http://www.MasseyFuneralHome.com/

Massey Funeral Home, 913 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC (2026)

01/06/2026

Ian Alexander Rowell, age 28, passed away on January 1st, 2026 from complex medical conditions.

He was born in Lodi, California and moved with his family to Zebulon, North Carolina in 2019. Ian was known for his sly wit, goofy faces in pictures, and twinkle in his eye. He had a deep love for nature and found peace and inspiration being outdoors. He enjoyed working with his hands and expressed his creativity through ceramics and wood working projects. Music was a central part of his life. He shared that passion through teaching as a high school music instructor and as a member of the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corp.

Ian pursued higher education and completed some course work at Delta Community College, continuing to explore personal and professional interests. He also worked at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Taco Bell where he was known for his kindness and strong work ethic.

Ian was active in his online gaming communities and will be missed by friends across the globe. Also a devoted uncle, Ian took great pride in his niece and nephew and cherished both his role and time he spent with them.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents Harry and Hazel Rowell, and Norma Weiland. He is survived by many family members: parents Scott and Michelle (Weiland) Rowell, sisters Stephanie (Rowell) and John Batchelor, Temperance Rowell, and Amy Rowell, grandfather Ken Weiland, niece Meadow Batchelor, nephew Wesley Batchelor, uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Ian will be dearly missed by all and a celebration of his life will be held on 1/9/2026 at 12 Noon at Gethsemane Memorial Park in Zebulon, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either of the following charities in the memory of Ian. (1) Adult Congenital Heart Association tribute gift https://www.achaheart.org/get-involved/donate/give-to-acha/ (2) Duke Health Heart Transplant Discretionary Fund (click search for an area and type in the Heart Transplant Discretionary Fund if it doesn’t come up automatically with the link) https://www.gifts.duke.edu/dmaa?.

www.achaheart.org

11/04/2025

In Loving Memory of Joyce W. Brewington(Armstrong)
1950-2025

It is with heavy hearts that we annouce the passing of Joyce W. Brewington(Armstrong), age 75,who departed this life on October28,2025.Born in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania,Joyce made her home in Zebulon, North Carolina, where she lived for over 42 years,building a life filled with love,laughter,and care.

A proud graduate of the Wake Technical Community College Nursing Program, joyseearned her Associate Of Science Degree in Nursing and dedicated mor than 25 years of here life as a compassiobate Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Her humor, kindness,and genuine care for her patients left a lastin markon everyone she met.

Joyce's greatest joy came from her family. She was a devoted mother to Karla Ladd,Nathan Bost,and Andrew Armstrong Jr., and a beloved grandmother to Nichoalas Bost, Keanna Almanza, and Andrew Armstrong III as well two additional cherished grandchildren. She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren, each of whom she adored deeply.

Her family will forever remember her radiant smile--especially the way it lite up whenever she was near ocean. The beach was her happy place, where her laughter was as bright as the sun on the waves.

Joyce's presence brought warmth, comfort, and joy to those who knew her humor could lift any spirit, and her love knew no bounds.

You wil be missed terribly, Mom.

10/23/2025

David Michael Bird
October 9th, 1967 – October 15th, 2025

Waterloo, NY/Kenly, NC – With heavy hearts we share the passing of David M. Bird on October 15, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. True to his nature, David didn’t let life’s bumps slow him down and he left this world surrounded by his loving daughter and family.
David is survived by his cherished daughter, Cierra D. Bird; his mother,Sylvia Bonacci; and his fiance’ Candy Temple Arrington. He also leaves behind his sisters Tina (Tim) Cahill and Melinda Marquart; niece, Christal Jensen; nephews, Michael (Andrea) Stone;, Joshua and Zachary Cahill, Maxwell and Blake
Marquart; and great-nephews, Ethan and Mason Stone. David will also and great-nephews, Ethan and Mason Stone. David will also remem bered by his son, Mykel, Candy’s family, extended relatives, and countless friends near and far.
David was predeceased by his father, John D. Bird, his grandparents, and a handful of aunts and uncles.
David spent his life as a dedicated truck drive, logging countless miles across the country, c career he truly loved. His greatest was his daughter, Cierra, and he was immensely proud of her accomplishments, especially becoming a teacher. David cherished time with family and friends and will be remembered for his humor and love of life. If given the task he could have driven coast to coast without ever stopping.
Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life in the spring to honor David’s memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

10/13/2025

Herman Wilson Eddins
July 10th, 1951 – October 4th, 2025

Zebulon - Herman Wilson Eddins was born on July 10, 1951 and passed away on October 4, 2025 at the age of 74. Wilson lived in Zebulon all his life and loved the town and its people. Wilson enjoyed nothing more than chatting it up with folks over coffee at the local stores or playing cards with his buddies.
Wilson worked as a farmer for many years alongside his family, then later he worked with Whitley Galleries and finally drove a transfer truck for Owens & Minor for several years before retirement. As part of Wilson’s passion for his community, he also volunteered his time to the Zebulon Volunteer Fire Department.
Wilson was the father of Jeff Eddins and Greg Eddins. Wilson was also the proud grandfather to Jeff’s daughters, Candace and Grace Eddins.

08/21/2025

Regis Joseph Murtha, Jr.
October 28, 1946 – August 19, 2025

Regis Joseph Murtha Jr. age 78 of Zebulon, North Carolina passed away August 19 at his home.
Born on October 28, 1946 in Long Island, New York, he is preceded in death by his parents Regis J. Murtha Sr. and Irene Murtha of New York. He is survived by his loving wife, Martha Goodwin Murtha; stepchildren Gray Hoover of Concord and Martie Creech (Tim) of Zebulon; four grandsons, Jackson, Eli, Titus, and Jude; his brothers, James P. Murtha (Kathy), and Richard Murtha of New York; and sister Ellen Reynolds (Thomas) of New Jersey, Regis, affectionately known as PaPa J, deeply loved his family.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation to care giver Reggie Yarborough and the staff of Amedisys Hospice of Franklin County.
The family will receive relatives and friends at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens Friday, August 22 at 11:30, followed by a graveside service at 1:00. The family will also receive relatives and friends at other times at the home.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Union Chapel Baptist Church of Zebulon or Meal on Wheels of Wake Co.

08/11/2025

Zebulon - Betty Marie Bunn Privette, 89, daughter of Sidney "Cracker" Glen and Thelma Long Bunn, died on August 8, 2025. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by: her husband of 59 years, Foster Wayne Privette; sisters Frances Tant, Hildreth Perry, and Barbara Earp; and brothers Shelton "Shot", Larry, Wallace, Kenneth "Buck", and Stanley "Tadpole" Bunn.

She is survived by her daughters Joyce Marie Privette and Nancy Faye Breece; sister Rebecca Bunn Blackley; grandchildren Jefferey Wayne Hunter (Elizabeth), Crystal Hunter Tant, Joe Breece III (Kelsey), and Rebecca Breece; great-grandchildren Jacob Tant, Lisa Hunter, Caleb Tant, David Hunter, Kaitlyn Hunter, and Bennett Breece; sister in laws Betty Carlyle Bunn, Margaret Carlyle Bunn,
Paula Royal Bunn and Judy Bunn.

She was a lifelong Zebulon resident and a member of the Zebulon United Methodist Church. She retired as a school cafeteria worker, where she served many children over the years.

Graveside funeral service will be held on August 12, 2025 at Gethsemene Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends at Massey Funeral Home from 10:00am -noon prior to the service.

Flowers are welcome, and contributions may be made to Zebulon United Methodist Church.

08/05/2025

Stephen James Blackley, Jr.
March 14th, 1947 – August 3rd, 2025

Zebulon – Stephen James Blackley “Jimmy” 78, son of the late Stephen and Dorothy Brake Blackley, died Sunday. Jimmy was a life-long resident of Zebulon and member of Zebulon Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife Rebecca Bunn Blackley; daughter Brittany Corriane T***s (Justin); son Stephen Brett Blackley (Nikki); step-son David Thomas Bunn (Victoria); grandchildren Emerson Bunn, Brooke Dew, Wyatt Bunn, Rowan Park, Isabella Blackley and Reese Park.
Funeral service will be held 11 am Wednesday August 6th, 2025 at Zebulon Baptist Church. Burial will be in Gethsemane Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 am in the Sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Zebulon Baptist Church, Local Missions Fund, PO Box 366, Zebulon, NC 27507.

07/15/2025

Stuart Gardner Barbour
September 20th, 1955 – July 12th, 2025

Smithfield, NC: Stuart Barbour, age 69, of Evergreen Lane died Saturday, July 12 at the SECU Hospice House of UNC Health. Visitation service will be held on Saturday, July 26 from 2 to 4 pm at the Massey Funeral Home in Zebulon, NC. The eulogy will be provided by his dear friend Allen White.
Stuart was a masterful woodworker and home builder. He shared his love of basketball with many over the years. He will be remembered as a philosopher, good friend and great brother.
Stuart was born September 20, 1955, in Wake County. He was predeceased by his mother Myrtle Clifton Kornegay, and Bill Kornegay. Surviving are his father Gardner Barbour and Leigh Barbour, and his sister and spouse, Cynthia and Charles Cashwell of Key Largo, FL; brother and spouse Greg and Vicki Barbour of Charlotte, NC; sister and nephew Jennifer and Nathan Nelson of Columbia, SC.
We ask that you remember Stuart not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and the profound impact it had on those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

06/23/2025

Della Hinton Carter
May 23rd, 1937 – June 20th, 2025

Zebulon – Della Hinton Carter, 88, died Friday. She was the daughter of the late Daisy Winstead and Marvin Hinton of Johnston County.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sherry Carter and her husband, Brantley Carter, and her sister. Sallie Laws.
Funeral service will be held 1 pm Wednesday June 25th, 2025 in the mausoleum chapel at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends beginning at 12 noon.
Surviving: her sisters Gayle Parrish of Zebulon and Joyce Shearer of Jacksonville, Florida; brothers-in-law, Eugene Carter and wife, Joyce of Raleigh and Dwight Laws of LaGrange.
The family wants to sincerely thank her caregiver, Doris Bass for her care, and devotion.

06/16/2025

Deborah Carol Lane Russell
January 3rd, 1954 – June 11th, 2025

Angier - Deborah Carol Lane Russell, age 71, passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 11, 2025. Born January 3, 1954 in Newport News, VA, to the late Carolyn (Wheeler) and Howard Lane.
A Native of Johnston County and a graduate of Smithfield-Selma Senior High School class of 1972. Deborah dedicated 25 years to NC DMV before retiring.
Deborah was a loving wife to her husband, Bob, for 53 years, a devoted mother to her two sons, Robbie and Jason and a proud grandma to her grandchildren, Rachel and Matthew.
She will be remembered for her giving nature and infectious smile. Her family and friends will forever cherish the loving memories they shared with her.
Deborah is survived by her husband, Bob; sons, Robbie Russell (wife Jennifer) and Jason Russell; grandchildren , Rachel Russell and Matthew Russell; Sisters, Terrie Ballance and Linda Brown.
A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

06/12/2025

February 11th, 1944 – June 10th, 2025

Middlesex – Zeb Vance Narron, 81, passed away on June 10th, 2025 following a fall at his home. He was born February 11th 1944 in Middlesex, NC.
He was a quiet, respectful man who always loved working on cars and gardening out in the yard. Zeb retired from the NCDMV and also from the Antioch Fire Department after over 20 years service.
Surviving: wife Shirley; son Ken Narron and two step-sons Greg and Andy; brother Harold Narron and two nephews.
The family will hold a small memorial service at 7pm on Tuesday June 17th, 2025 at his home.

05/18/2025

William Joseph Melina
July 21, 1963 – May 16, 2025

Zebulon - William "Bill" Joseph Melina, 61, of Zebulon, North Carolina, passed away on May 16, 2025 at his home surrounded by his daughters and sister Allison. Born on July 21, 1963, in Long Branch, New Jersey, he was the beloved son of the late Anthony and Mary Lee Melina. He would always share the many fond memories of his childhood growing up in New Jersey.

After attending college, Bill made North Carolina his home. It was there that he met the love of his life, Alison Strickland. They were married on March 19, 1988, and built a life together rooted in love.

Bill proudly served the Raleigh Fire Department with honor and dedication for 30 years, retiring in 2018. A proud firefighter, he found purpose in helping others and forged lifelong bonds with his colleagues. He was known for his strong work ethic, his deep commitment to helping others, and his good-natured sense of humor. A natural prankster and a deeply social person, Bill brought laughter and joy to those around him.

Above all, Bill was a devoted husband, dad, and papa. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alison Strickland Melina, with whom he shared 37 cherished years. He is survived by his daughters, Casey Melina Wiley (Willie) and Lauren Melina Hinnant (Kris); and his treasured grandchildren: Wyatt Hinnant, Walker Hinnant, Lynlee Hinnant, Sawyer Wiley, and Eliza Claire Wiley.

He had a deep love for his family and was incredibly involved in the lives of his daughters and grandchildren. In recent years the mountains of Elk Creek, VA became a place of peace and connection for Bill and his family. He cherished the time spent there with Alison, his children, and his grandchildren. He especially loved fishing with his grandkids, planting flowers and gardening, and recently working on renovating the "green house," an old home on a piece of land that he and Alison purchased at their happy place, Elk Creek, VA. — a dream project meant to bring the whole family together under one roof with plenty of space to create memories to be treasured forever.

A visitation will be held Monday, May 19, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Rocky Cross Baptist Church in Middlesex, NC. Other times the family will be at Casey and Willie’s home, 50 Pilot Ridge Dr., Zebulon, NC 27597.
Funeral services will be held at the same location on Tuesday, May 20, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a graveside service.

William will be remembered for his big heart, unwavering dedication to family, and the joy he brought to every life he touched.

Flowers welcome or donations can be made to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.

Massey Funeral Home

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