Obituaries

Local Obituaries for Smithfield, nc & Johnston County

Devoise Lashan Holder

Devoise Lashan Holder

Jul 11, 2025

Devoise Lashan Holder I, affectionately known as “Dee”, was born March 31, 1977, in Selma, North Carolina where he was deeply connected to his family and community. He was a pastor, minister, father, mentor, coach, and friend. He peacefully departed this life, leaving a legacy of love and cherished memories. Devoise grew up in Selma where he graduated from Smithfield...

Shelby Jean Jackson

Shelby Jean Jackson

Jul 7, 2025

**Obituary for Shelby Jean Jackson**

Shelby Jean Jackson, affectionately known as Pebbles, was born on December 13, 1969, in Lillington, North Carolina, to James Jackson Sr. and the late Phyllis Jackson. She peacefully departed this life on July 7, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

A lifelong resident of North Carolina, Shelby received her education in Four Oaks and embraced her community...

Erica Grace Herbstreith

Erica Grace Herbstreith

Jul 6, 2025

Erica Grace Herbstreith, 35, of Coats/Erwin, passed away on

July 6, 2025, at her home in Dunn, NC.

She was born on May 9, 1990, in Smithfield Hospital to

Nancy Nichols and David Herbstreith.

Erica is survived by her mother, Nancy Nichols; her

children, Raylen Purcell and Tailen Purcell; her brother,

Justin Herbstreith (Haylea Curcie); her sister, Bonni Mauro;

nieces Isabella Mauro and Addalynn Herbstreith; and

nephew Holden...

Mary Jane Young

Mary Jane Young

Jul 5, 2025

Mary Jane Badger-Young was born April 23, 1938 in Johnston County, NC to the late Corurnelious and Ida Jane Sanders Badger.

At the age 87 Mary passed away peacefully at SECU Hospice House in Smithfield NC on Saturday, July 5th, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her brothers Nathaniel, John Henry, Leroy Sr., James Sr., and one sister, Bertha Mitchener.

She leaves...

Robert Leverne Atkinson

Robert Leverne Atkinson

Jul 5, 2025

**In Loving Memory of Robert Leverne Atkinson**

Robert Leverne Atkinson, a cherished father, grandfather, and friend, was born in Johnston County, North Carolina, on January 16, 1948. He peacefully left this world on July 5, 2025.

Robert dedicated his life to his family and community. He joined the First Missionary Baptist Church at an early age, embracing his faith as a cornerstone...

Latasha Owen

Latasha Owen

Jun 30, 2025

Latasha Ellen Owen was born on July 28, 1977, in Smithfield, North Carolina, to the late Lonnie Henry 

Faison and Beulah Ann Massey Darden. She departed this life on Monday, June 30, 2025, at her 

home.

Latasha attended public schools in Johnston County and later earned her GED from Johnston 

Community College. She worked in several manufacturing companies and spent many years doing 

domestic and...

Jacqueline Ann"Sweetie" Graham

Jacqueline Ann"Sweetie" Graham

Jun 12, 2025

**Obituary for Jacqueline Ann Graham (Sweetie)**

Jacqueline Ann Graham, affectionately known as Sweetie, was born on December 31, 1959, in Newark, New Jersey. She peacefully departed this life, leaving a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Jacqueline grew up in Millburn Township, where she completed her education, graduating from high school in 1978 before continuing her studies at Morris County College in...

Alexander Blackwell

Alexander Blackwell

Jun 8, 2025

**In Memory of Alexander Blackwell**

Alexander Blackwell, born on January 19, 1945, in Johnston County, North Carolina, passed away surrounded by the love of family and friends. He began his career in construction while residing in New York before returning to North Carolina, where he was deeply connected to his family and community.

Alex was known for his kindness and generosity, always...

Nancy Ruth Raynor Anderson

Nancy Ruth Raynor Anderson

Jun 7, 2025

Nancy Raynor Anderson passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Born on May 1, 1950, in Ingram Township, Smithfield, North Carolina, she was a beloved daughter of the late Aaron Patrick and Eva Allen Raynor. Nancy was preceded in death by her siblings: Marie Raynor, Doris Langdon, George Raynor, and...

Bobby Lee Lawson, Sr.

Bobby Lee Lawson, Sr.

Jun 6, 2025



Bobby Lee Lawson, Sr., 67, of Goldsboro, NC, passed away on June 6, 2025, at Duke University Medical Center. Born in Goldsboro on July 27th, 1957, Bob was the son of the late Annie Marie Holliday Lawson and Albert Lawson. He was a proud graduate of Southern Wayne High School, Class of 1976. Following graduation, Bob attended Fayetteville State University,...

Claude Brian Stancil

Claude Brian Stancil

Jun 5, 2025

**Obituary for Claude Brain Stancil**

Claude Brain Stancil, affectionately known as Sukie, was born on January 26, 1977, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Smithfield, North Carolina, to the late Edith Johnson Holder and Claude E. Branch Jr. He was a graduate of Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Claude was a cherished individual, known for his vibrant personality and the joy...