Askew Funeral & Cremation Services, 731 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC (2026)

02/26/2026

Rachel Davis Little

Rachel Davis Little 93, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

She was born in Northampton County, North Carolina to the late Rubert Vann Davis and Clara Taylor Davis. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Atlas Hilton Little, her sons, James and Jerry Little, and two brothers, Howard and Stanley Davis.

Rachel was a life long resident of Seaboard. She was a 1951 graduate of Jackson High School, the family historian, loved gardening and fishing with her husband, and was very social; she never met a stranger.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda L. Benthall and her husband, Eugene of Roanoke Rapids; her son, Joe Little and his wife, Margaret of Seaboard; daughter-in-law, Kathy Little of Roanoke Rapids; five grandchildren, Parker Little, Samuel Little, Mindy Little, Jonathan Benthall and his wife, Angie and David Benthall; four great grandchildren, Madelyn Little, Aubrey Little, Eugene Benthall and Josiah Benthall; three sisters, Lillie Ray, Helen Campbell, Virginia Wheeler and her husband, Wayne; a brother, Everett Davis and his wife, Paige; and her sister-in-law, Rachel A. Little of Seaboard.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 2:00 PM in the Seaboard Cemetery in Seaboard, with Pastor Matthew Smith officiating.

The family will receive friends at the cemetery after the service.

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02/22/2026

Raymond "Ray" Marshall Reid, Jr. (USCG Ret.)

Raymond Marshall "Ray" Reid, Jr., of Elizabeth City, NC passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026 surrounded by his family. Ray was born on June 30, 1956 in Richmond, Virginia to Dorothy Bressler Reid and the late Raymond Marshall Reid, Sr. Growing up, Ray was affectionally known by his family as "Chucky."

Born with a big personality, a generous sprit, and a gift for making others feel welcome, Ray lived a life of service, adventure, and love. He graduated from Fork Union Military Academy in 1974 and entered the United States Coast Guard in 1975. He served in Elizabeth City, NC, Mobile, AL, Petaluma, CA, and Kodiak, AK in the field of aviation, as an Instructor and Course Developer, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer in 1997. Throughout his years of service, he received numerous commendations and awards, reflecting his dedication, leadership and deep commitment to his country.

In life, Ray embraced the things that brought him joy; hunting in the Virginia Mountains, traveling anywhere the road or cruise ship might take him, perfecting a good home-cooked meal, and trying his luck a the slot machines and blackjack tables. He had a storyteller's heart, a cook's generosity, a sense of humor, and a voice that could fill any room.

Ray was a founding member and Vice President of Elizabeth City Hero Operations (ECHO), an organization decicated to fostering awareness, appreciation, and community support for veterans and wounded warriors. Deer hunts, quail and pheasant hunts, and off-shore fishing trips were enjoyed by many veterans. An annual weekend of fishing on the Pasquotank River with local fishermen and a fish fry was a very popular event.

Above all, Ray cherished his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 47, years, Sheryl Carroll Reid; his daughter, Bethany Reid Roahrig and her husband, David and their children Evelyn and George Roahrig of Centennial Colorado; his son Adam Reid and his wife, Rachel, of Montgomery, Texas and their children, Sydney and Peyton Reid; his mother, Dorothy "Dot" Reid of Hague, Virginia; his uncle, Jerry Reid and numerous cousins; his sister-in-law Wanda Carroll Askew and her husband Mike, and nephew Brant Askew, with whom he shared a very special bond. Being "Pappy" to his grandchildren brought him his greatest joy. His love ones will remember him for his loyalty, his wicked sense of humor, and the countless memories he created with them.

A celebration of Rays life will be held on Sunday March 8, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Askew funeral and cremation services in Roanoke Rapids, with life long cherished family friend, Rev, Randy Martin officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids, with full Military honors.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home on Sunday.

View Raymond "Ray" Marshall Reid, Jr. (USCG Ret.)'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/20/2026

Theressa House Murphy

Theressa House Murphy, 78, passed away on February 17, 2026, at ECU North Hospital in Roanoke Rapids, NC, after a valiant battle with cancer. She was an effervescent extrovert whose never‑ending smile—always brightened by her trademark red lipstick—made every room lighter.

Born on June 30, 1947, in Morehead City, she was the firstborn child of Joseph House Jr. and Mariam Garr House. She grew up in Grifton, NC, alongside her siblings Joanna (Townsend), Joseph House III (“Joph,” deceased), and Emma Lou (Kitchens). She graduated from Grainger High School in Kinston and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Appalachian State University in 1973.

Theressa married Jim Murphy in 1972, and they made their first home together in Roxboro, NC. Their son Jonathan Franklin (Nicole) arrived the following year. After moving to Wake Forest in 1977, she welcomed their second son, William Robert (Allison), in 1981. She spent happy years as a substitute teacher in the Person County Schools, later working in banking and finding deep fulfillment in her time with Wake County Social Services.

She leaves behind six wonderful grandchildren—Jasper, Aven, Max, Maeve, Walt, and Ella—each of whom brought her immense joy.

Theressa was eternally ebullient and upbeat, always ready for a trip, a project, or a challenge. A gifted landscaper, she was happiest with muddy hands and knees, coaxing beauty out of the earth. She spent her final years at Lake Gaston with Jim, traveling to Europe, enjoying the water, and savoring the life they built together.

Final arrangements will be private for immediate family, with her ashes to be dispersed in her beloved Lake Gaston. Memorial contributions may be made to your local animal shelter. Theressa loved all creatures, great and small.

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02/19/2026

Susan Bogue Bullock

With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we announce that Susan Bogue Bullock passed to be with Jesus in Heaven on February 17, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.

Born on May 23, 1954 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, Susan was the beloved daughter of Oscar and Bessie Bogue. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Steven Bogue.

Susan was a woman of strength, service, and deep compassion. She proudly served in the United States Army before dedicating her professional life to caring for others as a nurse. She retired as Infectious Disease Nurse, a role that perfectly reflected her courage, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to helping those in need. Nursing was not just her career, it was her calling.

For 20 devoted years she was a loving and steadfast wife to Ronald Bullock. Together they built a life rooted in love, loyalty, and partnership. She had a fierce and unconditional love for her children, Doug Roberts, Tommy Davidson, Stephanie Casper, Brett Swails, Jr. and his wife, Ashley, Austin Bullock and his wife, Katie, Justin Bullock, and Raven Barnes and her husband, Andre. Her children were her pride and joy and the center of her world.

She also leaves behind her beloved sister, Libby Dore and her love, James Crowley; her cherished niece Kristen Dore; her nephews, Kyle Sledge and his wife, Kelly, and their sons, Lane Mize and Clayton Sledge; a large treasured family of grandchildren and great grandchildren, Brantley Casper, Mary Peller and her husband, Jacob, Sarah Vernon and her husband, Chris, Amelia Vernon, Allison Casper, Ronald Grant, IV, Jesse Grant, Hailey Cole, Gabriel Roberts and his wife, Yunhui, Jordan Roberts, Kyle Leavitt and his wife, Emily, Naomi Barnes, Malia Barnes, Alyssa Strickland and her husband, Dale, Alexis Sheperd, Olivia Sheperd, Ayden Newell, Brayden Newell, Mateo Roberts, Timothy Strickland, and Oliver Leavitt.

Susan loved the mountains and the beach, finding peace in both the quiet strength of the hills and the endless rhythm of the ocean. She adored her animals, Bo, Emma, Sammy (Birdie), Diesel, and Mia, who were constant companions and brought her immense joy.

Those who knew Susan knew her kindness, her passion, and her enormous heart. She was one of the most loving and compassionate souls anyone could ever meet. To know her was to love her. Her sudden passing leaves a space that can never truly be filled and she will forever be missed beyond measure. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing she is at peace in the presence of her Savior.

A visitation will be held at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services on Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at Askew Funeral Services on Monday, February 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM with Minister Jason Yeatts officiating. Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids.

Her love, strength, and faith will live on through all who were blessed to call her wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

With love always,

The Family

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02/19/2026

James Earl Askew

James Earl "JE" Askew was born in Franklin, VA on May 16, 1941 and passed away peacefully in Ahoskie, NC on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at the age of 84.

His childhood years were in Winton, NC and he attended Ahoskie High School, graduating in 1959. James moved to Roanoke Rapids in 1959 and spent many years there raising his family. He worked for J. P. Stevens for seventeen years and moved into auto parts sales for over twenty years where he enjoyed working with his customers and created many friendships along the way.

He played many days and nights of backyard sports with his son and his son’s friends and was well known in the neighborhood, always trying to share a bit of wisdom to the kids whether it was about sports or life in general.

James was an avid UNC basketball and NY Yankees fan since the 1950's. He enjoyed playing basketball, golf, and fishing and also played softball in the Industrial League at Ledgerwood field in the 1960’s. James loved going to the Outer Banks and always commented on how it had changed since he first went there as a child in the late 1940's. Spending time with his grandsons was an important part of his life, whether it was at the Outer Banks fishing in the summer or playing golf or board games with them. Traveling to different vacation spots and attending festivals with his wife, Viola was also very important to him.

In his later years, James worked at Halifax Academy and after moving to Ahoskie he worked at Ridgecroft School for a number of years. He enjoyed working at the schools and always did what he could to help the teachers and students. One Ridgecroft Senior class dedicated the school yearbook to him. He was a member of Earlys Baptist Church of Ahoskie

James was predeceased by his wife of 39 years, Molly Neal Askew; his parents Paul Franklin Askew and Clyde Fowler Askew; brothers, Thomas Askew, Paul Askew, Charles Askew, Walter Askew, William Askew, Danny Askew, Lester Johnson; and step-mother Martha Thompson Askew

He is survived by his wife, Viola T. Askew of Ahoskie; son, Keith Askew (Janet) of Hillsborough, NC; grandsons, Jamison Askew and Mitchell Askew (Emie) of Wilmington, NC; sisters, Betty Rowland of Roanoke Rapids and Margaret Purkett of New Jersey; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that he loved dearly; and a loyal friend since childhood, Stanley Wall of Aulander, NC

The visitation will be at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 12:30 to 1:30 PM and a graveside service will be at 2:00 PM in Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids, NC. conducted by Rev. Joshua Prosser.

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02/13/2026

Robert Henry Medlin

Robert Henry Medlin, 91, of Washington, NC passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

He was a native of Halifax County and was the son of the late Irvin Glasgow Medlin and Mary Mills Medlin. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Hazelene Jones Medlin, his daughter, Donna Louise Delantonis, and a granddaughter, Stacey Delantonis Shaw, his sister, Dorothy “Dot” Carr and a brother, James Medlin.

He is survived by his sons, Robbie Medlin of Halifax and Henry Medlin of Washington, NC; his sister, Joyce Medlin Harris of Hopewell, Virginia; brother, Joe Medlin and his wife, Nancy of Roanoke Rapids; grandchildren, Tracey Glenney and her husband, Don, Crystal Medlin, Cheryl Medlin and her husband, Jack Jatco; sister-in-law, Carolyn Medlin of Halifax and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at and later date and will be announced.

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02/10/2026

Nancy Kay Jones

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nancy Kay Jones, age 72, who left this world peacefully on February 8, 2026. She was born on November 1, 1953 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina to the late James Buxton White, Sr. and Sarah Dorothy White and was preceded in death by her husband, Weldon "Talley" Lee Jones.

Nancy spent her life surrounded by the warmth of family and friends. She was known for her dedication and craftsmanship as a cabinet specialist in the cabinet manufacturing industry, where her skills and attention to detail were highly regarded. She pursued her passion with an unwavering commitment to her family. Nancy was a devoted servant of the Lord and a proud active member of Elam Baptist Church.

A cherished sister and aunt, Nancy leaves behind her loving brother, James "Jimmy" White, Jr. and wife, Robin; devoted sister, Ann White; her beloved niece, Shannon Williams and husband, Paul; her nephews, Patrick White and wife, Kendra, Charles White and wife, Tommie; great nephew, Christopher Williams of the home, as well as many other great neices and nephews and great great neices and nephews, who will carry her memory in their hearts.

Visitation will be held at Askew Funeral Services - Jackson Chapel on February 12, 2026 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Family and friends are invited to gather to share their stories and celebrate her legacy.

A funeral service will take place at Elam Baptist Church on February 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM, followed by a graveside service at Seaboard Cemetery at 3:00 PM. It is during these ceremonies that we will come together to remember Nancy, reflect on the joy she brought to our lives, and bid her a fond farewell.

Nancy Kay Jones touched the lives of many, and she will be deeply missed. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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02/10/2026

Elsie Pearson Conner

Elsie Pearson Conner 76, of Littleton, NC passed away on Friday February 6, 2026.

She was born in Gaston, NC to the late, Eddie Gray Pearson and Hazel Linton Pearson. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Atlas Benjamin Pearson. She loved her family dearly and was the manager of the shoe show in Roanoke Rapids for many years until her retirement.

Elsie is survived by her daughter, Wendy Conner Jenkins and her husband, Gary, son, Sam Conner and his wife, Angie both of Littleton; five grandchildren, Cory Jenkins and his wife, Meghan, Jenna Jenkins, Ryan Jenkins, Emily Walton and her husband, Tyler and Justin Conner and his wife, Paige; seven great grandchildren, Aubree, Conner, Benjamin, Waylon, Samuel, Katlyne and Lakelyn; her Sisters, Darlene Whitby, Vickie Writtenbery and her brother, Charles Pearson.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday February10, 2026 at Shiloh Methodist Church Cemetery in Gaston with Rev. Randy Martin officiating.

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02/10/2026

Edna Collins Dalton

Edna Earle Collins Dalton, age 78, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She will be remembered as a kind and loving woman, a devoted mother and grandmother, and a friend to all who knew her.

Born on October 12, 1947 in New Bern, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Elbert Earl Collins and Edna Wheeler Collins. She later made her home in Roanoke Rapids in 1978, where she built a life rooted in family, faith, and community. She was the owner/operator of Heavenly Ham alongside her husband and sons from 1995 to 2008. She dedicated more than two decades of her professional life to the banking industry, retiring in 2016 from New Republic Savings Bank. Her strong work ethic, integrity, and warm spirit left a lasting impression on colleagues and customers alike.

Above all else, she cherished her family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roger William Dalton, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and devotion.

She is survived by her sons, Roger Stanley Dalton and his wife, Kathy, of Clayton, and Jeffrey William Dalton and his wife, Alexandra, of Willow Spring; her granddaughters, Savannah Grace Dalton and her fiancé, Weston Butcher, of Garner, Kelly Harrelson and her husband, Stoney, of Jacksonville, Jamie Jewell and Jabari Bryant of Leland, and Stacie Ferrell and her husband, Justin, of Jacksonville. She is also survived by her sister, Sue Collins Hardison and her husband, David of New Bern; her niece, Jennifer PaigeHardison of New Bern; and her brother, Ronald Elbert Collins and his wife, Sue, of Goldsboro.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 30, at Rosemary Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 AM, prior to the service. The Rev. Dr. Layne Wallace will officiate.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Transitions LifeCare, especially her nurse, Gloria and hospice aide, Sonya, for their compassion and support during this difficult time. Special thanks are also extended to Belva Garner, her devoted caregiver, who was a dedicated and loving part of her care team over the past seven months.

Her gentle spirit, generous heart, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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02/08/2026

Vernon "Meanie" Jones

Vernon Lee Jones (Meanie), of Jackson, NC, passed away the evening of February 2, 2026. He was 77 years of age.

Vernon was born on February 10, 1948 in their family home outside of Jackson, NC. After he and his brothers had a new house built on Firetower Road, his birthplace became affectionately known as “The Old Place”. Even though the house is no longer there, friends and family know where it stood just from the name. As a child, his grandmother gave him the nickname “Meanie”.

Meanie and his brothers, Raymond and David farmed for years. The farm grew peanuts, cotton, soybeans, corn, and wheat. In the mid-1980s, the brothers split and Meanie began a bulldozer service doing reforestation work. Over the years, that evolved into him owning different equipment and doing a lot of road building and grading. He is also a retired volunteer firemen for the town of Jackson.

Meanie is survived by his daughter, Ginger B. Riley and husband, John and children, Anna and Jack of Durham, NC; his son, Coy Bell, III of Jackson and his wife, Tracy and children, Tyler and Garrett; his sister, Betty Lonchar of Jackson and her sons, Michael and Mark; and his brother, David and his wife, Pat of Jackson and their daughters, Stephanie and Jenny. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Eleanor W. Jones of Jackson; parents, James V. Jones and Nannie P. Jones; sister, Peggy Jones; and brothers, James (Frog) Jones and wife, Hazel Jones, Raymond Jones, and brother-in law Charles Lonchar, all of Jackson

His service will be held at Jackson United Methodist Church in Jackson where he was a lifelong member on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

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02/06/2026

Carolyn Hall Hockaday

Carolyn Hall Hockaday, 81, of Nashville, NC, formerly of Roanoke Rapids, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026.

She was the daughter of the late James Howard Hall, Sr. and Emma Jones Hall Kinney. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Wade Smoot Hockaday; her sister, Marilyn Vick; brothers, James Howard Hall, Jr., Charles Hall, and Preston Hall.

Carolyn was a longtime business woman and accountant, along with her late husband, Wade. She loved traveling, bowling, sewing, and was a member of Nashville Methodist Church as well as a longtime member of Rosemary Methodist Church.

She is survived by her daughters, Audrey H. Duffy of Nashville, NC and Susan H. Turner and her husband, Eric of Spartanburg, SC; granddaughter, Mina Nicole Greenlee; grandsons, Alexander Wade Turner and his wife, Ainsley and Dylan Grey Turner; nephews, David Powell and his wife, Cheryl and Dennis Powell and his wife, Amanda, both of Powellsville, NC

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Askew Funeral Services in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Lynn Hobbs officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until service time at the funeral home.

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02/06/2026

Frances Manning Gowen

Frances Manning Gowen, 82, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience and joy. Born on February 7, 1943 to Edward Branham Manning and Margaret Clarke Manning, Frances grew up in Roanoke Rapids, NC, where she remained for much of her life before later making Richmond, VA her home. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, William “Bill” Manning and her beloved son, Charles “Chuck” Ewell Gowen, III, whose memory always remained close to her heart.

A graduate of Peace College and Longwood University, Frances began her career as an elementary school teacher, but the role she cherished most was being a mother and a “MeMe.” She is survived by her daughter, Margaret Manning Gowen, her son-in-law, Dallas and her grandchildren, Elizabeth Forgét, Lucie “Levi” Forgét, Edward Gowen and Matthew Gowen, of whom she was immensely proud.

Before the onset of her disability, Frances found joy in the simple rhythms of home. She loved sitting at her kitchen desk working through crossword puzzles, balancing everyone’s checkbooks (to the penny and with whiteout), reorganizing everything that was already perfectly organized and catching up with friends on the phone. She was well-traveled and loved taking trips with family and friends. Frances transformed her former backyard, which was the childhood (and neighborhood) go-cart track, into a beautiful yard that became one of her biggest joys.

Frances was known for her afternoon siestas, which her daughter believed were the secret to her youthful glow. Time schedules never quite suited her, but she never missed the moments that truly counted.

For nearly 20 years, Frances faced significant health and personal challenges with extraordinary courage, faith and grace. Through it all, she remained loving, thoughtful, positive and spiritually grounded.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Our Lady of Hope Health Center in Richmond, VA, for their compassion and support.

Funeral services will be held at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 700 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2:30 PM with Rev. Sonny Browne, III officiating.

A reception at the Parish House will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to All Saints’ Episcopal Church.

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