Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services

Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services God grants ordinary people to do extraordinary things! Cremations, Full Service Funerals, Memorial Services, Monuments, Markers

11/29/2025

Gladys Lucille White

Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Take a moment to realize the blessings we all have and let us be thankful for the opportu...
11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Take a moment to realize the blessings we all have and let us be thankful for the opportunities bestowed upon us.
It is an honor and privilege for us at Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremations to serve you with dignity and respect.

Grace, Peace and Love to you all.

11/22/2025

Mr. Donnie D. Nixon Jr.


November 28, 1938 November 15, 2025


We do not own the rights to any music played here today.

Mr. Donnie D. Nixon, Jr., 86, of Smithfield, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2025, surr...
11/18/2025

Mr. Donnie D. Nixon, Jr., 86, of Smithfield, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Donnie Jr. was born on November 28, 1938, to the late Donnie Nixon, Sr. and Marie Nixon.

He was educated in the Johnston County School System and proudly graduated from Johnston County Training School (J.C.T.S.) in 1956. He went on to attend North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC.

Donnie Jr. built a lifelong career as a professional tractor-trailer driver, traveling across the United States. His journey began in the family-owned business, Nixon Bros. Transfer Company of Smithfield, NC. He later continued his career with Barnes Trucking and Cargo-Care Trucking, where he also served as an owner-operator.

A devoted family man, Donnie Jr. cherished his loved ones deeply. He was married to the late Yvonne Lewis Nixon for 63 years. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Frank Nixon.

He leaves to celebrate and honor his memory: his children, Donnie Nixon III, Tim Nixon, and Yvette Nixon; his grandchildren, Timaiya McManus, N'namdi Nixon, DaRiel Nixon, Devon Nixon, Adalyn Nixon, and Caroline Nixon; great-grandchildren Ivy McManus and Nick McManus; his brother, Keith Nixon; sister-in-law; Phebia McIver, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will continue to carry his legacy forward.

His presence, wisdom, and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Viewing: Friday November 21, 2025, Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC from 1:00 pm until 5:30 pm. The family plans to be present from 4:00 pm until 5:30 pm.

Graveside Service: Saturday November 22, 2025, at the Selma Memorial Gardens, Selma, NC starting at 12:00 noon.
www.waltersandersfuneralhome.comu

Gladys Lucille Suggs White was born on March 31, 1941, in Belmont, North Carolina, the child of Herman and Druscilla Sug...
11/18/2025

Gladys Lucille Suggs White was born on March 31, 1941, in Belmont, North Carolina, the child of Herman and Druscilla Suggs. On Friday November 14, 2025, she transitioned at UNC Memorial Hospital as her husband, Otto White, Jr. and daughter, Pamela Delta White, held her hands in prayer. She was a loving wife and mother with her sweet smile and caring heart.
In the early 1940’s, the Suggs family moved to Chapel Hill where Lucille spent her childhood. She attended Northside Elementary School and Lincoln High School. Lucille was active in basketball and in the marching band, often leading the band with flips and other acrobatic stunts. She furthered her education by attending nursing school and taking classes at Nassau Community College, Garden City, NY and Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY.
Lucille leaves many loving memories to comfort her family. She is survived by Otto, her husband of 58 years, son Ray (Cynthia) Anthony “Tony” White of Port Jefferson Station, NY and daughter Pamela Delta White, three grandchildren Cheriece (Ernest) White Fair, Brandon Green, and Chanelle Vargas, and three great-grandchildren Ernest A., Navi, and Adrianna. One sister-in-law Theresa (James) White Parmley and two brothers-in-law Stephen (Patrica) White and Robert (Barbara deceased) White. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, beloved friends, and loved ones.
Public Viewing at Walter Sanders Funeral Home, 302 S. Bright Leaf Boulevard, Smithfield, NC on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Viewing, Family Visitation, and Funeral Service at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2620 E. Weaver Street, Durham, NC 27707 on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
Viewing: 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Family Visitation: 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
Funeral Service: 12:30 PM

Interment at New Bern Memorial Cemetery, 1112 Chelsea Road, New Bern, NC 28562 on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM.

www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

11/14/2025

Ms Hazel Godwin

April 9, 1939 - November 6,, 2025


We do not own the rights to any music played here today.

11/11/2025

Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremations would like to salute all those who have served in our armed forces. We thank you and your families for your sacrifices.

Ms. Hazel Godwin began her earthly journey on April 9, 1939, in Johnston County, North Carolina, born to the late Wallac...
11/06/2025

Ms. Hazel Godwin began her earthly journey on April 9, 1939, in Johnston County, North Carolina, born to the late Wallace and Annabell Godwin. She peacefully entered eternal rest and gained her wings on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 6:02 a.m. at her residence in Selma, NC, surrounded by the love of her family.

Ms. Godwin was educated in the Johnston County School System and attended Richard B. Harrison School in Selma, NC. She was a dedicated and hardworking woman who spent many years employed with K.R. Edwards To***co Company in Smithfield, NC, and Bright Leaf & Burley in Wilson, NC. She also worked at the Nash County To***co Factory, where she was well respected by her coworkers and friends.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory two brothers, Calvin Godwin and Robert Godwin; two sisters, Carolyn Godwin and Rolinda Godwin (niece/sister); along with a host of other relatives, and friends who will forever remember her kindness, strength, and love.

Viewing: Thursday November 13, 2025, from 1:00 pm until 5:30 pm at the Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC 27577.
Funeral Services: Friday November 14, 2025, 11:30 am Bethel Ame Church 9632 NC-96, Selma, NC., viewing from 11:00 am until 11:30 am. www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Charles Stephen Russell, affectionately k...
11/06/2025

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Charles Stephen Russell, affectionately known as Steve. He departed this life peacefully at home and ascended to be with God on the evening of Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the age of 82. Steve was a proud native of North Carolina, having spent his formative years at Carolina Beach.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Joan, and his children, April and Phillip. He also leaves behind grandchildren Cooper, Aidan, Landon, and Layla, along with great-grandchildren Izzabella and Riley (Cooper). He was preceded in death by his cherished sister, Nancy, and four older brothers: John, Reid Jr., Jim, and Bill.

He was a devoted husband, a steady and caring father, and a loyal friend. His service as a Boy Scoutmaster during his seven years at the Boys and Girls Home in Lake Waccamaw, NC, exemplified his commitment to nurturing and guiding youth. He dedicated many years to route sales, delivering smiles alongside Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Wise Foods. In his later retirement, he contributed his efforts to the Smithfield Herald. Known for his affable nature, Steve never met a stranger, and his laughter radiated warmth during our happiest moments. www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

11/05/2025

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth McKoy Williams

April 6, 1927 - October 30, 2025


We do not own the rights to any music played here today.

Garland Dean Ballentine, Born January 23, 1939, to Garland and Laura G. Rodgers in Four Oaks NC. Dean, as she was most a...
11/03/2025

Garland Dean Ballentine, Born January 23, 1939, to Garland and Laura G. Rodgers in Four Oaks NC. Dean, as she was most affectionately known, was educated at The Johnston County Training School and graduated in 1957. After high school she relocated to New York City where she attended the New York School of Business where she received an associate degree. She was later employed by Teamsters union in New York for 20 years. She returned to North Carolina and was employed by North Carolina State University until retirement. She was married to late Rev. S. L Ballentine.

She was preceded in death by her parents Garland and Laura Rodgers and brothers Edward Rodgers, Glenwood Carl Rodgers, and Jarvis Rodgers

She leaves to cherish her fond and loving memories, a sister Joshlin Rodgers Williams (Rossie), brother Jeffery Rodgers (Teresa) sister-in-laws, Glenda Rodgers and Linda B. Rodgers. A special friend. Dr. Ellis Jones DMV and her “sister-cuz” Patricia C. Jones. A host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Viewing: Friday November 7, 2025, Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Chapel 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC 27577 from 2:00 pm util 4:00 pm.
Funeral Service: Saturday November 8, 2025, 2:30 pm at St. Peter Chuch of Christ DOC 1011 Massey St., Smithfield, NC 27577
viewing from 2:00 pm until 2:30 pm. www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

Georgianna Vinson O’Neal was born September 20, 1946, to the late Ernest and Lydia Watson Vinson. Affectionately known t...
11/03/2025

Georgianna Vinson O’Neal was born September 20, 1946, to the late Ernest and Lydia Watson Vinson. Affectionately known to our family as “Tiny”. She attended Richard B. Harrison School and went on to work for various companies including K.R. Edwards of Smithfield N.C. In 1966 she married James Howard O’Neal and had four children, Howard Jr. O’Neal of Smithfield, NC., Chalina O’Neal Williams (Randy) of Selma, NC., Tyrone O’Neal (Kentrell) of Raleigh, NC., and Josephine O’Neil Smith (Amos) of Atlanta, GA. She has one sister Mary Young of Reidsville, NC., seven grandchildren, a host of great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, three brother-n-laws Arthur Jr. O’Neal (Janice) of Wilson, NC., Timothy Wayne O’Neal (Ilene) of Princeton, NC., and Daniel Jr. Williams of Smithfield, NC. The family would like to acknowledge her special friend Douglas Clemmons of Wilson, NC.

Georgianna was preceded in death by her husband James Howard O’Neal, her parents Ernest and Lydia Vinson, sisters, Ora belle Ellis, Annie Williams, brothers, Rosevelt Vinson, Julius Vinson and granddaughter Zaina Vinson.

Viewing: Friday November 7, 2025, at the Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel from 1:00 - 5:00pm.
Funeral Services: Saturday November 8, 2025, at the Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel from 11:00am until 12:30 pm. www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

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302 S Bright Leaf Boulevard
Smithfield, NC
27577

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