Askew Funeral & Cremation Services

03/08/2026

Service for Raymond "Ray" Marshall Reid, Jr.

03/06/2026

Donnie Lynn Gums

Donnie Lynn Gums of Roanoke Rapids, age 62, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026. He was born on August 26, 1963 in Halifax County to the late Robert Warren Gums and Ella Christine Harris Gums. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Brenda Martin.

After a 30 year career, Donnie retired from Roanoke Rapids Fire Department. He loved being outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his canine companion, Drake. Donnie loved life, loved his family deeply and lived life by his own rules.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Robbie Gums of Goose Creek, SC; daughter, Stephanie Dailey and her fiance, Charles Sonnier of Winnsboro, LA.; sister, Jeanne Harris and her husband, Steve of Emporia, VA; brother, Larry Gums and his wife, Susan of Roanoke Rapids, NC; grandchildren, Brock Blanford and Weston Dailey, along with several nieces and nephews. Donnie was blessed with two close friends, Neill Graham and Randy Joyner.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM in Cedarwood Cemetery, Roanoke Rapids, NC with Pastor Jason Yeatts officiating.

The family will receive following the service at the cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Askew Funeral & Cremation Services, 731 Roanoke Ave, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

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03/05/2026

Linwood Earl Joyner

Linwood Earl Joyner, 70, of Woodland, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

He was a native of Northampton County, NC and was the son of the late Linwood Joyner and Virgie Joyner. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Deborah Joyner, a sister, Linda Whitley and his brother, Robert Joyner.

He Loved to play the guitar and Blue Grass was his favorite kind of music to play. He was the owner/operator of Joyner's Paint Service for many years.

He is survived by his sister, Carolyn Joyner Clopton; his nieces, Kimberly Joyner, Crystal Joyner, Beth Pittman, and Becky Patrick; brothers-in-law, Joseph Phole and Tommy Swain.

The family will have a private graveside service on Friday, March 6, 2026 at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Rich Square, NC.

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03/04/2026

Glenn Raymond St. Clair

Glenn Raymond St. Clair, 75, of Henrico, NC, passed away suddenly on Thursday, February 26, 2026, leaving behind a family who adored him and a legacy that will be felt for generations.

Born in Washington, DC to the late Charles Raymond St. Clair and Peggy Barbara Rollins St. Clair, Glenn was raised on the family to***co farm off Budds Creek Road in Newport, Maryland. From a young age, he worked alongside his father, learning the rhythms of the land and the discipline of hard work — lessons that never left him.

Glenn built a distinguished career at the Morgantown and Chalk Point Generating Stations in Southern Maryland, working his way up to become Chemistry Lab Supervisor at both plants — a role he earned through relentless curiosity and hard-won expertise. He retired after a long and respected career.

Those who knew Glenn knew they were in the presence of someone extraordinary. He had an engineering mind and could do just about anything — fix a car, build a house, solve a problem no one else could crack — and then have the entire room folded over with laughter before the night was done. He was a gifted storyteller, genuinely curious, and had a rare talent for making fun out of any situation. He affectionately called himself “the 80% man”, laughing at his own tendency to dive headfirst into a new project before quite finishing the last one — a habit fueled not by carelessness, but by an endless enthusiasm for life and learning. He left a lasting impression on many and was adored by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Above all, Glenn loved spending time with his family — and nothing brought him more joy than being with his grandchildren, JJ, Penny, and Tripp, who looked up to him deeply and whom he adored with his whole heart.

In retirement, Glenn devoted himself to completing his and Kay’s dream home on Lake Gaston, NC. He had just finished the interior and was immensely proud of what it had become — a beautiful space where he and Kay were blessed to spend time together, looking out over what he lovingly called his “million diamond view”, the sun shimmering on the lake, sparkling like a million diamonds. He loved to travel, and just weeks before his passing, he and Kay were together on a cruise, living as fully as he always did.

Glenn is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Kay St. Clair; his son, Jeremy St. Clair and his wife Lara, of West Virginia; his daughter, Tonya St. Clair and her husband, Patrick Christensen, of Raleigh, NC; his three cherished grandchildren, Jeremy “JJ” St. Clair, Jr., Penny Christensen, and Tripp Christensen; his sister, Donna Fuqua and her husband Ty; his brothers, Keith St. Clair and Judia, and Brian St. Clair and his wife Patty; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cassie St. Clair, and his sister, Susan Straus. He is also survived by Susan’s husband, Eric Straus.

The family will hold a celebration of life in the coming months in Maryland.

Glenn St. Clair didn’t just live his life — he made it an adventure, and he brought everyone along for the ride.

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03/01/2026

Judith Boykin Blythe

Judith Ann Boykin Blythe passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026 with her family by her side.

She was the daughter of the late Harry Benjamin Boykin and Evelyn Miller Boykin. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Betty Cento, Mary Lee Snell, Jackie Threewitts, and Anita Jones.

Judith loved her Lord Jesus Christ and her family. She also loved collecting antiques, cooking, crafting, gardening, decorating, and was very artistic. She was a member of Margaretsville Baptist church.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jimmy Gray Blythe, Sr.; her daughter, Penny Blythe Williams and her husband, Jeff of Henrico, Virginia; her son, Jimmy Gray Blythe, Jr. and his wife, Amy of Creedmoor, NC; her grandchildren, Shane Williams and his wife, Hannah, Joshua Blythe and his wife, Kristen; four great grandchildren, Carter Williams, Emma Blythe, Enoch Blythe, Hope Blythe and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in the Seaboard Cemetery in Seaboard, North Carolina with her grandson, Rev. Joshua Blythe officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Paul Williams foundation, c/o Kathryn Williams, 839 Indian Trail Road, Edenton, NC 27932.

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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 and as an Instructor and Course Developer, and retired 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 at the slot machines and blackjack tables. He had a storytellers heart, a cooks 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's 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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