Obituaries

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…

Robert Henry Rikert Bittle, 69, passed away on February 17, 2026, in Durham, North Carolina. Born in Durham on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1956, his friends and family liked to joke that only he could manage to be born on two holidays at once. He was full of wit and imagination and never took life,…

Elizabeth Ruth Marling passed away surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and devotion to family.Elizabeth was the beloved wife of Mark Marling, with whom she shared 46 years of marriage. Together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. She was a devoted mother to Jason Marling, Jared Marling,…

Barbara Ann Matteson, 81, of Durham, NC, passed away unexpectedly on February 16, 2026.Barbara was born on April 23, 1944, in Buffalo, NY. She was the daughter of Frederick Charles and Matilda “Tillie” Freida Stroke. She attended and graduated from Buffalo State College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She began her career as an…

Mary Catherine (Linn) Hirko, 82 years old, passed away on February 14, 2026 in Durham, North Carolina. Mary was born on September 15,1943 in Michigan. She was the oldest female and 7th child of a big boisterous family containing 14 children. She is survived by her son (Andy), daughter (Tammy), and her favorite human in…