McNeill Legacy Funeral Home

11/11/2025

Dorothy Raby Odum

Dorothy “Dot” Raby Odum, 97, of Saint Pauls, North Carolina passed away at First Health Moore Regional Hospital on November 7th, 2025, leaving a void her family cannot fill.

She was born in York County, South Carolina on November 28th, 1927 to Charles and Maggie Smith Raby and was the second oldest of their eight surviving children. Dot attended school throughout York County, SC and Gaston County, NC before her family relocated to Robeson County, NC during World War II. It was here that she met John Edward “Ed” Odum; Ed and Dot were married in Saint Pauls in 1946.

Dot was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who dedicated her life to being a homemaker and caring for her family. An avid reader, history buff, and movie lover, she was a passionate supporter of the U.S. military in which her father, her husband, both of her brothers, her eldest son, and her son-in-law served. Dot was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Ed Odum; older sister, Mary Raby Collins of Red Springs; younger brother, Earl Raby of Saint Pauls; younger sister, Merle Raby Plott of Saint Pauls; younger brother, Lawrence Raby of Saint Pauls; and daughter-in-law Dianna Lawson Odum of Saint Pauls. She is survived by younger sisters Jeanette Bugby of Richmond, VA; Lucille Raby Owens of Sumter, SC; and Helen Raby Dixon, of Conroe, TX. Additionally, she leaves behind her three children John Edward “Johnny” Odum, Jr. (late wife Dianna), Darrell Holland Odum (wife Denise), and Faye Odum McMillan (husband Brent), five adult granddaughters, and five great-grandchildren.

McNeill Legacy Funeral Home is honored to serve the Odum family.

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11/06/2025

Cathy Locklear McDuffie

Cathy M. McDuffie, age 67, of St. Pauls, North Carolina, was born in Scotland County on September 11, 1958, to the late Amos and Prudence Locklear and entered her forever heavenly home on November 5, 2025.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Amos and Prudence Locklear; two brothers, David S. Locklear and Ronnie Locklear; her niece, Hannah K. Locklear; her great-nephew, Tristan S. Locklear; her nephew, Daniel S. Locklear; and her brother-in-law, Jimmie Jones.

She is survived by her longtime loving, devoted, and caring husband of 50 plus years, Wayne McDuffie. She leaves to cherish her memory five beloved children, Tangela M. Jones and husband Tim of Wilmington, NC; Prusann D. Webb and husband Johnathan of Lake Waccamaw, NC; Lyndia D. Johnson and husband Garry of St. Pauls, NC; Sh*tan D. Jones and husband Kenny of St. Pauls, NC; and Allen W. McDuffie Jr. “Peedad” and wife Ashley of Autryville, NC.

She was blessed with 20 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her brother, Mitchell L. “Chocolate” Locklear and wife Paula of Shannon, NC; her sister, Juanita Jones of Stedman, NC; and a childhood best friend who later became her sister-in-law, Velma Locklear, who held a special place in her heart; a special nephew, Shane Locklear (Stephanie) and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Cathy was a wonderful, loving Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a devoted lady of faith. She married the love of her life, and together they built a big, beautiful family. She was a homemaker and truly the best at it.

Cathy loved flowers, especially daisies, her favorite, and she loved flamingos. In recent years she developed a passion and talent for drawing and painting through Jesus. Her later in life disabilities did not stop her capabilities which was captured in her drawings. She loved Jesus and reminded us daily about his love and what he done for her.

Her grandchildren include Isabella (Korey) Deese, Austin Webb, Donavon Jones, Kaitlyn (Austin) Smith, Jaycob Jones, Makayla Webb, Payton Jones, Chuck Jones, K.J. Jones, Autumn (Lavarr) Jones, Cierra Jones, Jazmyne Johnson, Jonah Webb, Jolee Jones, Josh McDuffie, Paul Johnson, Olivia McDuffie, Paisley Johnson, Willow Jones, Tobias Jones, Sadie Lee, Colson Webb, Stella Deese, and Maverick Jones.

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11/03/2025

Charles Steven Lopez

The Lord blessed this world with the birth of Charles Steven Lopez on November 11, 1959. He was born to Baltazar and Ariel Lopez in St. Paul, Minnesota. Known to friends and family as simply Steve or Chief, he blessed those around him with a warm smile, a generous heart, and a quiet strength that steadied others. He never missed a chance to show kindness or lend a hand. His faith in Jesus guided the way he lived and how he loved. He was a kind and adventurous soul who made his earthly journey worthwhile. Steve was compassionate about what and who he loved. He loved adventure and chased happiness. He loved hard and was dedicated to his wife, family and career. Steve was hard-working, loyal, faithful, kind, loving and admired by many. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help those in need. His dry sense of humor and love of laughter entertained everyone. He loved making others smile.

Most importantly, Steve was a man of honor. He was loved and respected by everyone blessed to call him friend. His Australian family friend says "Steve was one in a million." He was a husband, step-father, grandfather, son, uncle, brother-in-law, friend, co-worker and a hero. He was so many things rolled into one and he touched the lives of so many. If you knew him, you were blessed. Steve's light shone bright his entire life and it never dimmed. He gave his all in everything he did whether in his professional life or in his home life,

Steve was cherished and loved. Steve joined the Army as a young man and served in the 7th Group Special Forces and Ist Ranger Battalion. He honorably served his country and dedicated his life for the freedom of others. This career path brought him to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he met the love of his life, Sheree Beck, in 1989. It was a match made in Heaven and they later married. He became a father figure to his stepson, Nunzio and became an essential part of their lives, as well as in the lives of the many nieces and nephews he gained when he married Sheree,

After his career in the military ended, Steve joined the Hope Mills Fire Department where he served humbly for 31 years and 31 days before retiring in 2024. While with the HMFD, Steve served in many roles-from entry-level firefighter to Chief and was honored to serve his community. After earning his Master's degree in Fire Science, he went on to teach Fire Science at the NC Fire Science Academy. Steve, a certified Public Safety dive instructor, served on the NC OSHA Advisory Board of Public Safety Divers and twice-served as President of the NC Public Safety Divers Association. He was also Special Operations Team Leader for Search, Rescue and Recovery. He had a passion for serving and helping others.

In his spare time, Steve loved to work around the house and made his and Sheree's home a beautiful showcase of which he was very proud. He found satisfaction in doing yard work, maintaining the family pool, lifting weights, listening to music and walking his fur babies, Heidi Mae and Luna. Steve and Sheree enjoyed traveling, dining out, and sitting on the patio watching and feeding the birds and squirrels. An avid book lover and reader, he often spent time reading books to his loving wife of 36 years.

Steve was a brother to many and those established friendships became family. He enjoyed spending time with all of his veteran friends and fire brothers-oh the stories they could tell. The Lord called Steve home on November 2, 2025 at the age of 65 years. Steve leaves behind his loving wife Sheree, his stepson Nunzio and his grandchildren, Kynley Rose and Greyson Accetturo, family, friends and a community that he loved and that loved him dearly--a legacy that will live on forever and never be forgotten. Though the light of his presence has dimmed here on earth, we take comfort in knowing that it now shines brighter than ever in Heaven.

"Let your light so shine..." Matthew 5:16

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10/25/2025

Betty Arnette Tart

Betty Arnette Tart, born on August 14, 1939, entered into eternal rest surrounded by the love of her family. She was the daughter of the late William Clyde Arnette, Sr. and Velna Hall Arnette.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, William Clyde Arnette, Jr. and Wilbur Nash Arnette, and her son, David Clyde Tart.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Betty Carolyn Tart; her sisters, Dorothy Arnette Moore and Evelyn Arnette Walters; and a host of nieces and nephews who will forever cherish her memory.

Betty was a devoted member of West Fayetteville Baptist Church, where her faith and kindness touched many lives. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her love for family, and the joy she brought to everyone who knew her.

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10/22/2025

Jonny Crawford Joyner

Jonny Crawford Joyner of Wilson, NC, formerly of Lumberton, NC, passed away quietly on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 80 years of age. Jonny was born in Danville, KY on June 3, 1945, the daughter of LTC William Ashurst and Mary Mildred Hood Crawford.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Richard Douglas Crawford, and her husband of 34 years Jessie Lee Joyner.

She is survived by her son William Thomas Cox II; her daughter Kelli Cox Davis; her son Daniel Carter Cox (Margaret Morrison Cox); and son Brian Michael Bersson (Yuvonda Smith Bersson). She is also survived by ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Jonny grew up in numerous locations and was well-traveled as the daughter of a career Air Force Officer. She lived in Kentucky, Texas, Maine, New York, Kansas, Georgia, and Germany in her formative years until finally settling down in North Carolina.

Her greatest joy in life was her family, who always felt at home wherever she was. She cared deeply for her friends and was always ready to lend a helping hand. With a quick wit and a sharp sense of humor, she could brighten any conversation. Strong-willed and determined, she faced life’s challenges with unwavering perseverance. Yet beneath her strength was a generous heart—one that gave freely of her time and resources to those in need.

Her legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

The family would like to express their great gratitude to the staff and nurses at Harmony Park at Wilson, Wilson Medical Center, UNC Hospital, and Hospice of Wilson for their care and comfort in the time preceding her death.

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10/14/2025

Conrado Fortunato Gaspar

El Sr. Conrado Fortunato Gaspar, de 45 años, de Lumber Bridge, Carolina del Norte, falleció el sábado 11 de octubre de 2025 en el Hospital UNC en Chapel Hill.

Nació el 27 de abril de 1980 en Guerrero, México, hijo de Marcelino Fortunato y Celia Gaspar.

Conrado trabajó en la construcción y era conocido por su arduo trabajo, dedicación y amor por su familia.

Además de sus padres, Conrado deja en duelo a su amada esposa, Leonor Ramírez Santos; un hijo, Silverio Fortunato; cinco hijas, Rebeca Fortunato, Liliana Fortunato, María Fortunato, Débora Fortunato y Anahí Fortunato; dos hermanos, José Fortunato y Luis Fortunato; y tres hermanas, Georgina Fortunato, Olivia Fortunato y Rosalía Fortunato.

Conrado será profundamente extrañado por su familia y amigos, quienes lo conocían por su espíritu amable y devoción hacia sus seres queridos.

Los arreglos finales están a cargo de McNeill Legacy Funeral Home de St. Pauls, Carolina del Norte.

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Mr. Conrado Fortunato Gaspar, age 45, of Lumber Bridge, North Carolina, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill. He was born on April 27, 1980, in Guerrero, Mexico, to Marcelino Fortunato and Celia Gaspar.

Conrado worked in construction and was known for his hard work, dedication, and love for his family.

In addition to his parents, Conrado is survived by his loving wife, Leonor Ramírez Santos; one son, Silverio Fortunato; five daughters, Rebeca Fortunato, Liliana Fortunato, María Fortunato, Débora Fortunato, and Anahi Fortunato; two brothers, José Fortunato and Luis Fortunato; and three sisters, Georgina Fortunato, Olivia Fortunato, and Rosalia Fortunato.

Conrado will be deeply missed by his family and friends who knew him for his kind spirit and devotion to those he loved.

Final arrangements are entrusted to McNeill Legacy Funeral Home of St. Pauls, North Carolina.

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10/13/2025

Jimmy Lee Usher, Jr.

Jimmy Lee Usher, Jr., 37 years young, of St. Pauls, NC, was born on March 20, 1988, and entered into Heaven’s gates on October 12, 2025, at Cape Fear Valley Hospital, following his battle with cancer.

Jimmy was a 2006 graduate of St. Pauls High School. He worked as a diesel technician for 16 years with Mountaire Farms. He later pursued a career as a truck driver for Southeastern Freight until his cancer diagnosis.

Jimmy was a lover of life who enjoyed traveling and exploring new places. His favorite pastime was riding his motorcycle and taking to the open road. One of his most memorable trips was through the mountains of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky, where he visited the Noah’s Ark Museum and completed The Dragon Trail.

If you knew Jimmy, you knew he was the life of the party and a jokester who never met a stranger. He loved people and found joy in making others smile and laugh, even through his illness.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Cathy and Jimmy Usher, and a nephew, Aaron Owens.

He is survived by his sisters, Stephanie (Charles) Justice of St. Pauls, Miranda Usher of the home, and Elizabeth “Betsy” Owens of Lumberton; niece, Maya Justice; nephew, Cole Owens; aunts, Faye (Don) Tedder of Clemmons, Annette Budd of Fayetteville, Barbara Locklear, Vivian Bailey (Danny), Sylvia Edwards (Dean), and Gail Dowless (Junior), and Kim Britt all of St. Pauls; uncles, Ben Usher (Patricia), C.W. Polston (Barbara Jean) of St. Pauls, and Wayne Polston (Twania) of Pembroke.

He also leaves behind a very special friend, Justin Monroe of St. Pauls, who was like a brother to him; numerous family and friends; his pet Great Dane, Lucas; and his little Yorkie, niece Gracie.

Jimmy will be remembered for his kind heart, his humor, and his ability to bring light to every room he entered.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Pastor Dr. David Hodge, Calvary Cornerstone Holiness Church, Cape Fear Valley Cancer Center, Cape Fear Valley 5th Floor South (Oncology, Hematology, and Palliative Care), Crystal Weindel Monroe, and Natalia Weindel.

“Victory is mine!”

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

God bless all!

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10/03/2025

Meet Our Office Assistant, Kim Carroll
Kim is a lifelong resident of St. Pauls and is married to Anthony Carroll. She has been a valued member of our funeral home staff since 2019. Kim is dedicated to going the extra mile to ensure every family feels comfortable and supported in every possible way. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Kim or any of our staff at 910-865-4105.

10/01/2025

A little freshening up for fall.

09/29/2025

Mary Leigh Inman

Mary Leigh Inman, age 80, of St. Pauls, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, at Woodhaven Nursing Home in Lumberton, NC.

Mary Leigh was born on June 11, 1945, to the late Hammie Howell Inman and Ruby Mary Kinlaw. A lifelong resident of the St. Pauls area, she was a devoted mother and a hardworking, kind, and compassionate woman. She will be remembered for the deep love she shared with her family, her gentle spirit, and the strength she carried through life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson B.J. Tyler; her brothers Harvey Inman Sr., Eddie Inman, Albert Inman, Woodrow Inman, Nathan Inman, H.H. Inman, and infant Robert Inman; and her sisters, infant Elizabeth Inman, Ruby Dawson, Betty Madge Pate, and Lessie Thompson.

She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Robert J. Ivey Jr. (Sherlean) of St. Pauls and Terry Lawrence Ivey of St. Pauls; two daughters, P. Diane Dawson (Tony) of St. Pauls and Sheila T. Ivey (Bobby Monroe) of Dunn, NC.

She is also survived by two brothers, Nathan Davis of Hope Mills and Danny Inman of Southport; and two sisters, Susie Connors of Kernersville and Ann Pate of Lumberton, NC

Mary Leigh was a proud grandmother to eleven grandchildren: Trey Ivey, Joseph Ivey, Lesleigh Ivey Norton, Austin Ivey, Mary-Kaitlyn Ivey, Crystal Ivey, Jonathan Tyler, Coty Dawson, Brittany Jenkins, Heather Allen, and J.C. Norris — and a great-grandmother to fifteen beloved great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a host of other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

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09/25/2025

Nora James Davis

Nora James Davis, age 76, of Fayetteville, passed away on September 23, 2025, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC. She was born December 17, 1948, in New Hanover County, to the late Harry L. James and Minnie E. James.

Nora was preceded in death by her parents and her twin brother, Harry Winfield James.

She is survived by her children: son Jamie Davis of Albemarle, North Carolina; daughter Karen Lyons and husband John of Townsend, Georgia; and her grandson Austin Jackson of Autryville. She also leaves behind a host of other relatives and friends who will cherish her memory.

Nora was a devoted attendee of Cape Fear Baptist Church. For many years, she served her community by caring for children in the afterschool program, and in more recent years helped care for elderly and community members. Her kindness, service, and love will be sorely missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

Services will be held at a later date.

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