All Obituaries

Beulah G. Ballard, her life work finished and approved by both God and man, closed her eyes and relaxed in eternal sleep on Wednesday evening September 11, 2019 in Gates, North Carolina. Beulah G. Ballard was born July 25, 1926, in Gates County, North Carolina in the community of Roduco. She was the daughter of the late Burden Reverend Gatling and Nora Riddick Gatling. She is the oldest of eight children. She attended Ballard’s Grove Baptist Church School. At an early age she...

Hilda Figgs was born on February 16, 1964 to Bernice Eason and the late Allen Hunter. She peacefully entered into Eternal rest on August 15, 2019. Hilda joined Blanchard’s Grove Baptist Church at an early age and remained a member until her passing. Hilda attended and graduated from Edenton-Chowan Public Schools and attended Winston Salem State University for a brief period of time. She was employed for approximately 15 years with FedEx. She leaves to cherish her precious memories...

Shirley Ray Ballard, 61, was born on October 10, 1957 to the late John Robert Leary and Leebell Ballard Leary. She departed this life on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk, Va. Shirley was educated in the Gates County Public School system. She joined Joppa Missionary Baptist Church and served on the Usher’s Board for a period of time. She loved children and spending time with family and friends and especially the love of her life of 36 years, Mr. Ronnie...

Ms. Annie P. Dillard, 67, of Ahoskie, transitioned from this life on July 24, 2019 surrounded by her loving family.     The family will receive members of the community on Saturday July 27, 2019 from 5:00p-7:00p at the funeral home.   A celebration of life will take place on Sunday July 28, 2019 at 3:00p at the Upper Room Assembly. Gates, NC.  Ms. Dillard will be laid to rest at the White Family Cemetery in Gates, NC.

On July 23, 2019, our Heavenly Father came to the bedside of our dear Buddy and took him by the hand to lead him to his eternal home. Thurman “Buddy” Mitchell was born on July 26, 1938 in Hobbsville, North Carolina to Alfred Leroy and Lula Jane (Kee) Mitchell. Thurman completed most of his education within the Gates County Public School District. For over 30 years, Thurman was a dedicated employee at Capital Tires in Lynnbrook, NY as a tire mounter. Thurman being a lover of...

Mr. Jimmie Stallings, 69, of Brooklyn, NY (formerly of Hobbsville, NC), peacefully transitioned from this life on July 20, 2019.    The viewing and visitation for Mr. Stallings will be held on Thursday Aug. 1, 2019 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at the funeral home. Interment service will take place on  Friday Aug. 2, 2019 at 10:00am at the Stallings Family Cemetery  Hobbsville NC 

Mrs. Callistine Wilkins, 71, of Ahoskie, NC peacefully transitioned from this life on Wednesday June 12, 2019 surrounded by her loving family.     A celebration of life will take place on Saturday June 22, 2019 at 1:00pm at Calvary Baptist Church.  600 N. Catherine St. Ahoskie, NC.  Ms. Wilkins final resting place will be at Hillcrest Cemetery. 

James A. Figgs, Jr., was born on August 1, 1962 to the late James A. Figgs, Sr. and Irene R. Figgs. He peacefully entered into eternal rest on June 9, 2019. James joined St. Peters Church of Christ Disciples of Christ and remained a member until his death. He attended and graduated from Elizabeth City Public School System. His working career was with FedEx for 20 years. He thoroughly enjoyed his hobbies of his love for music, fishing and he was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan. He also enjoyed...

Larry Bagley of Gates,  peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on Friday, June 7, 2019 surrounded by his family.     Larry Darnell Bagley was born on November 14, 1958, in Suffolk, VA. He joined Lebanon Grove Baptist Church at an early age, and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. Larry attended Gates County Public School System and later served as an employee for the BASF Chemical Company and Smithfield Foods.  He was also a consummate...

Connie Jace Batchelor,  known by many as “ Connie J” was called to rest on Tuesday,  May 21, 2019 at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. Connie was born on September 26, 1936 to the late Connie Gray and Susie Battle Batchelor.  He was the oldest of nine children. He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Chavies,  three brothers, Troy Batchelor, Howard Batchelor and Josh Batchelor. Raised and educated in Halifax County, North...