayne Vaquilar, preceded him in death.

Rufo enlisted in the military after college and joined the 5th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. It was there that he met his wife, Victoria, and they were married in May 1967.

He did a tour in Vietnam serving with the 5th Special Forces where they were stationed with the Montangards. After returning from Vietnam, Rufo went on to serve as an instructor at the Ranger School in Fort Benning, Georgia. Later in his career, in the Army Reserves, he served as the commanding officer of the 824th Rigger Unit at Fort Bragg as well as the 362nd Quartermaster Battalion in Kinston, N.C. In his civilian life, he served with Personnel Management on Fort Bragg as well as with the City of Lillington.

Rufo was a loving husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend to so many. He was a mentor to so many people, whether he was advising a soldier or teaching a family member important life lessons. He will be greatly missed.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Victoria Ferne Vaquilar; two daughters, Michele Kiger (Chuck) of Wilmington, N.C., and Kimberly Bledsoe (Jody) of New Bern, N.C.; five grandchildren, Jennifer (William), Austin, Samantha, Mallory (Michael), and Kelsey; great-grandson, Rylan; two brothers, Michael Vaquilar (Susan) and Rodney Vaquilar; sister, Andrea Vaquilar; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, at Andrews Valley Chapel. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the service hour.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rufo’s memory may be made online or by mail to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517.

OCEAN ISLE BEACH — Frances Dorothy Wollert, 89, of Ocean Isle Beach, N.C., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016.

She was a member of St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in Shallotte, N.C.

Dorothy was the widow of William G. Wollert who passed away in 2012. She is survived by three children, William T. “Bill” Wollert of Greensboro, Barbara Cintorino of Little River and Janet Duncan of Wilmington; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in Shallotte, NC.

LELAND — Sidney Johnson Lester, age 83, of Leland, passed away Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, at his home. He was born in Guilford County, N.C., to G.F. Lester and Maude Lemmons Lester.

Sidney was a longtime resident of Leland and was a Security Guard at DuPont until his retirement.

He is survived by his special friend and companion of 37 years, Bertha Lucille Denny; children, Mike Lester, Ricky Lester, Trish Chavis, Sandra Coffey, Debbie Coffey and Clifford Coffey; 19 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

The family will see friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation Village Road Chapel in Leland. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m Wednesday, Nov. 16, at New Life Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery on Village Road, Leland, officiated by Rev. Perry Arrington.

WILMINGTON — Marilyn Anne Zeigler died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, at the Haven, Davis Community, Wilmington, North Carolina, in which she had resided for the past nine years.

She was born in 1926 to Frederick and Charlotte Helwig in Cardington, Ohio; she was 90 years old. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. John M. Zeigler, Dean of Students, Virginia Institute of Marine Science – The College William and Mary, and is survived by her brother, Dave Helwig (wife, Jean), sister, Joanne McKray (husband, George), son, David Zeigler (wife, Janet), daughter, Anne Hogge (husband, Edward), son, Mark (wife, Mary); and grandchildren, Emily Bailey (husband, Michael), Peter Hogge, and Ellen Zeigler.

She is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces and their families.

Marilyn graduated from University of Colorado with a B.A. in Biology – Phi Beta Kappa. She had previously resided for many years in Gloucester and Williamsburg, Virginia, and was active in community and local affairs. She volunteered with the Jamestown Foundation and tutored local children and visiting foreign students in English literacy. She was a member of bird clubs in Gloucester and Williamsburg. She was a member of the League of Women Voters. She traveled extensively and enjoyed auditing classes in history, art, architecture and anthropology at the College of William and Mary. She had a lifelong interest in music, the arts, and opera.

She was a former member of Abingdon Episcopal Church in White Marsh, Virginia, and a member of St. Andrew’s On-the-Sound Episcopal Church, Wilmington.

Marilyn will be buried at Abingdon Episcopal Church alongside her husband John. A graveside service and reception will be held Saturday, Nov. 26, at 1 p.m. at Abingdon Episcopal Church, White Marsh, Virginia.

LELAND — James Robert Rodgers Miskelly, 78, of Leland, passed away Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016.

Jim loved his native Northern Ireland and visited yearly, cementing bonds with cousins and friends. He was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on July 5, 1938, and remembered the bombings and heading to the air raid shelters during WWII, and being responsible for his baby sister’s gas mask.

The family came to the United States when he was 15 years old, settled in Kearny, New Jersey, but Northern Ireland always pulled at his heart. After an early retirement, he both renovated and lived in the little cottage attached to the one where his mother, Sarah, was born. He spent several months a year there with his wife, Carol. They would have celebrated 47 years of marriage on Dec. 14.

His greatest joys were his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughters, Marilyn Miskelly, Lisa Greeley (Sean) and Jill Ann Miskelly-Roth; and grandchildren, Mariah Elizabeth and Jordyn Miskelly, Liliana and Olivia Greeley. He was brother to Marlene White (Ivan) and Ann Doherty (John) and also uncle to Erik Henderson, Allyson and Ian Doherty.

We are at peace knowing he was able to put his arms once again around his dear son, Robert Rodgers, who left us too early at age 19. May they enjoy eternity together and share in the love of God.

Jim had the gift of storytelling and loved to entertain with stories about his shenanigans with friends growing up in Northern Ireland and those he worked with over the years. He has kept lifelong friendships since his high school days and early work life through retirement, making sure to always keep in touch.

Jim graduated from Kearny High School, Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, and graduate studies at Rutgers University. He enjoyed his career in mechanical engineering starting as a staff member at Stevens Institute and retiring at age 50 from his own company, which designed and developed machinery for the pharmaceutical industry. He was well known and respected throughout his career as he traveled the world.

He was our rock and patriarch, the person you went to for advice whether it be a difficult life decision, financial questions, building, renovating and designing or just someone to listen. He had a quick and brilliant mind and always lent a helping hand when needed. Jim loved the beauty and art of both classic and luxury automobiles, having owned over a hundred in his lifetime and enjoyed visiting car shows. Jim loved the water and boating. He and Carol enjoyed cruising for many years; they enjoyed traveling and entertaining friends.

He will be terribly missed by family and friends worldwide who have been blessed to call him husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at First Presbyterian Church, 125 S. 3rd St., Wilmington. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at Andrews Mortuary Market Street, 1617 Market St., Wilmington.

William Wesley Skipper passed away on Nov. 11, 2016.

He is survived by his daughter, Samantha Skipper; and many family members.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18, 2016 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Leland, NC. Internment to follow in the cemetery behind the church.

WILMINGTON — Josephine May Wooldridge Long (Kay), 93, of Wilmington passed away Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016.

Josephine was born to Charles and Lillian Wooldridge of Plymouth, England. She was the last surviving member of her family, having been predeceased by four brothers and three sisters.

She was married in 1944 to Sgt. James V. Long, who died in 1980. Surviving are two daughters, Pamela Long of New Bern, N.C., and Joanne Edwards (Bobby) of Nashville, N.C.; one son, Kenneth Long of Wilmington, N.C.; and also many in-laws, nieces and nephews in the United Kingdom and the USA.

Josephine was a loyal employee at J.C. Penney for 27 years. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, baking English pasties, sausage rolls, watching her favorite program, Jeopardy, and visiting with her neighbors at Valley Gate Villas. She enjoyed her afternoon teas with Janet Renninger as well as spending time with her family. Josephine was one of the World War II war brides from the United Kingdom.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Salvation Army.

Charles M. Vaughan, age 75, passed away Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Charles was a faithful member of First Christian Church in Wilmington and had retired from General Electric with over 37 years of service.

Charles is survived by his wife, Vivian Vaughan, and other family members.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, Nov. 19, at 11:30 a.m. at First Christian Church located at 2035 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403.

The family would like for memorial donations to be made to the American Heart Association.

HAMPSTEAD — Jacob Wayne Watkins, 15, of Hampstead died as the result of a congenital heart defect on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016.

Jacob was born in Wilmington on Aug. 7, 2001, to Jarrod W. and Dee Watkins. He was a freshman at Topsail High School. Jacob loved life and enjoyed skateboarding, music and fishing.

Surviving in addition to his parents are his brother, Nikolas Watkins; stepsister, Tiffani Westbury; niece, Skylar Westbury; paternal grandfather, Wayne Watkins, and wife, Becky, of Hampstead; paternal grandmother, Judy Hall of Currie; great-grandfathers George Mallcheck and Robert Hall; great-grandmother, Lottie Rogers (Joseph); aunts, Bonnie Mallcheck (Shane Harris) and Shannon Watkins; great-uncle, Gary Watkins; and great-aunt, Sherry Kittrell (Larry); girlfriend, Bridget McCarthy; and innumerable cousins and friends.

Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at Livingstones Tabernacle, 127 Sloop Point Loop Road, Hampstead, NC 28443. Reverend Steve Spearing will officiate the service. Inurnment will be at a later date at Sea Lawn Memorial Park.

Please help the family in their time of need by donating at tmcfunding.com.

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WILMINGTON — Ava Britton Traut, of Wilmington, died Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, at Davis Health Care.

She was born in Louisa, Kentucky, Dec. 7, 1920, the daughter of the late Warner Britton and Anna Myrtle Samples Britton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. Traut.

She was raised in Vienna, West Virginia, where she graduated from Parkersburg High School. She entered into the Women’s Army Corps on Aug. 1, 1944, and was honorably discharged in Dec. 13, 1945.

She met and married her husband, Robert, while in the Army. They raised their family in Rockville, New York, and while living there she started her own business, Sash Service Co., eventually retiring and moving to Wilmington.

Mrs. Traut was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, a former member and past president of the Cape Fear Garden Club, a volunteer at the New Hanover County Arboretum and a Master Gardner.

She is survived by her son, Thomas Traut, and wife, Carol, of Greenwood, Ind.; daughter, Susan Traut Shepard, and husband, Andrew, of Wilmington, N.C.; grandchildren, Amy C. Traut, Brian T. Traut and William A. Morris; great-grandchildren, Isabella Traut and Brody Traut; and a brother-in-law, Beryl Cooper of Wilmington, N.C. Special thanks to her caregivers and friends Geneta Williams, Elaine Chisholm, Myra Free, and Tonya Boulware.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at Grace United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace UMC, Bible Study Fund, 401 Grace St., Wilmington, NC 28401.

CASTLE HAYNE — Pastor Merline H. Gupton, age 77, of Castle Hayne, passed away Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Merline was the pastor of Solid Rock Pentecostal Church on Rockledge Road in Wilmington. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Donald Gupton; daughters, Brenda Meshaw, Donna Smith and Shermane Parker; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many other extended family members.

A service to celebrate Pastor Merline’s life will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, at the Solid Rock Pentecostal Church, 118 Rockledge Road, Wilmington, NC 28412.