Obituaries

Steve Durland—writer, visual artist, editor, nonprofit leader, and devoted partner to artist and cultural organizer Linda Frye Burnham, passed away on March 11th, with Linda by his side.Through his work as a writer, artist, and editor, he helped document and champion experimental performance and interdisciplinary art at a time when much of it lived outside…

Peggy Ashworth (Margaret Mary Ashworth), age 78, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026. She was born on May 10, 1947, in Illinois and spent the majority of her adult life in Durham, North Carolina, a place she proudly called home.Peggy dedicated 40 years of her life to caring for others as a nurse at…

Naimeh Mukarkar Jernigan, born on November 7, 1928, in Beit Jala, Palestine, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, and dedicated professional, whose life was marked by her unwavering commitment to education and the empowerment of others.Naimeh earned her Bachelor of Education from…

Ariana Sophia Rodriguez-AvilesOur beautiful daughter, Ariana Sophia Rodriguez-Aviles, born March 14, 2025, passed away on March 06, 2026, surrounded by the love of her parents.To know Ariana was to love Ariana. She had the most perfect chunky cheeks and a squeaky laugh that could light up any room. Ariana loved being outside, being held by…

Charles A. Booth, son of the late Charles Booth and the late Ruth B. Booth was born on September 17, 1946. Hе died peacefully in his home on Thursday, March 5, 2026.Charles joined St. Paul AME Church at an early age. Неparticipated in many organizations and clubs throughout the area. He worked at Chapel Hill…

Jeffrey Joseph Conway passed away on March 2, 2026 at the age of 70.Jeff was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend whose steady strength and quiet loyalty defined his life. He met Robin in 1981, and what began as friendship became a love story spanning more than four decades. They were married in 1987…

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…