Pat Keasey

Pat Keasey

Chesapeake ‘ The heavens rejoiced and the angels sang as Pat Keasey passed into glory on September 30, 2009 surrounded by his beloved family. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Shelly, his daughter Danna, his son-in-law Tracy, his son Mike and daughter-in-law Tina and his daughter, Lacey. He is also remembered by his grandchildren, Matthew, Tracy, Jaden, Devin and Kamryn. He will be missed by his steadfast ‘guard dogs’ Rocky and Benny.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 2:00pm at Moyock Baptist Church with Rev. Vic Ramsey officiating. Burial will follow at Lake Drummond Baptist Church cemetery.

Twifords Funeral Home, Chesapeake is handling arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.twifordfh.com.

Sylvia Santini Calderon

Sylvia Santini Calderon 91, of 906 Broomfield Trail in Elizabeth City, NC died Saturday September 26, 2009 in the Albemarle Hospital. She was born in the Bronz, NY daughter of the late Amilcare and Mrs. Ida Lazarrus Santini and she was the widow of Joseph Calderon.

She is survived by her daughter Elise Krimmel and her husband William of Elizabeth City, NC one sister Eleanor Santini of New Rochelle, NY and four grandchildren.

Mrs. Calderon is being sent from Twiford Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC to the Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park 2860 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, FL 34619. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.twifordfh.com.

Ladrick “Larry” Montgomery Rawlins

Ladrick ‘Larry’ Montgomery Rawlins of 2719 West Main Street Extended, Elizabeth City, NC died Friday, September 25, 2009 at the Albemarle Hospital. Mr. Rawlins, son of the late Wilfred Rawlins and Susan Phipps Rawlins, was born in St. Kitts, Nevis, and was a native of New York until he moved to Elizabeth City fourteen years ago. He was the husband of Virginia Shields Rawlins of the residence. He was a member of The First Baptist Church and a retired Assistant Manager for the New York Department of Transportation.

Besides his wife he is survived by a daughter, Tawanda Williams and husband Glen of Yorktown, VA; a son, Larry Rawlins and wife Claudia of New York, NY; and one grandson, Liam Rawlins.

Funeral service will be Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 11:00 AM at The First Baptist Church with the Rev. Mason Smith and the Rev. Leigh Gillis officiating. Burial will be in West Lawn Cemetery. Visitation at the funeral home will be Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The family will receive friends the residence. Twiford Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is in charge of arrangements. You may express condolences to the family by visiting www.twifordfh.com.

Ronald Lee Harrell

Ronald Lee Harrell, 66, of Old Trap, NC died Thursday, September 25, 2009 at Pungo District Hospital. Mr. Harrell, a native of Dare County, was the son of the late Alfred Joseph Harrell and parents Arthur and Inez Quidley Garrington.

Mr. Harrell is survived by a son, John Glenn Harrell of Hertford, NC; a brother, Osmond Joseph Harrell of Moycok, NC; nieces and nephews, and many good friends in the Shiloh area. He was pre-deceased by a brother David C. Harrell

A graveside memorial service will be Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 3:00 PM in West Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Clay Manos officiating.

Twiford Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is assisting the Harrell family. You may express condolences to the family by visiting www.twifordfh.com.

Gregory L. Bennett

Kill Devil Hills, NC

Gregory LeGrand Bennett

Gregory LeGrand Bennett, 57, of Colington Harbour, died peacefully at home after a brave and inspiring 3 year battle with cancer, surrounded by his family and best friends. He was born in San Antonio, Texas, the third child of the late Lt. Col. John M. Bennett and Mary LeGrand Bennett. As the son of a military officer, he grew up all over the world, including Korea and Japan, and eventually settled near Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, VA, where he graduated from Kecoughtan High School in 1969. After graduating with a BS in Corrections from East Carolina University in 1973, he was employed as a juvenile probation officer in Newport News, VA. It was in Newport News that he met and married his wife Jill.

In 1978 he changed careers and entered the world of retail management for Ski Center in Norfolk, VA. Jill soon joined him in the ski business, and in 1983 they opened Birthday Suits in Nags Head, NC. In 1984, they exited the ski business and moved permanently to the Outer Banks of NC, where together they developed Birthday Suits into a four store, nationally recognized swimwear/beachwear chain of stores. Birthday Suits was one of the first stores on the Outer Banks to sell the iconic OBX sticker, and in 1999 Greg and Jill also became partners in OBX Stock, Inc, manufacturers and distributors of the OBX logo, now recognized worldwide.

Greg was a board member of the national Board Retailers Assn and extremely generous in giving his time and energy to numerous Outer Banks charitable organizations, including the Outer Banks Marathon, Dare County Arts Council, Surfrider Foundation, Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, and Relay For Life. He touched the lives of hundreds of children as a volunteer basketball and softball coach and referee for Dare County Parks and Recreation, and as a co-coach of the 2001-2002 First Flight Middle School girls’ softball team. He attended Colington United Methodist Church. Greg was an avid surfer, skier, boater, golfer, and fisherman, and, even though he was an East Carolina Pirate, he adored UNC Tarheel basketball. He will be remembered for his dry and witty sense of humor, which remained with him through his final days.

Greg considered his most proud accomplishment to be the raising of his beloved children. He leaves behind his loving wife of 31 years, Jill Garvey Bennett, his son and daughter Dylan Gregory Bennett and Alexa Garvey Bennett, his brother and sister-in-law John Mark Bennett and Joan Putney of Richmond, VA, his sister Allison Bennett Foster of Norfolk, VA, his brothers and sisters-in-law Thomas and Patricia Crockett of Vinton, VA and William and Luanne Garvey of Sweetwater, NJ, and his nieces and nephews Kristen and Corey Bennett, Meghann and Caitlyn Foster, Kevin and Kim Crockett, and Lia and Drew Garvey. He will be sadly missed by his best friends Rick and Pam Gray of Kill Devil Hills, NC, Jim and April Vaughn of Kitty Hawk, NC, and Dave and Robin Wingfield of Williamsburg, VA, his loyal staff of Birthday Suits managers and employees and his many friends and colleagues from his 27 years in the surf industry.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Andrews By The Sea Episcopal Church, 4212 S. Virginia Dare Trail, M.P. 13 1/2, Nags Head, NC at 1:00 PM on Monday, September 28. A reception will be held immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Outer Banks Relay For Life, c/o East Carolina Bank, P.O. Box 399, Nags Head, NC 27959 ‘Memory of Greg Bennett.’

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

Joseph J. Jordan

Manteo, NC

Joseph James Jordan, 67, of Manteo, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 in an Elizabeth City hospital. Mr. Jordan was born in Scranton, PA, and was a salesman. He is the son of Elizabeth Higgins Jordan Hand and the late Joseph Jordan.

Mr. Jordan is survived by his wife, Elaine Jordan of the residence; three daughters, a son, nine grandchildren and three sisters.

The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated by Father Edward Fitzpatrick, OSFS at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Kitty Hawk, on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in the Manteo Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo on Friday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.

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

Peele William E. “Bill

Manteo, NC

William ‘Bill’ Elisha Peele, Sr., 87, of Manteo, died Tuesday, September 22, 2009.
Mr. Peele was born February 18, 1922 in Hatteras, and was the son of the late William Woodard Peele and Laurette VanDyke. He was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He retired from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers as a boat captain and the Dare County Sheriff’s Department as a dispatcher. He was a member of the Assembly of God church.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Peele was preceded in death by his sisters, Eileen Etheridge and Myrna Abbott, and his step-sisters, Matilda Gibbs, Levenia Willis and Ella McPherson.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 62 years, Arvella Willis Peele; his two sons, William Peele, Jr. and wife, Carolyn and family of Buxton, and Malcolm Peele of Buxton; his brother, Lauris Peele of Kill Devil Hills; his sister, Lila Willis and husband, Lionel of Chesapeake, VA; his grandchildren, Corrina Wescott and husband, Jamie of Manteo, and Crystal Ambrose and husband, Jeff of Manns Harbor; his great-grandchildren, Noah Wescott of Manteo, and Benjamin and Hannah Ambrose of Manns Harbor; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo on Thursday, September 24, 2009 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, at 2:00 pm with Rev. Roger Barnett officiating. The family will receive friends at the residence. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church of one’s choice.

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

Lennon Kermit Floyd

Lennon K. Floyd, Sr.
Shiloh, NC Resident

Lennon Kermit Floyd, Sr., 75, of 398 Sandy Hook Road, Shiloh, NC died Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at Albemarle Hospital. Born in Cerro Gorda, NC, he was the son of the late Dewey and Cleo Warwick Floyd and was the husband of Mrs. Florence Kight Floyd of the residence. He was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church.

Along with his wife, Mr. Floyd is survived by his sons, Lennon K. Floyd, Jr. and wife Susan, Lawrence Floyd and wife Kathleen, Gaston Floyd, and Johnny Mack Floyd and wife Gloria all of Camden County, NC; sisters, Carol Glaser of Virginia Beach, VA, Jo Ann Rushton of Idaho, and Barbara Allen of Fairmont, NC; brothers, Euland Floyd of Shalotte, NC, Jake Floyd of TN, Morris Floyd of Chadburn, NC, Moses Floyd of Lumberton, NC, Ray Floyd of Whiteville, NC, and Giles Floyd of Whiteville, NC; nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Twiford’s Memorial Chapel with Rev. Roland Cooper and Rev. David Combs officiating. Burial will be in West Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 7:00 until 8:30 at the funeral home, immediately following the service Saturday in the lobby of the funeral home, and at all other times at the residence. Twiford Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is assisting the Floyd family. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.twifordfh.com.

Mattie P. Marriner

Mattie P. Marriner
Swan Quarter, NC Native

Mattie Pearl Marriner, 89, of 2578 West Fifth Street, Greenville, NC went to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, September 21, 2009, at Old Tar River Manor, Greenville, NC. Born in Swan Quarter, NC, she was the daughter of the late David Pegram and the late Mamie Ballance and was the widow of Mr. William Marriner.

Mrs. Marriner is survived by one son, Reginald Mason of Shawboro, NC; daughters, Lynn Marriner of Greenville, NC, Dorothy Barnard of Front Royal, VA, and Mamie O’Neal of Grandy, NC. God blessed her with 16 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. Along with her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Douglas Wayne Mason formerly of Shawboro, NC, Thomas N. Mason formerly of Shiloh, NC; and her step-son, Louis Marriner formerly of Greenville, NC.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Pearl Street Pentecostal Church, Elizabeth City, NC with the Rev. Rick Lowery and Rev. Roland Cooper officiating. Burial will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm at Twiford’s Memorial Chapel and at other times at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Mason, 1163 East Ridge Road, Shawboro, NC. Twiford Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is assisting the Marriner family. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.twifordfh.com.

Benjamin Wilson Benton

Benjamin Wilson Benton, Sr.
Native of Columbus County, NC

Benjamin Wilson Benton, Sr., 90 of 242 Horseshoe Road, South Mills, NC died Monday, September 21, 2009 at his residence. A native of Columbus County, NC, Mr. Benton was the son of the late Lucian Perry Benton, Sr., and Frances Roberto Kissam Benton and the husband of Thelma Hayes Benton of the residence. He was a self-employed farmer and a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where he was a past Secretary and Treasurer for the Men’s Bible Class. He was a lifetime member of the South Mills Ruritan Club and a past-president twice. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and received the WWII Victory European African Middle Eastern Theatre Award. He received a Certificate of Appreciation from President Lyndon B. Johnson for serving five years on the Draft Board for the Selective Service.

Besides his wife he is survived by three daughters, Rita Perry and husband Larry of Maple, NC, Nancy Wallace and husband David of Greensboro, NC and Sharon Farmer and husband Jim of Zebulon, NC; a son, Benjamin W. Benton, Jr., and wife Evelyn of South Mills, NC; eight grandchildren, Adam Meiggs, Holly Lassiter, Amy Alcocer, Benjamin Benton, III, Robert Mansfield, Jr., Pamela VanDyke, Michael Wallace and Elizabeth Wallace; and four great grandchildren, Samantha Mansfield, Jack Lassiter, Aldyn VanDyke and Jada Lassiter. He was pre-deceased by a wife, Louise Shaw Benton; a son, Gilbert Benton; a sister, Elizabeth Lois Sibbett; and five brothers, Rufus King Benton, Lucian Ralph Benton, Clarence Poe Benton, Cecil Calbert Benton, and Arthur Monroe Benton.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 2:00 PM at Trinity UMC, 104 Main Street, South Mills, NC with the Rev. Tommy Fields and the Rev. Carl Singley officiating with military honors rendered by the William Clarence Jackson VFW Post 6060. Burial will be in West Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Twiford’s Memorial Chapel Friday from 7:00 to 8:30 in the evening, also after the service at the church and at other times at the residence. Memorial donations may be made to Trinity UMC Memorial Fund, 1386 NC HWY 343, South Mills, NC 27976 or the charity of one’s choice. Twiford Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is in charge of arrangements. You may express condolences to the family by visiting www.twifordfh.com.