Obituaries

Local Obituaries for Smithfield, nc & Johnston County

Shawanda Lynett Watson

Shawanda Lynett Watson

Dec 24, 2025

In the early morning hours on December 24, 2025, Dr. Shawanda Lynett Watson earned her wings to her heavenly home. Dr. Shawanda L Watson, daughter of Catherine Revell Watson and the late Howard Watson was born August 27, 1963 in Smithfield, NC,

During her childhood, she attended Lee’s Chapel AME Church Selma, NC and Red Hill United Church of Christ, Clayton,...

Vera Lee York Bates

Vera Lee York Bates

Dec 21, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Vera Lee Bates, who departed this life peacefully on December 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Vera Lee Bates was a classy woman who truly knew how to live. Born in Mobile, Alabama, Vera grew up surrounded by Southern roots, strong family ties, and a spirit...

Thurman Thatis Mickens

Thurman Thatis Mickens

Dec 18, 2025

Thurman T. Mickens

Obituary

Thurman Thatis Mickens of Selma, NC died Thursday,

December 18, 2025 at the age of 73.

He was the son of the late William Henry Mickens and Mary S. Mickens. He is survived by his devoted wife, Ruby Mickens of Selma, his son Thurman T. Mickens, Jr. of New Hampshire, four sisters and a host of nieces and nephews.

Gilberto Paguada

Gilberto Paguada

Dec 13, 2025

Gilberto Paguada (“Don Beto”)

5 de noviembre de 1937 – 13 de diciembre de 2025

Gilberto Paguada, cariñosamente conocido como Don Beto, falleció el 13 de diciembre de 2025 a la edad de 88 años. Nació el 5 de noviembre de 1937 en Olanchito, Yoro, Honduras, donde inició su vida con valores de humildad, trabajo duro y un profundo amor por la...

Gloria Hill McNeil

Gloria Hill McNeil

Dec 13, 2025

Gloria Hill McNeil, born in Sanford, North Carolina to Waymond Hill and Clara Mae Dammons Hill, peacefully departed this life on December 17, 2025. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, her sister May Hill, and her brother Waymond Hill Jr.

Gloria is survived by her devoted husband, Milton (Buddy) McNeil of Smithfield, NC. She is also remembered by...

Jo Anne Pittman Howard

Jo Anne Pittman Howard

Dec 5, 2025

Jo Anne Pittman Howard was born on December 3, 1959, in Smithfield, North Carolina, to George Thomas Pittman, Sr., and the late Lizzie Belle Griffis Pittman. From an early age, Jo Anne was known for her kind spirit, loving heart, and joyful nature. She grew up in a close-knit family and received her education in the Wake County Public School...

Georgia Irene Blackmon Judkins

Georgia Irene Blackmon Judkins

Dec 2, 2025

Georgia Irene Blackmon Judkins affectionately known as Irene to many peacefully transition from

labor to reward on Tuesday December 2nd 2025. Irene was the fourth child born to the late Edward Emory Blackmon Sr & Georgianna Braswell Terrell

on June 9th 1938 in Smithfield NC. Irene accepted Christ at a very young age and became a member of St. Mark AME Church...

Jayce Zy’Kell Holmes

Jayce Zy’Kell Holmes

Nov 30, 2025

Jayce Zy’kell Holmes, beloved son of James and Dr. Artoryia Holmes,

was born on September 1, 2018, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He

entered eternal rest on November 30, 2025.

Jayce was a fighter from the very beginning. At birth, he faced

serious kidney complications. Through every challenge, he showed

strength far beyond his years. As his condition progressed from

Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease to end...

Porfirio Garcia Gonzalez

Porfirio Garcia Gonzalez

Nov 30, 2025

Nuestros pensamientos y oraciones van a la familia del señor Porfirio Garcia Gonzalez que residia en Selma, NC 27576. El señor Garcia Gonzalez fallecio el dia 30 de noviembre del 2025.

Por favor visite nuestra pagina www.Rlsandersfuneralhome.net para dejar sus condolencias.

Su cuerpo será velado:

Sabado 6 de diciembre, 2025 desde las 4:00 pm hasta el domingo 7 de diciembre a  las 6:00...

Kyrell ''Rell" Tocarise Stewart

Kyrell ''Rell" Tocarise Stewart

Nov 28, 2025

In Loving Memory of our dear Kyrell “Rell” Tocarise Stewart, a shining light in our lives.

Born on February 8, 2013, at Johnston Memorial Hospital, Kyrell was cherished by his parents, Martin Stewart and Kaitlin Adams. He brought immeasurable joy to this world and leaves behind two adoring sisters, Malaya and Kaylee Stewart, who will forever hold him in their hearts.

Kyrell...

Juanita Wright Ingram

Juanita Wright Ingram

Nov 19, 2025

Juanita Wright Ingram, daughter of the late Eddie Wright Jr. and Tillie Godwin, slipped away peacefully on Wednesday morning at Wake Medical Hospital.

Juanita was real in every sense of the word. She was the one who’d tell you the truth straight with no chaser, make you laugh when you weren’t even trying to smile, and keep you grounded whether you...

Linwood Decarius Haley

Linwood Decarius Haley

Nov 17, 2025



Mr. Linwood Decauris (DeeDee) Haley was born on May 23, 1958, and

transitioned peacefully on November 17, 2025. A resident of Four Oaks, NC,

he will be remembered for his warm spirit, steady strength, love for his

family, and the kindness he extended to everyone he met. Throughout his

life, he touched many hearts with his quiet generosity and unwavering

devotion to those he loved.

He...

Peaches Decol Sanders

Peaches Decol Sanders

Nov 17, 2025

Peaches Sanders, a beloved mother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the age of 41. Her bright spirit, unwavering strength, and boundless love touched the lives of all who knew her. Recognized for her uplifting smile and generous heart, Peaches embodied grace and courage throughout every chapter of her life. She...

Sheila Mae Williamson Bethea

Sheila Mae Williamson Bethea

Nov 17, 2025

**Obituary of Sheila Mae Williamson Bethea**

Sheila Mae Williamson Bethea, born on October 24, 1954, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to the late William E. Williamson, Sr. and Ruby M. Lewis Missouri, departed this life on November 17, 2025. Sheila was a proud graduate of Winfield Scott Elementary School and Battin High School in Elizabeth.

In 1970, she united in marriage with Calvin...