Peaks & Waters Memorial Funeral Care

12/25/2025

“From our family to yours, May the joy and wonder of Christmas🎁 fill your heart and home with comfort, peace, and cherished memories, as we celebrate the trust you've placed in us and continue to hold all families in our thoughts and prayers.”🙏🏽❤️

12/24/2025

Bruce Scotland

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12/23/2025

Pauline Harris

Pauline D. Harris, daughter of the late Willie Arthur Yellock and Mamie Louise Yellock, grew up in Durham County, North Carolina. She proudly graduated from Central High School in Hillsborough with the class of 1960. Pauline continued her education at Durham Technical Institute, earning an Associates Degree in Applied Science, specializing in General Office Technology in June 1981. She dedicated many years to Durham Public Schools, serving in multiple positions and later retiring as a Library Assistant at Jordan High School.

In 1987, Pauline married James E. Harris, sharing 38 years of loving and devoted marriage together. Pauline found joy in life’s simple pleasures—she admired flowers, enjoyed cooking, and loved traveling. Her favorite color was pink, reflecting her gentle and warm nature. More than anything, Pauline deeply loved her husband and family, cherishing each moment spent with them.

She was preceded in death by her parents Mamie Louise Yellock and Willie Arthur Yellock of Person County, two brothers, McArthur Yellock James Herbert Yellock of Durham and as well as her son James (Jimmy) Harris, Jr. of Durham, NC.

Those who will forever cherish her memory include her beloved husband James E. Harris; two daughters, Keyana David of Durham, NC and Wanda Parker (Coy) of Durham, NC; four sons, Jack David of New York, Damien David of Durham, NC, Ricky Harris (Valorie) of Rougemont, NC, and Carl Harris (Lynette) of Gastonia, NC; eleven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren; her brother, Gene Yellock (Joyce Yellock) of El Paso, Texas; devoted friends Priscilla Lewis and Shirley Abraham; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

View Pauline Harris's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/23/2025

Bishop Calvin W. Johnson

Bishop Calvin W. Johnson, born on June 21, 1973, in Durham, North Carolina, passed away on December 18, 2025, at the Duke Hock Family Pavilion. His death marked the conclusion of a life dedicated to spiritual leadership and service in the Lord’s church.

A respected figure in his community, Bishop Johnson devoted his life to uplifting others and spreading the message of faith. His tenure as a bishop was characterized by compassion, guidance, and unwavering commitment. His contributions to the church and the broader community left an indelible mark that will be remembered by many.

Bishop Johnson's tireless efforts to foster a spirit of unity and understanding among diverse groups exemplified his belief in the power of love and faith. Through his work, he inspired countless individuals to seek spiritual growth and community involvement. His legacy is one of kindness and a profound dedication to the values he held dear.

As we remember Bishop Calvin W. Johnson, we reflect on his unwavering commitment to his faith and the countless lives he touched throughout his ministry. His spirit will continue to resonate within the hearts of those who had the honor and privilege of knowing him.

View Bishop Calvin W. Johnson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/18/2025

Please join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to our Funeral Director, Christion Waters. Thank you for your steady leadership, heart for service, and commitment to excellence. We appreciate all that you do!

12/17/2025

Barry Bridges

Barry Jerimaine Bridges was born on March 12, 1973, and peacefully transitioned from this life on December 13, 2025, at the Hock Family Pavilion. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Geraldine Bridges-Huff; his father, Roy W. Bridges Sr.; his brothers, Roy W. Bridges Jr. and Gerald W. Taborn.

Barry was educated in the Durham Public Schools and proudly graduated from Hillside High School. He spent many years working alongside his father and brother with Bridges Grave Digging Services. This work reflected his strong work ethic, quiet strength, humility, and deep commitment to family and service.

He later joined SSC Services, where he served as a lead custodian within Durham Public Schools for many years. Most recently, Barry worked as a food service associate at Duke Regional Hospital, where he dedicated nearly a decade of service.

Barry had a smile that could light up any room and a quiet spirit that put others at ease. A man of few words but great wisdom, when asked how he was doing, his response was always the same: “I can’t complain.” He was loyal, dependable, gentle, and kind—a big man with an even bigger heart—loved by all who knew him.

Affectionately known as “The Grill Master,” Barry took great pride in cooking for others. His jerk chicken, tender ribs, and smoked barbecue were legendary, prepared with the same love and care he poured into everything he did. He also took pride in his membership in the Masonic Organization, where he valued brotherhood, service, discipline, and integrity.

Barry loved his family fiercely, showing his devotion through presence, support, and care. Every phone call, visit, and family outing, mattered deeply to him. Barry's greatest joy was being a husband and father. His wife and son were the center of his world, and he often said he was “blessed with a great and wonderful family.” He adored his wife, Shaunté—his sweetie pie, partner, best friend, and steady source of strength. Their marriage was grounded in faith, laughter, unconditional love, and unwavering support for one another. With his son, Jaylen, Barry shared a bond rooted in pride, guidance, and deep admiration. Watching Jaylen grow into a young man filled him with immense pride, and he treasured every milestone, every accomplishment, and every moment they shared. Jaylen was his rock.

Barry leaves to cherish his loving memory his devoted wife, Shaunté Bridges; his beloved son, Jaylen Bridges; three sisters, Gabrielle Tate (Vic), Geneva Hester, and Tierra Poteat; one brother, James McMillan; three sisters-in-law, Jameson Whitfield, Taylor White, and Annie Tabron; three nieces, Keshia Peaks, Brianna Bridges, and Aniyah Tate; four nephews, Lathan Smith, James McMillan Jr., Jordan Hunter, and Messiah Lloyd; his father- and mother-in-law, James and Hattie Whitfield; and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

Barry’s life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and his loyal friendship a gift that will live on forever.

View Barry Bridges's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/15/2025

Carrie Webb Nichols

With an abundance of love and concern, Peaks & Waters Memorial Funeral Care is embracing the heartbroken loved ones of Ms.Carrie Webb Nichols, as they prepare to say “Farewell” to this precious jewel. Ms. Gray closed the curtains on this journey called life on December 7, 2025, at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC.

View Carrie Webb Nichols's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/11/2025

Reverend Mother Nora Thompson, born April 11, 1946, entered eternal rest peacefully at home on December 1, 2025, with her daughter by her side. She was born in Pender County, North Carolina, to the late Oscar K. Pickett Sr. and the late Thelma G. Pickett.

Public Viewing:
Friday, December 12, 2025
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Peaks and Waters Memorial Funeral Care
4914 North Roxboro Street, Durham, NC 27704

Funeral Service:
Saturday, December 13, 2025
1:00 pm
St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church
801 Webbtown Rd, Maple Hill, NC 28454

The family will receive visitors from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on Saturday at the church before the service.

https://www.peaksandwaters.com/obituaries/rev-mother-thompson

12/05/2025

Edward Bell

Edward Graham Bell of New Bern NC, died in his home in Durham NC, surrounded by his family on November 30th, 2025, at the age of 87 years old. Edward is survived by his son Edward Graham Bell II and his five grandchildren, Desire Faison, Edward Jose Bell, Amaya Bell, Alex Bell, and Adriana Bell.

Edward was born on February 27, 1938, in New Bern, NC to John Thomas Bell and Annie Crawford. He graduated from JT Barber High School as captain of the football and basketball team. He then went on to serve in the United States Army from September 26, 1961, until September 25, 1967, where he was honorably discharged with the Good Conduct Medal for Sharpshooter. Upon discharge from the military, he attended West Virginia State College and received his Bachelor of Arts. He then continued his education at Long Island University in New York where he obtained a diploma in Educational Administration and a Master of Science. He embarked on a career in social work with the Board of Cooperative Education, taking on roles as Assistant Principal and as a Drivers Ed teacher throughout his career. He retired from Boces after 29 years of service. He was a proud and active member of the Omega Psi Phi since January 1980. Edward relocated back to North Carolina in 1999 upon retirement, where he settled in Durham.

He enjoyed his retirement by spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved playing basketball at the YMCA and with his son and grandson. Edward was devoted to his faith in Christ. He was a member at St. Peter Ame Zion Church in New Bern and attended Union Baptist Church in Durham regularly. He will always be remembered as a kind and generous man who was always attentive to the needs of others and someone who cared much about his community especially his birth town of New Bern.

“I have fought the good fight. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. “Timothy 4:7-8

A funeral service is scheduled for 9:30am at Calvary Church in Durham on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, followed by the graveside service at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery at 2pm. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Edwards life. Peaks and Waters Funeral Home of Durham has been entrusted to care for the Bell family.

View Edward Bell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/03/2025

Rev. Mother Nora Thompson

Reverend Mother Nora Thompson, born April 11, 1946, entered eternal rest peacefully at home on December 1, 2025, with her daughter by her side. She was born in Pender County, North Carolina, to the late Oscar K. Pickett Sr. and the late Thelma G. Pickett.

Nora received her early education in the Pender County School System and graduated from C.F. Pope High School in 1964. On September 5, 1964, she married the love of her life, Aldon Ray Thompson, at St. Paul United Holy Church, where she was an active and devoted member. Shortly after, she and her husband moved to Brooklyn, New York, where there 2 children was conceived, Katrina November 11, 1966 and Raynard November 29, 1967. She faithfully attended Mt. Calvary United Holy Church of America, under the leadership of Elder Lee H. Jackson. After about two years, they returned home to Maple Hill, North Carolina, where they built their forever earthly home.

Upon returning home, Nora faithfully served in Saint Paul United Holy Church, participating in the Crusaders for Christ Choir, serving as a usher, later becoming Youth Choir Director, and serving as a Sunday School teacher, where her students often did not want to leave her class even when ready for the next level. She was also a faithful member of the Young People’s Holy Association (YPHA) of the United Holy Churches of America.

Nora worked in Jacksonville, North Carolina, as a steam presser, and later as a seamstress in Burgaw, North Carolina, before pursuing higher education. She earned an associate degree with honors from Southern Community College in 1986, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, cm laude, from Fayetteville State University in 1990, and a Bachelor of Science in Church Ministry from Mount Olive College in 2002. In 1995 under the leadership of Pastor C.W. Pate she served as a Missionary where she later heard the call to ministry and along with her husband she talked with her Pastor about the call on her life. Pastor Pate and members of the church stood with her despite societal barriers at the time. Later on, breaking history and becoming the first female minister in her church. She continued to serve faithfully, and in February 2009, she received her certificate of ordination along with two other females from her church from the Middle District Missionary Baptist Association of Burgaw, North Carolina.

After three years of serving as a Youth Sunday School Teacher, President of the Daughters of Zion, and conductor of the Women’s Fellowship group, she was appointed Assistant Pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in 2021, further cementing her legacy of ministry.

Nora also dedicated many years to education, working as a teacher’s assistant at Topsail Primary School and later Topsail Elementary School, retiring after 20 years to care for her husband when he became ill. Her contributions to education and mentorship were widely recognized, including honors from the Home Movement After-School Program (2017), the North Carolina Association of Teacher Assistants (1996), recognition for her service to education (2011), and the St. John Missionary Church Ministry Back History Award (2023).

Nora lived a life full of faith, family, and community. After moving to Durham, North Carolina, in 2023, she continued her faithful work in the Gospel of Christ as a watchcare member of the New Greater Zion Wall House of Miracles, under the leadership of Apostle T.L. Peaks-Cash and Pastor Joshua Lestaevel. She served as a church mother and remained an inspiration to many through her unwavering faith and dedication.

Nora was preceded in death by her husband, Aldon Ray Thompson; her father, Oscar K. Pickett Sr.; her mother, Thelma G. Pickett; her sister, Gladys Pickett; Willie Mae Killough; Mayo Smith; her adopted sister, Reverend Cloretta Holmes; and her brother, Oscar K. Pickett Jr.

She is survived by her daughter, Elder Katrina McCormick; her son, Pastor Raynard (Tiffany) Thompson; her cherished granddaughters: De’Meta P. McCormick, Nzuri Thompson, and Nadira Thompson; her beloved goddaughters: De’Jane’ A. Jordan, Shaun S. Andrews, and Rodeshi P. Gibson; her brothers: Rowland Pickett and Bishop Devin (Sharon) Pickett Sr.; her sister-in-law, Lynetta Pearson; as well as Betty Thompson, Vivian Lisane, Ricky Thompson, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, and friends.

Nora’s legacy of faith, perseverance, education, and community service will live on through her family, church, and all those whose lives she touched.

View Rev. Mother Nora Thompson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/02/2025

Deborah E. Wilson

Deborah Elaine Wilson, lovingly known as Ms. Deb, was born on June 27, 1960, in Paterson, New Jersey. She was the firstborn child to Charles McEntyre and Elizabeth Williams. She attended Eastside High School and proudly graduated with the Class of 1978.

After graduation, she began her career with Liberty Travel, assisting and managing clients with booking flights. In 1989 She then decided to move her family to Durham, North Carolina. She took on the field of administrative support, finance, and data entry. She later became a dedicated employee at Duke University, where she served faithfully for over 20 years. Upon her retirement, she received multiple awards and certificates honoring her outstanding work and service.

In the early 80’s Deborah Wilson married her first love, Darryl Wilson. Together, they shared three beautiful children: Keshon Wilson, Davon Wilson, and Krystal Wilson, all of whom she loved and cherished deeply. Though she and Darryl later divorced, they remained the best of friends throughout the years.

Deborah Wilson was a warm, intelligent, and generous woman who believed in helping others. She enjoyed shopping, going out to eat, talking on the phone with her family and friends, and watching her favorite content creator “RosSquad” the Sister Circle. She also loved watching her granddaughters make TikToks and spending time with her family.

She leaves behind her devoted brother, Charles McEntyre, her three children, and her beloved grandchildren: Taeylor Wilson, Jaeden Wilson, Destini Wilson, Cameron Spencer-Wilson, Sydni Wilson, Nakayla Spencer, Daniel Wilson, Ethan Wilson, Niaziah Wilson, Skylar Wilson, Mikaiah Wilson, and Aiden Wilson, along with many cousins, relatives, and friends.

Ms. Deb was truly one of a kind. She will forever be missed but never forgotten.

View Deborah E. Wilson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/02/2025

Hearses Don’t Have Luggage Racks:

Enjoy life while you’re here because you can’t take anything with you.

We spend so much time chasing the next thing… the next goal, the next purchase, the next milestone. But at the end of the day what truly matters isn’t what we collect. It’s the moments we create, the people we love, and the memories we leave behind.

Take the trip. Laugh a little louder. Be present with the ones who matter.

Life’s real treasures aren’t things at all.