Our thoughts are with the bereaved families at this time. Please feel free to send in stories, service information, or fundraisers to ColumbusDaily@hotmail.com or 1528 Old U.S. HWY 74 Chadbourn NC, 28431
Jimmy “Pete” Best
Jimmy “Pete” Levon Best, of Rigelwood NC, passed away February 24, 2025. He was born to the late William Paul Best and Mary Louise Todd Best .
He is survived by his wife, Elaine Inman Best; children, Mallory Hope Best, Vallory Best Simmons (Skye J Simmons), Jimmy Levon Best Jr., Courtney Wise, Emily Wise, Thomas Reynolds, Ryan Best, Kristin Moore (Arthur); brother, Ray Best(Tammie); sister, Diane Phillips; grandchildren, Nathaniel Best, Isabella Best, Zachary Ward Jr., Hunter Simmons, Luke Simmons
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Kitty Tall.
His graveside funeral service will be held Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 2:00pm at Weyman Cemetery located at 5692 Old Stage Rd Riegelwood NC 28456 with the Rev. Mark Player and Rev. Ryan Everette officiating.
His family will receive friends Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Peacock Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made at http://www.peacockfuneralhome.net.
Patricia “Patty” Ann Mercer
Patricia Ann Grice Mercer, 73, of Chadbourn, NC passed away Friday, February 21, 2025, at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. She was born April 26,1951, in Columbus County, NC to the late Liston and Janet Grice.
She is survived by her loving husband, Ronnie Elroy Mercer of the home; her treasured daughter; Nicole Hopkins (Geoffrey) of Chadbourn; her precious granddaughter Isabella Hopkins of Chapel Hill; two faithful sisters, Jean Merritt (Greg) of Whiteville and Becky Herring of Whiteville; a brother Jimmy Grice of Leland; her best friend and sister-in-law, Diana Collins of the home; three nephews, Jamie Grice (Tabitha) of Whiteville, Micah Merritt (LeighAnn) of Whiteville, Mason Merritt (Allison) of Whiteville; three nieces, the late Shannon Collins of Little River, SC, Miranda Bereza of Holly Springs, Lindsey Willis of Whiteville; eight great nephews and nieces, Carmin Ray, Bryanna Dadush, Sebastian Grice, Nathan Merritt, Samuel Merritt, Della Willis, Cassia Bereza, Camilla Bereza and Maverick Merritt.
Her meek, loving, compassionate spirit was made known to all who knew her. She delighted in the Lord and committed her ways to Him, trusting his guidance in Her life. From early childhood her Christian faith began at Trinity Baptist Church where she attended for over 50 years. She continued her life of Christian service to the Lord at New Hope Baptist Church. She lovingly served children in various ministries including missions, being a Sunday School teacher, and any other capacity needed in ministering to children.
She dedicated a career with the United States Postal Service as a Rural Letter Carrier, and also enjoyed a career as a cosmetologist alongside her sister-in-law Diana for many years. Patty’s legacy is one of love, humor, faith, and selfless service. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. All who knew her will deeply miss her warmth, dry-sense of humor and compassion.
While we grieve her absence, we rejoice that she is at peace in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she trusted with every moment of her life and through her final breath. Her steadfast faith and trust in Jesus shines as a beacon of light that others might also find their way to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Services will be held Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 3:00pm at New Hope Baptist Church with Rev. David Butler and Dr. Nelson Eddy Bunton officiating. Her family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Online condolences may be made at http://www.peacockfuneralhome.net
Doris Biddix
Doris Ann Richardson Biddix, 86, of Whiteville, NC died February 20, 2025.
She was born in Columbus County to Ervin Thomas Richardson and Edith Ray Richardson Evans. Doris graduated from Nakina High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Flora McDonald College in 1960. She taught school for twenty-eight years in Hoke and Columbus Counties. Doris was a member of Pleasant Plains Baptist Church for more than sixty years.
Doris was married to James Carl Biddix, who preceded her in death along with her parents, grandchild, Anna Chayce Powell, sister, Mary Elizabeth “Bess” Richardson Shackelford Williamson, brother John Gilbert Richardson, and niece, Regina Shackelford McDowell.
Doris is survived by her daughters, Karlanna Biddix Twisdale, son-in-law, Hal, Robin Biddix Powell, son-in-law Donnie, grandson, Patrick Twisdale and his wife, Cassandra “Cassie”, Sara Kenzie Powell, Joseph Powell, brother, Michael Ray Richardson, many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank caretaker Hattie S. Bellamy for her compassion and care during these last few years of Doris’s life.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, February 28, 2025 at Pleasant Plains Baptist Church, Whiteville, NC with Rev. Joshua Connor officiating. Interment will follow in Peacock’s Columbus Memorial Park.
Visitation will be at the church at 1:00 pm prior to her service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pleasant Plains Baptist Church, 31 Pleasant Plains Church Road, Whiteville, NC 28472 or Ronald McDonald House Charities-Eastern NC, 529 Moye Blvd, Greenville, NC 27834.
Online condolences may be made at http://www.peacockfuneralhome.net
William Jacobs
William Floyd Jacobs “Jackie Boy” was born February 19, 1944 in Columbus County to the late Jolly Jacobs and Easter Rose Jacobs. He departed this life on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the age of 81 years old.
Jack graduated from the Waccamaw High School in Buckhead and began his career in construction at an early age. He was a hard worker and believed in doing a job right. Later in his career, he transitioned to construction and became a certified welder. Jack took pride in his work and obtained many certifications throughout his career as a welder.
When he wasn’t working, Jack loved spending time with his family. His love for them was evident and he enjoyed taking time to teach the young men in his family the skills he had learned throughout his life. Jack also enjoyed a good day of hunting or fishing with family and friends. He spent a lot of time working with his hunting dogs, training them and perfecting their skills. When he wasn’t hunting or fishing, you could find him tending horses or racing them.
On February 14, 2025, Jack made the greatest decision of his life when he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He was baptized on his sick bed by Elder Michael Jacobs. On his birthday, this past Wednesday, he received an amazing birthday gift as God called him home to glory.
Jack leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Jeannette Hunt Jacobs; daughter, Vedena Crowningshield (husband Dan) of Wilmington; two step-children, Cindy Hunt of Florida, and Dale Hunt of Robeson County; grandson, Shawn Patrick of Currie; two great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bruce Jacobs and Terry Jacobs (wife Paula) both of Buckhead; two sisters, Louise Patrick of Buckhead, and Betty Rose Dolce of Lake Waccamaw; two special friends, Lois Ann Baldwin Smith and Kenny Beatty; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dean Jacobs; and nephew Ronald Floyd Jacobs.
His funeral service will be held Monday February 24, 2025 at 2:00pm Mt. Sinai Holiness Church with the Rev. Michael Jacobs officiating.
His family will receive friends one hour prior to his service at the church.
Online condolences may be made at http://www.peacockfuneralhome.net
Kelvin McDowell
FAR ROCKAWAY, NY—Kelvin McDowell, 63, of Far Rockaway, NY, died Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in Atlantic City, NJ.
The funeral will be 11:00 AM Saturday, March 1, at Peoples Funeral Chapel by Rev. Thomas Southerland. Burial will be in the Mount Tabor Memorial Gardens.
Viewing will be at the chapel Saturday one hour prior to the service.
Surviving are his wife, Carole Harris McDowell; children, Kelvin J. McDowell of Charlotte, NC, Keith McDowell and Kelsey McDowell of Bronx, NY.
Margaret Jane Rickman
Margaret Jane Armstrong Rickman, age 82, of Whiteville, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Columbus Regional Health Care. Margaret was born on March 25, 1942 in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Wilbur Hilderbrand and Margaret Costello Hilderbrand. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by two sisters; Ruth Hilderbrand and Mary Stevens.
Margaret worked as manager of the NeuroDiagnostic Department at the Riverside Methodist Hospital for 36 years.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband; Charles William Rickman of the home, two daughters; Margie McClure of Cardington, Ohio and Laurie Henning of Columbus, Ohio, one son; Robert William Rickman of Dublin, Ohio, 6 Grandchildren and several Great Grandchildren.
No services are scheduled at this time.
McKenzie Mortuary, 112 Jefferson Street, Whiteville, NC is serving the Rickman family.
Larcene (Smith) Brown
Mrs. Larcene Smith Brown 85, of Whiteville, NC, gave the Lord her hand and entered eternal rest on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington, NC. She was the daughter of the late Mr. Waymon Smith and Mrs. Lola Jackson Smith of Whiteville, NC.
A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 1:00 pm from Brunswick- Waccamaw Missionary Baptist Association, 600 Pine Log Road, Whiteville, NC with Bishop Fredrick Murray eulogizing. Burial will follow in the Campground Cemetery.
Mrs. Brown is survived by her children: Dennis Rhodes, Tony Rhodes, Kimberly Williams, Wanda Pollard, Annie Royster, Katrina Adams, Ethel Ashley, Anthony Brown, and Jerome Brown, a host of grandchildren and great grands, her sisters: Hannah Monroe, Lorena Hope, Evelyn Perkins, and Peggy Corrothers, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.
A viewing will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 2 to 6 pm in the Smith Funeral Home Chapel and again on Saturday at the church one hour prior to the service.
Friends may visit the family at the home of Mrs. Kimberly Williams at 8598 Haynes Lennon Hwy, Evergreen, NC.
A service of Smith Funeral Home, Inc., of Whiteville, NC.
Doris “Dee” (Parker) Long
Doris Ellen Parker Long of Loris, SC, lovingly known as “Dee”, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the Lower Cape Fear Angel House in Whiteville, NC; she was 68 years old.
Dee was born on July 1, 1956. She is preceded in death by her father, the late James Henry Parker.
Memorial services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Loris First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Reverend Dr. Tim Osment officiating.
The surviving family includes her husband, Gary Duncan Long of Loris; son, Timothy Tyler (Maria) of Rocky Point; daughter, Stephanie Byrd (Chris) of Pink Hill; her mother, Sally Ann Drew Parker; sister, Bernice Jackson (Scott) of Jefferson, GA; grandchildren, Braxton Byrd, Bailey Byrd, and Lizzie Tyler.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Angel House Hospice Care Center – Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. (206 Warrior Trail, Whiteville, NC 28472)
Phillip Auty Allen
Phillip Auty Allen, 72, of Little River and formerly of Chadbourn, died on Monday, February 24, 20245 at McLeod Seacoast Hospital in Little River, SC.
Phillip was born on February 17, 1953, the son of the late Wilbur Allen and Rachel Christine Boswell Allen. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Bill Allen and Richard Allen.
Services are incomplete at this time.
The surviving family include his loving wife, Geneva Lee Norris Allen of the home; daughter, Sara “Stormi” Johnston (Brandon) of Charleston, SC; siblings, Patricia Allen Hilburn (Lamar) of Fair Bluff; grandchildren, Joshua Allen Johnson, Wyatt Brendan Johnston, Connor Alexander Johnston.
Jerry Dean Gore
Jerry Dean Gore, 59, of Lake Waccamaw, went to be with his heavenly Father on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare “Angel House” in Whiteville.
Funeral services with Fireman honors will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Worthington Funeral Home, with burial to follow in the Chadbourn Memorial Cemetery; Dr. Dave Heller will officiate the services.
Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening at Worthington Funeral Home.
He was the son of the late JW “Jake” Gore and Linda Gaye Garvary Gore. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Pamela Gaye Taylor.
Jerry began his career at the Whiteville Fire Department in 1985 and later at the Brunswick Fire Department in 1986, retiring as the Chief in 2009 due to health complications. Jerry was also employed at Whiteville Plywood for many years.
Jerry is survived by a daughter, Cynthia Hope Hilburn (Leroy) of Hallsboro, a son, Jerry D. Gore, Jr. (Brittany) of Elizabethtown; two brothers, Douglas Wayne Jackson (Carolyn) of Whiteville and Jeffery Wade Gore (Linda) of Cerro Gordo; grandchildren, Courtney Hilburn, Joanna Welch, Alanna Alsept, Jana Gore, and Nathan Hilburn.
Timothy Hal Beck
Timothy Hal Beck, 57, of Nakina, died on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at his home.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents, William Jack Beck & Janice Long Beck-Davis and an infant brother, Gerald.
A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at the Cribb-Long Family Cemetery (605 Avery Ward Road, Nakina, NC). Pastor Buddy Seay will officiate.
Surviving family Includes his wife, Jeannie Beck of the home; son, Cody Beck and his wife, Caitlyn Beck, of Nakina; step-father, Wilton I. Davis, Sr. of Nakina; host of loving cousins and friends.
William Rocky Todd
William Rocky Todd, 78, of the Union Valley community of Whiteville, went home to be with the Lord late Monday evening, February 17, 2025, at his residence.
Rocky was born on December 7, 1946, the son of the late William Kelly Todd and Stella Frances Harrelson Todd. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Cathy Todd Batten, Bobby Todd, Billy Todd, Gladys Odham, Mary Frances Todd.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Union Valley Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Pastor John Beattie will officiate the service.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Thursday, at the church.
Rocky was employed by Whiteville Body Shop for over 40 years.
Rocky leaves behind his loving wife, Wanda Sellers Todd of the home; children, Cindy Todd Hammond and husband, Gary, Christopher O. Todd and wife, Faith, all of Whiteville; grandchildren, Madison Breanna Todd, William Hunter Hammond, Jonathan Logan Todd, and Jayden Ethan Todd; and one great-grandchild on the way, due in August; brothers, Terry Todd of Clarkton, and Donald Todd of Chadbourn.
J D Grainger Jr.
J D Grainger, Jr. age 78, of Tabor City, NC died Saturday, February 22, 2025, in his home.
Born in Columbus County, NC, he was the son of the late J D Grainger and Vera Nealey Grainger. He is survived by his wife, Brenda McPherson Grainger of the home, one son, Jeff Grainger of Tabor City, NC, one daughter, Amanda Martin and husband Jody of Galivants Ferry, SC. Two sisters, Shelvie O’Rourke and husband Kenny of Wilmington, NC, Alice Radewicz and husband Tom of Wilmington, NC, one granddaughter, Courtney Grainger of Tabor City, NC, one niece, Karen Radewicz, two nephews, Anthony and Adam Radewicz all of Wilmington, NC.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 2:00pm in the Myrtle Green Cemetery, Tabor City, NC.
Family will greet friends following the service in the cemetery.
Serving as pallbearer’s; Tony McPherson, Dean Nealy, AJ Hickman, Adam Radewicz, Anthony Radewicz, Michael Beasley.
A service of Inman Ward Funeral Home & Crematory of Tabor City.
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