Obituaries

Frances Helms Lowder, lovingly known as Loretta, was born on January 12, 1940, in Albemarle, North Carolina. She blessed this world with her kindness and warmth for 86 years until her peaceful passing on March 1, 2026, in Hillsborough, surrounded by loved ones.Loretta was a woman of deep faith and devotion, always putting the needs…

Whether she was at work in her veterinary hospital or spending time with friends and family, Jenny Bennett could always command the room. She made her presence felt with her bright smile, joyous laugh, and quick (and sometimes risqué) wit. Her clients loved her not only for her compassion and commitment to good medicine, but…

Stephanie Austin Raper Saleeby, 38, of Raleigh, NC, passed away on February 28, 2026.Born on September 14, 1987, in Wilson, NC, she was the daughter of Steve and Toni Raper. Stephanie valued the guidance and influence of her older brother, Eric, throughout her life, fostering a relationship marked by mutual respect. Stephanie and Eric share…

Cecelia Hall Murray passed away on February 28, 2026 in Durham, NC after a long battle with cancer. Cecelia was born on October 6, 1955 in Takoma Park, MD and raised in Hyattsville, MD.A life-long music lover, Cecelia worked for BMG, a major record label. She enjoyed going to concerts and had an enviable record…

James Royal Griffin Sr., age 92, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, in North Carolina. Born on October 18, 1933, in Harlem, New York, he grew up in Peekskill and eventually started a family with his first wife, Jane. James built a loving home for his family in Clinton Corners, NY, where they embraced…

Curtis (Curt) Perry McLaughlin passed away on February 27, 2026 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He was 94 years old.Curt was born John Fade on January 27, 1932 in Brooklyn, New York and was adopted by Wilmer and Ida Bryson McLaughlin of Ridgewood, New Jersey. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Helen McLaughlin…

Stan was born to Ronald Williams and Dorothy Woods on July 25, 1960 in Wake Forest NC.Stan is survived by his wife Mollie Williams of Durham, NC, his son Shawn Miller, and granddaughter Tomara Miller, all of whom he held close to his heart.Stan leaves behind his siblings Jacqueline and James Williams, five step children…

Clara was a beautiful shining light in the lives of everyone she knew, and will continue to be that. Clara loved animals, horseback riding, her friends, making videos, and doing skin care and makeup. Clara’s favorite subjects at school were science and socializing, and she was dearly loved by everyone she encountered. Whatever her future would…

Margaret Pennington, Durham artist and madwoman, passed away peacefully on February 20th 2026 at the age of 68. She was known for her intelligence, kindness, sense of humor, and disrespect for the laws of man and nature. She spent her life creating art and has enriched the lives of many with her work. She was…

Michael Veselica – October 19,1950 - February 18, 2026A modern Renaissance man, his loves were many: All things Science, wonderful art & architecture, fast cars, golf, fine whiskey, bluegrass and all kinds of music, especially playing with other musicians. Most of all, he loved to travel the world with his wife of 41 years, Jan…