Obituaries

Leland - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Vada Kaye Suttles on March 24, 2026. Vada was a kind, friendly, and gentle soul who touched the lives of many with her warmth and humor. She was always quick with a joke and loved to laugh, bringing joy to those around…

Marva (White) Belk arrived in our world on October 7, 1949 in a small hospital in Mooresville, NC.  Marva was a kind, generous, and gracious Lady.  She was a dear friend to all who knew her.  Everyone remembers her gentle and giving nature.  She was a petite lady whom we all knew could be fearless…

Pamela Anne Vesilind of South Royalton, Vermont, passed away on March 23, 2026, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Pamela was born in Durham, North Carolina on June 17, 1965 to Aarne Vesilind and Gail Bredehoeft. She is survived by her partner, Bradley Sick; her mother, Gail Bredehoeft and stepfather, Steven Bredehoeft; her…

A multi-talented and irreverent man, Walter Cerese could charm you one minute and shock you the next. He had little interest in societal norms, preferring instead to do things his own way. Planting trees, shrubs, bulbs, and flowers grounded him and gave him a sense of peace and joy. The plants seemed to respond in…

James (Jim) Charles Jenkins, 72 years old, of Oxford passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Friday, the first day of Spring, March 20, 2026, at home.  Born in Bath, New York, on September 5, 1953, then growing up in Hammondsport, New York.   He was the son of James A Jenkins and Carol G.…

Claire is a beloved mother, wife, sister, daughter, and aunt. Her generosity knew no bounds, always seeking to bring joy and happiness to those around her. She was fiercely protective of her family and friends, always willing to go to bat for those she loved with no bounds. Her love language was gift giving: every…

Lori Davis Ivins, of Timberlake NC, passed away peacefully on March 15th, 2026 in the care of her loving family.Lori was born on August 7th, 1964 in Durham, NC. She was the youngest child to Stanley & Joyce Davis.Lori is survived by her loving husband, Donald “Bubby” Ivins, children, Phillip & Jacob, beautiful grandchildren, Hadleigh…

Deborah LaStar WilliamsMarch 13, 2026Deborah LaStar Williams, age 37, passed away on March 13, 2026. She was a woman of deep faith whose life reflected her love for God, her church, and the people she held dear.Deborah was born in Miami, Florida to mother Mamie Helen Hilliard Williams and father Calvin Williams. After her father…

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…