Obituaries

Pauline Ferrell Pope

Pauline Ferrell Pope

Sep 20, 2025

Pauline Ferrell Pope passed away Saturday, September 20, 2025.  Arrangements are still pending. 

Michael Bertis Deans

Michael Bertis Deans

Sep 17, 2025

Michael Bertis Deans, born January 1, 1958, passed away leaving behind a legacy of strength, laughter, and creativity.

A Wilson County native, Mike grew up on a tobacco farm where his lifelong passion for archaeology began. He spent nearly 50 years hunting arrowheads, worked 30 years at Firestone, and later helped carry on his mother’s antique business. A talented artist, a...

Barbara Davis Herring

Barbara Davis Herring

Sep 16, 2025

Barbara D. Herring, 90, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, with her daughter-in-law by her side. Born on November 8, 1934, Barbara lived a life centered around her deep love for family and dedication to caring for others.

Barbara was a Licensed Practical Nurse who devoted her professional life to providing compassionate care to patients and their families. Her nursing...

Franklin Dine Stayanoff

Franklin Dine Stayanoff

Sep 15, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Franklin Dine Stayanoff. Franklin passed away 9/15/2025, leaving behind cherished memories and a lasting legacy among family and friends.

Born on February 14, 1949, in Columbus, Ohio, Frank grew up loving to ride snow mobiles and fishing on Lake Erie. After meeting Jude, they enjoyed exploring caves and scuba diving...

Charles Wayne Pierce, Jr.

Charles Wayne Pierce, Jr.

Sep 15, 2025

Charles Wayne Pierce, Jr., 63, of Elm City passed away Monday, September 15, 2025. The family will have a special gathering of friends and family on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 12 – 2 p.m. at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson.

Wayne was a graduate of UNC and he was an avid fan of the Tarheels with this...

Allen Wayne Gardner

Allen Wayne Gardner

Sep 14, 2025

Allen Wayne Gardner, 76, of Wilson passed away Sunday, September 14, 2025. A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday in Ferrell Family Cemetery, Morningside Road, Black Creek. Briann will officiate the service.  

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, September 17, 2025 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Joyner's Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson.

Wayne was...

Mary Frances Stallings Boykin

Mary Frances Stallings Boykin

Sep 14, 2025

Mary Frances Stallings Boykin, 73, of Bailey, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2025.

Visitation will be Wednesday, September 17th, from 10 – 10:45 a.m. at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Pkwy, Wilson, NC. Funeral services will be in the chapel at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 2800 Nash St N, Wilson, NC.

She is survived by...

Buck David McKeel

Buck David McKeel

Sep 13, 2025

Buck David McKeel, 80, of Wilson, passed away Saturday, September 13, 2025, surrounded by his family and friends.

Mr. McKeel grew up in Greene County, and was a regular at the Wilson County Senior Center and the Wilson Moose Lodge, where he played pool with his buddies. He had many hobbies and interests, but his favorites were watching Gunsmoke, gardening with...

Phillip Earl Pearson

Phillip Earl Pearson

Sep 13, 2025



Phillip Earl Pearson

July 21, 1947 – September 13, 2025

Phillip Earl Pearson, 78 of Bailey, passed away Saturday, September 13, 2025.

Mr. Pearson was a Class of 1965 graduate of Rock Ridge High School, and a 1967 graduate of Wayne Technical Community College where he obtained his education in electronics. He worked for many years in his field with IBM and BB&T.

He...

Donald Ray Barnes

Donald Ray Barnes

Sep 11, 2025

Donald Ray Barnes, 45, of Bailey passed away Thursday, September 11, 2025. A special gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday evening, September 18, 2025, from 5 – 6:30 p.m. at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson.

Donald is survived by his daughter, Jessica Coley; granddaughter, Lillian Coley; grandson, Caleb Coley; sister, Teresa Adkins McKeel; brothers, Thomas...

Frances Ann Eubanks Nowell

Frances Ann Eubanks Nowell

Sep 9, 2025

Frances Ann Eubanks Nowell, 87 of Wilson passed away Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2615 Tilghman Road, Wilson. Bishop Matthew Criswell will officiate.

Frances is survived by her daughters, Maurine McQueen Nowell Brown and husband, Greg of Zebulon, and Anna Jane...

Wilbur Cooper Davis

Wilbur Cooper Davis

Sep 8, 2025

Wilbur Cooper Davis, Sr. age 95, passed away Monday, September 8, 2025.

Wilbur was born November 23, 1929, alongside the mighty Mississippi River, in the town of Mayersville, in Issaquena County, Mississippi to Charlie Cagle Davis, Sr. and Velma Janie Cooper Davis. They soon moved back to family land near the Town of Louisville in Winston County, Mississippi, where he attended...

Willard Elden "Elton" Rutledge

Willard Elden "Elton" Rutledge

Sep 7, 2025

Willard Elden “Elton” Rutledge, age 82, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Elton was born on February 3, 1943, in Wayne County, North Carolina, to the late Richard Rutledge and Irene Corbett Davis. He was also preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Henry and Florence Corbett.

A faithful member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Elton had a deep love...

William "Bill" Edward Lewis

William "Bill" Edward Lewis

Sep 5, 2025

William “Bill” Edward Lewis, 73, of Wilson passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025. A visitation and gathering for friends and family will be held Wednesday September 10, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson to celebrate his life. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery will be held at a later time.

Bill enjoyed a good conversation...

James Earl Wilson

James Earl Wilson

Sep 4, 2025

James “EARL” Wilson, age 76 of Black Creek, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends Thursday, September 4, 2025. Most people know Earl from his days at The Creamery Family Restaurant, where he began working in high school, then managed and eventually co-owned with his partner, Ray Raper. He was there for over forty years, and they sold the...

Harold Lee Patterson

Harold Lee Patterson

Sep 4, 2025

Harold Lee Patterson, affectionately known to many as “Muscles”, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025. He retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad Company after thirty-five years of dedicated service. Harold found joy in golfing, cheering for the UNC Tarheels, and selflessly doing for others. He cherished gatherings with family and friends, often delighting them with his delicious desserts, especially his...

Barbara Ann Evan Pope Wells

Barbara Ann Evan Pope Wells

Sep 2, 2025

Barbara Ann Evan Pope Wells, 79 of Wilson left this earthly home to be with her heavenly father and family on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson. Interment will follow in Black Creek Town Cemetery, Black Creek. Pastor Joe Shakour will...

William "Bill" Iverson Skinner, IV

William "Bill" Iverson Skinner, IV

Sep 1, 2025

William “Bill” Iverson Skinner, IV, 67 of Wilson passed away Monday, September 1, 2025. A private gathering for family and friends will be held to celebrate his life.

Bill was an avid Carolina fan of the basketball and football teams.

Bill is survived by his sister, Mary Margaret Cederberg and husband, Steve; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members and his...

Holly Regina Frost

Holly Regina Frost

Aug 29, 2025

Ms. Holly Regina Frost, 71 of Nashville, passed away Friday, August 29, 2025.

Ms. Frost will be remembered by her family and friends as a hard working and very loving mother, whom was a “straight gangster” just like her mother.

No public services will be held at this time.

She is survived by her sons, Michael Plumlee and Thomas Millage; daughter, Sarah Harden...

Judith Irwin

Judith Irwin

Aug 28, 2025

Judith “Judy” Irwin, 85, of Wilson, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 4 p.m. at Bible Missionary Church, 2833 Tilghman Road, Wilson. Pastor Matt Roman and Pastor David Barnes will officiate.

Judy was born on June 26, 1940, in Stoughton, Massachusetts. Two of her...