Harold “Ben” Benson

Harold K. Benson

Chesapeake- Harold Keith ‘Benny’ Benson went home to be with the Lord on Monday, June 30, 2008.
His life was one of service to God, country, family and community. He retired from the United States Navy after 23 years of service. He served in World War II and during the Korean Conflict. Subsequently he served in Civil Service for 20 years at NARF where he was Director of Operations.
Mr. Benson was a member of Hickory United Methodist Church where he served as Lay Leader, Deacon and greeter for 8:30 worship service. He was one of the founders of the annual Good Neighbor Festival in Chesapeake.
Mr. Benson has a 21-year perfect attendance record at the Hickory Ruritan Club where he was a past-president. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, Member of Corinthian Lodge 266 and a member of the Khedive Shrine. He was a Council Representative of the Boy Scouts of America and former Commissioner of the U.S. Navy Tidewater Softball Association.
Mr. Benson is survived by his bride of 63 years, Gladys ‘Betty’ Benson, a son Keith Benson and his wife Dottie, a son, Bruce Benson and his wife, Sheila, a daughter Darla Bombard and her husband, Terry, three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, A. Oleston Benson.
Visitation will be from 4:00 to 5:30 pm on Wednesday, July 2, at Twiford Colonial Chapel, 929 S. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake. The funeral services will be held at Hickory United Methodist Church on Thursday, July 3, 2008 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Chesapeake Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Good Neighbor Festival, c/o Hickory United Methodist Church, 2708 Battlefield Blvd. S., Chesapeake, VA 23322 or the Building fund of Hickory United Methodist Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.twifordfh.com.

Mary Ellen “Mardi” Heilman

Manteo, NC

Mary Ellen ‘Mardi’ Davis Heilman, of Manteo, formerly of Westport, CT and Omaha, NE, was gathered in by the Lord’s loving arms on June 29, 2008. She was born in Kenton, OH on October 7, but grew up in Omaha, NE. She was the daughter of Mary T. and Frank K. Davis.

Mrs. Heilman came east to go to Radcliff College and Harvard Business School. She was employed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in field work to compile the Consumer Price Index. She met her future husband while they were both at Cambridge Colleges. Together they made a home and raised two children in Westport, CT. Mardi had an avid curiosity and thirst for knowledge which she instilled in her children. She enjoyed bridge, reading, cultural events and shopping.

Survivors include her husband, Paul M. Heilman, II of Belmont, CA; daughter, Maritza Jackson and husband, Wayne of Manteo, NC; son, Paul M. Heilman, III of San Mateo, CA; and a brother, John Henry Dickinson Davis and wife, Constance of Omaha, NE. She was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas K. Davis.

A memorial service will be held at Roanoke Island Presbyterian Church, Manteo, on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 7:00 pm. Memorial donations may be made to the Dare County Library Foundation, POB 1000, Manteo, NC 27954.

Twiford Colony Chapel, Manteo is assisting the family with arrangements.

Edward Henry “Ski” Smitowski

Edward Henry ‘Ski’ Smitowski, 81, of Beverly Hills, Florida, died Sunday, June 29, 2008 in Lecanto, Florida. A native of Schenectady, New York, Mr. Smitowski moved to Beverly Hill from Vallejo, VA in 1987. He was of the Catholic faith. Mr. Smitowski attended school in Schenectady and earned a degree in Criminal Justice. He was employed by the U. S. Army in Schenectady. At the age of 17 in 1943, enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served in the Pacific area during the remaining years of World War II, earning several decorations including two battle stars. Upon re-enlisting, he served in many locations throughout the world before retiring as a Chief Petty Officer in 1965. He was then employed as a Public Works foreman by the City of Yuba City, CA. until 1967 when he returned to federal service. He retired from federal civil service as Police Lieutenant and license examiner in 1986 with a total of 42 years of federal service. He was a member of Fleet Reserve Association, Navy Memorial Fund, Seabee Historical Foundations and other like organizations. He was involved with United Way for several years. He was preceded in death by his wife Carrie Marie Doxey Smitowski on July 16, 1996 and his brother-in-law, Thurman B. Shipley.

He is survived by his sister, Jean Shipley of Ocala, FL, step-sons Julian R. Bray and his wife Donna, Randy Bray and his wife Linda all of Camden, N. C. and Frank T. Bray and his wife Janice of Maple, N. C. and two nephews and one niece.

A visitation will be on Wednesday, July 2 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Fero Funeral Home in Beverly, FL.

The family will meet at Twiford Funeral Home, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City at 10:00 A.M. Saturday July 5th. A graveside funeral service will be held Saturday, July 5th at 11:00 A.M. at West Lawn Cemetery with the Rev. Mr. George Stonikinis. The William Clarence Jackson V.F.W. Post # 6060 will render military honors at the graveside.

Twiford Funeral Home, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City is assisting the Smitowski family with arrangements. You may sign the on line register at www.twifordfh.com 252-335-4395

Diana Stott

Diana Stott, 90 of Elizabeth City, NC died Sunday morning, June 29, 2008, in the Albemarle Hospital. Ms. Stott was born in England to the late James Pilkington Stott and Catherine Amy Constance DeSteiger Stott. She was the former owner/operator of Diana’s Gift Shop. Ms. Stott served in the WAAF (Women’s Auxiliary Air Force), a part of the Royal Air Force, as a Lieutenant for 6 ‘ years.

She is survived by a niece, Alison Stott of England, and her beloved cat, Mr. Butterball, of the home.

According to her wishes, she will be cremated and there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Snowflake Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 99672, Raleigh, NC 27624. Condolences may be sent to Alison Stott, 18 Harcourt Terrace, Salisbury SP27SA, Wiltshire, United Kingdom. Twiford Funeral Home, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is in charge of arrangements. To sign the online guest register, please visit www.twifordfh.com.

Kassandra Rain and Amariyah Lynn Daniels

Manns Harbor, NC

Kassandra Rain Daniels, 19 months old, died Friday June 27, 2008 in Nags Head, and her sister, Amariyah Lynn Daniels, 31 months old, died Saturday, June 28, 2008 in Norfolk, VA. Kassandra was born in Lumberton, NC and Amariyah was born in Nags Head, NC.

They were the daughters of Shawn Daniels and Amy Cooper.

Besides their parents, surviving are one brother, Kendrick Tyree Daniels; Maternal Grandparents, Gary Cooper and Michele White; and Paternal Grandparents, Charlie and Mary Johnson.

A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Free Grace Church of Christ Disciples of Christ, Manteo, with Rev. T. J. Etheridge officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Friends may join the family at the church on Wednesday prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be to the Dare County Sheriffs Office P.O. Box 1000, Manteo, NC 27954 c/o children.

Roy Evans

Roy G. Evans Sr.

Moyock, NC ‘ Roy Gerald Evans Sr., 62, died June 28, 2008. Mr. Evans was born in Norfolk to the late Bessie Powers and Orion Lenox Evans. He was a member of Northwest Baptist Church and the Portsmouth Moose Lodge. Mr. Evans was a machinist, a motorcycle enthusiast and loved working on all sorts of motorized vehicles.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Kimberly Evans of Moyock; sons, Gerald Evans and wife Tina Moyock, Bryan Evans and wife Shonda of Accomack County, and Alan Evans and wife Olivia of Grandy; brother, Melvin Evans and wife Debbie of Moyock; six grandchildren, Alexandra, Cody, Andrew, Amanda, Aaron, and A.J.
A celebration of Mr. Evans’ life will be held on Wednesday at 7:00 pm at Twiford Colonial Chapel, 929 Battlefield Blvd., S., Chesapeake, VA. The family will receive friends at the residence of Melvin and Debbie Evans. Memorial donations can be made to American Diabetes Association, 6340 Center Dr., Building 7, suite 129, Norfolk, VA 23502. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.twifordfh.com

Maude M. Grgurich

Manteo

Maude Midgett Grgurich, 92, of 943 Burnside Rd, died Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at Sentera Norfolk General Hospital after a brief illness.

Born in Salvo July 17, 1915, she was the daughter of the late Flora Jerome and Bessie Mae Midgett, and foster parents, Elroy and Julia Midgett of Waves. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 38 years, Joseph Grgurich, a brother Jerome Flora Midgett of Washington, and a sister Mary Midgett Hooper of Waves.

Her working career spanned over 70 years and included 22 years as an operator with Carolina Telephone, 23 years as a housekeeper with the The Sea Oatel in Nags Head, and over 25 years as an independent cleaning contractor with Dare County. Maude was a member of Mount Olivet United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women, and a volunteer with the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station.

She is survived by daughter Cedric Helene Grgurich and son, Joey Grgurich of Manteo, grandson Christopher Ryan Grgurich of Raleigh, granddaughter Makesha Leigh Grgurich and great granddaughter McKenna Stella Jones of Chesapeake VA; nephew James Flora Midgett of Manteo, niece Elaine Midgett Daniels of Wanchese, and many other nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be officiated by Reverend Jerry Cribb at 3:00 pm Sunday, June 29 in the Chapel at Twiford’s Funeral Home in Manteo. Visitation will be Saturday evening, June 28, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Twiford’s Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Mount Olivet United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.

Twiford Colony Chapel, Manteo is assisting the family with arrangements.

Robert L. “Bob” Hood

Robert Lee ‘Bob’ Hood, Jr., 61 of 1105 W. Main Street, Elizabeth City, NC died Friday, June 27, 2008, in Chesapeake, VA from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was born in Maryville, Missouri. Mr. Hood was the son of Robert Lee Hood, Sr. and Beatrice Carmichael Hood of Jones, Oklahoma and the husband of Sarah Elizabeth McGuire Hood. He was a 25-year veteran of the USCG, retiring as a lieutenant and presently was employed as a claims adjuster for Geico Insurance Company in Virginia Beach, VA. Mr. Hood was a member of the USCG Auxiliary.

Besides his wife and parents, Mr. Hood is survived by two sons, Robert P. ‘Bob’ Hood and wife Tomasina, of Virginia Beach, VA and Michael S. Hood and wife, Katherine, of Fredericksburg, VA; a step daughter, Victoria Broderson and husband, Matthew, of St. Augustine, FL; three sisters, Sheila Breen of Billings, MT, Melinda Goodhead of Temple, GA and Lucinda Ray of Mountain Home, ID; one brother, Steven Hood of Richmond, VT. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, July 2, 2008, at 4:00 PM in Twiford Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, by Rev. Rickie Steenstra. Burial will full military honors will be held in the National Veterans Cemetery, Quantico, VA. Twiford Funeral Home, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City is assisting the Hood family. To sign the online guest register, please visit www.twifordfh.com.

John “Lee” McPherson

John ‘Lee’ McPherson, age 74, of 855 North 343, Camden, NC, died Friday, June 27, 2008, at the Albemarle Hospital. Mr. McPherson, a native of Camden County, was the son of the late Gus Woodrow McPherson, Sr., and Etta Sawyer McPherson, and the widower of Margaret Williams McPherson. He was a retired mechanic for the City of Elizabeth City, and a U. S. Marine Veteran.

Mr. McPherson is survived by seven daughters, Vickie Wilke of Morrison, CO, Peggy Braddy of Elizabeth City, NC, Cathy Payne of Tarboro, NC, Patricia Fox of Camden, NC, Etta Jordan of South Mills, NC, Tammy McPherson of Camden, NC, and Patty Simpson of Lynchburg, VA; four sons, John ‘Chuck’ McPherson of Elizabeth City, NC, Robert ‘Skip’ McPherson of Camden, NC, ‘Little’ John McPherson and C. L. McPherson both of Springport, MI; a sister, Doris Hassell of Camden, NC; two brothers, Woodrow McPherson and Ed McPherson both of Camden, NC; twenty grandchildren; and sixteen great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 2, 2008, at 2:00 PM at Twiford Funeral Homes’ Memorial Chapel with the Rev. John Williams, III officiating. Burial will follow in New Hollywood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:30 PM and at other times at the residence. You may sign the online register at www.twifordfh.com. Twiford Funeral Homes’ Memorial Chapel, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Leonard “LC” Powers

Leonard C. Powers, Sr.

Moyock, NC- Leonard ‘LC’ Cecil Powers, Sr., 74, passed away at his residence on June 26, 2008. Mr. Powers was born in Moyock North Carolina to the late Philip ‘Tuck’ Powers and Lydia Ann Powers. He served in the United States Army. He was a member of Northwest Baptist Church and the Carpenter’s Union #613. Mr. Powers was known by family and friends as ‘LC’. He was a gregarious gentleman who never met a stranger.
Survivors include his loving wife of 49 years, Ann Thomas Powers; his daughter, Cynthia Powers Hobbs and her husband Joseph F. of Moyock, NC; his sister Lorretta Parker Lawson and her husband Allen of Vanceboro, NC; his two grandchildren, Lee Chandler Powers of Evans, Georgia and Dylan Nathanael Hobbs of Moyock, NC and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his son, Leonard Cecil Powers, Jr. and his brother Lloyd S. Parker.
The funeral services will be Tuesday, 2:00 pm at Northwest Baptist Church with Rev. Michael C. Smith and Rev. M. R. White officiating. The burial will follow at Moyock Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Twiford Colonial Chapel, 929 S. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4416 Expressway Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.twifordfh.com.