{
    "componentChunkName": "component---src-templates-obit-list-tsx",
    "path": "/obituaries/page/75/",
    "result": {"data":{"allStrapiArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"dbce022b-4d65-5aa9-ad67-7fb5bb6551cb","slug":"article-649","name":"Rodney Lane Simpkins, Jr.","content":{"data":{"content":"Rodney Lane Simpkins, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully in his home in Clayton, NC on April 17, 2025. Rodney was born August 1, 1939, in Rocky Mount, NC to Rodney Lane Simpkins, Sr. and Corinna Mae Smith Simpkins (both deceased). He spent time in his early years in New Bern, NC and Jacksonville, NC. He graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1957. After high school he attended UNC, Chapel Hill, NC. While in Jacksonville, he met his future wife, Bettie June Barnes. They married in August, 1960. He graduated from UNC in 1961, where he earned his degree in Economics and International Relations. He began his work career with IBM shortly thereafter. He moved to Raleigh in the early 60’s. During his career with IBM he, many times, achieved Golden Circle status- one of IBM’s most prestigious individual sales awards.\n\nRodney was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also was a “man of the land”. He spent many weekends scouring plowed fields and farmland for Indian artifacts (arrowheads and pottery.) He shared his love for these historic artifacts and tools with many groups like Boy Scouts and Indian Guides. His collection is noteworthy in its quality and quantity. Rodney liked to travel with his family and his friends. One of his favorite trips was a hunting Safari to Africa with several of his long-time friends. He was the photographer of this journey. He left behind many photographic memories. \n\nFamily property on the AIWW (Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway) in Hampstead ,NC was his “happy place”. After retirement, he spent many years fishing, crabbing, and shrimping on the waterway. He eventually made Hampstead his home. During his retired years he took on many local projects that benefited others. One he was most proud of was that he designed, permitted, and implemented jetties that have preserved the canal access from the waterway for his community. One of the many things he passed along to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren was “MR. D.O. P.A.” (Make Ready, DO, Put Away). He also stressed: have integrity; hard work . . . the harder you work, the luckier you get; be supportive (to spouse, coworkers, children); be an encourager; think more, speak less; avoid assumptions (trust then verify); be generous and willing to help others in need.\n\nWhen his health began to decline, he moved from Hampstead to Clayton to be closer to family. He soon required in-home care. Ms. Ruby with MercyLand Home Health Care provided compassionate and loving care, as well as friendship to Rodney. In August 2024, Rodney decided to go into Hospice Care with 3HC Home Health. In Hospice, his health improved, and he had 8 more months with family and friends. His only kidney finally gave out. From that point forward, he had a brief, but rapid decline. \n\nRodney is survived by his wife of 64 years, Bettie June Barnes Simpkins; his son Rodney Lane Simpkins III and wife, Jill; his daughter June Berkeley Simpkins Bennett and husband, Cort; his son Scott Fitz-Gerald Simpkins and wife, Julie; grandchildren Michael Brandon Simpkins, Monica Lane Simpkins, Berkeley Nicole Bennett Cummins (Kevin), Grayson Olivia Bennett (fiancée Javier), Connor Redding Simpkins, Grant Emerson Simpkins (fiancée Maddy), Scott Franklin Simpkins; 2 step-grandchildren Ashley Bennett Walters (John), Cort John Bennett (Hannah); great grandchild Nicole Mae Cummins. He is also survived by his brother Phillip Simpkins and sister Carolyn Turner Smith.\n\nA Celebration of Life will be held on June 14, 2025, from 1:00 – 3:00 at the Family Life Center at Temple Baptist Church, 1417 Clifton Street, Raleigh.\n\nIn lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Rodney's memory to Tunnels to Towers (https://t2t.org) or to Marshgrass Restoration Project (https://www.nccoast.org/give/)\n\nArrangements by City of Oaks, Raleigh, NC (919) 438-1649\twww.cityofoakscremation.com"}},"city":"Clayton","county":"Johnston","state":"North Carolina","deathdate":"04/17/2025","age":85,"user_updated":true,"image":{"localFile":{"publicURL":"/static/6ddc3cbc5cbecd83885265aa6ad649f5/object_Object_f4e757bf02.jpeg"}}}},{"node":{"id":"fc4b5d1a-8e7e-5d6b-9053-ab0f06cc1588","slug":"2025-04-16-Diane-Massaro","name":"Diane Massaro","content":{"data":{"content":""}},"city":"Fuquay- Varina","county":"Wake","state":"North Carolina","deathdate":"04/16/2025","age":75,"user_updated":false,"image":null}},{"node":{"id":"d2f2715e-09f0-5672-b119-eac91aacec70","slug":"417-08-25-Richard-Potts","name":"Richard Potts","content":{"data":{"content":"Richard W. Potts of Garner NC died at the age of 78 on Wed. April 16, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Gail Lanterman Potts, daughter Whitney Lynn Potts, son-in-law Collin Jennings, and grandsons Ivan Richard and Nolan Wyatt Jennings. Mr. Potts was preceded in death by his daughter, Megan Millie Potts Jennings.  Mr. Potts proudly served in the U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps reserve.  He was a retired Det. Sgt. with the N.J. State police.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date."}},"city":"Garner, NC","county":"Wake","state":"North Carolina","deathdate":"04/16/2025","age":78,"user_updated":true,"image":null}},{"node":{"id":"bc846519-8d17-50bf-b2f4-bbc7ec0cb1dd","slug":"2025-04-15-Jacqueline-Hermoso","name":"Jacqueline Hermoso","content":{"data":{"content":""}},"city":"Apex","county":"Wake","state":"North Carolina","deathdate":"04/15/2025","age":86,"user_updated":false,"image":null}},{"node":{"id":"4a6a9bb8-e5c1-5004-8163-22f074c21c50","slug":"article-637","name":"Robert LaJeunesse, Jr.","content":{"data":{"content":"Robert Curtis LaJeunesse, age 70, passed away peacefully on April 15th with his loving wife,\nCheryl LaJeunesse and sister, Robin Antonelli by his side. Rob was born in Lansingburgh, NY,\neducated in St. Augustine’s and Lansingburgh schools. He attended Hudson Valley Community\nCollege studying personal fitness. He also worked as a top salesman for Jack Byrnes Ford\nCompany for several years prior to moving to Sanford, NC. Rob built his personal training\nbusiness there helping people gain their strength and vitality. Always pursuing excellence, Rob\nwas blessed to open his own gym, Body Logic. Rob loved helping people strive to be their best.\nHe was someone that never gave up on his life dreams.\nThe best part of moving to North Carolina was meeting his wife, Cheryl. She was the true love\nof his life. They had a wonderful life together. Both being hardworking and passionate about\ntheir chosen careers and their life together. Once they added their dog, Zoey to their beautiful\nhome, their family was complete. Cheryl brought 2 wonderful adult sons to the marriage and\nRob was immensely grateful for it. Rob enjoyed gardening and trying to perfect his lawn. He\nalso loved to feed the ducks, deer and other wildlife that visited their home.\nRob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Curtis LaJeunesse, Sr and wife Janet Brandt\nLaJeunesse, his brother, Richard Emile LaJeunesse. Rob is survived by his wife, Cheryl\nLaJeunesse, his stepsons, James Larry Wilkins, Jr. (Jennifer) and Jason Louis Wilkins.\nGrandchildren, Maggie Wilkins, Sam Wilkins and Layon Wilkins. His sister Robin Antonelli\n(Bob), nephews Damian and Jason Antonelli (Rebeka), sister–in-law, Bernadette Verdile\nLaJeunesse and niece Sarah LaJeunesse-Mattes (Connor) and lifelong friend, Dr. Sam Bosco\n(Dr. Carol) and a large family, including many cousins.\nOur family is grateful to the caring team that took care of Rob while at Duke Medical Hospital.\nThey were very comforting and respectful in every possible way. We are also grateful for Pastor\nEddie Thomas for being there for Rob, Cheryl and the family. His gentle kindness and prayers\nhave helped us through this difficult time.\nRob enjoyed many Sundays at Juniper Springs Baptist Church and was strong in his faith to the\nLord. He was a member of the choir, and he complemented the choir with his beautiful tenor\nvoice.\nA celebration of life will be held at Juniper Springs Baptist Church on Saturday, May 3rd at 2:00\npm. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers\ndonations or contributions can be made to Juniper Springs Baptist Church, 852 Buckhorn Road,\nSanford, NC 27330 attention: Music Ministry."}},"city":"Sanford","county":"Lee","state":"North Carolina","deathdate":"04/15/2025","age":70,"user_updated":true,"image":{"localFile":{"publicURL":"/static/3f0aa5a4c6b3bf826931363906773889/La_Jeunesse_pic_b98dfd5bed.jpeg"}}}},{"node":{"id":"9cc5ef4c-bcc7-5ae2-b908-734416349ff9","slug":"2025-04-15-Gail-Motyka","name":"Gail F. (Burns) Motyka","content":{"data":{"content":"Gail F. (Burns) Motyka, 78, of Cary, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday evening April 15, 2025 surrounded by family at home.\n\nBorn in Lowell, Massachusetts, January 15, 1947, the daughter of the late John E. Burns and the late Margaret P. “Peg” (Cutress) Burns. Gail attended Dracut schools and was a graduate of Lowell General Hospital School of Nursing.\n\nShe was formerly a registered nurse of over 50 years including many years of nights in nursing home care facilities and later tending to Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. \n\nGail had many interests including taking cruises, crocheting, knitting, scratching lottery tickets and being with her favorite pet birds and dogs especially Ms. Buddi, Fenway, and Mabel. Her greatest joy, however, was the time she spent spoiling her grandchildren.\n\nShe is survived by her sister Ann Marie Enos of Nashua, NH; three children Kelli Motyka of Phoenix, AZ, Eric Motyka and his wife Jill of Sturbridge, MA, Shawn Motyka and his wife Alicia of Apex, NC; four grandchildren Alex and Madelyn Motyka of Apex, NC, and Emilie and Ayden Motyka of Sturbridge, MA.\n\nAll Services will be held privately for the family. Those wishing may make contributions in her memory to the American Cancer Society or TeamWalk (Lowell General Hospital)."}},"city":"Cary","county":"Wake","state":"North Carolina","deathdate":"04/15/2025","age":78,"user_updated":true,"image":{"localFile":{"publicURL":"/static/539f7b61c7272f30eef712d01247ff68/object_Object_8296670b82.jpeg"}}}},{"node":{"id":"2e6a2783-eeda-54b0-a4a4-a5d967fb96ff","slug":"2025-04-14-Dorothy-Nabors","name":"Dorothy Nabors","content":{"data":{"content":""}},"city":"Raleigh","county":"Wake","state":"North Carolina","deathdate":"04/14/2025","age":89,"user_updated":false,"image":null}},{"node":{"id":"c4d2ce4e-40e2-58ff-a571-c42b1a9544a0","slug":"article-635","name":"Diana Frances Carr","content":{"data":{"content":"Diana departed us on Palm Sunday to be reunited with her beloved, Bernard, and youngest son, Christopher. She is survived by her eldest son, Donald, and grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Christopher, as well as her brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Eileen Brown and sister, Margaret Tappendorf.  \n\nWe, and her many beloved relatives, extended family, and so many friends, mourn the passing of a truly unique remarkable lady, who enlivened all she met. \n\nLady Di ascended to place where there’s no more tears or sadness;\nThere’s only eternal love and everlasting peace.\n\nWhen you are walking down the street\nAnd you’ve got her on your mind\nShe’ll be walking in your footsteps\nOnly half a step behind.\n\nAnd when you feel that gentle breeze\nOr the wind upon your face\nThat’ll be her giving you a great big hug\nOr just a soft embrace.\n\nWithin our hearts she’ll live on forevermore."}},"city":"Raleigh","county":"Wake","state":"North Carolina","deathdate":"04/13/2025","age":87,"user_updated":true,"image":{"localFile":{"publicURL":"/static/6595a9a8317dddcd3d26ab911f7b0b0b/object_Object_7cfa12f6ac.jpeg"}}}},{"node":{"id":"22284c5b-e88b-535a-ae67-a67d7e76543e","slug":"413-08-25-Patrizia-Bishop","name":"Patrizia Bishop","content":{"data":{"content":""}},"city":"Leland","county":"Brunswick","state":"North Carolina","deathdate":"04/12/2025","age":64,"user_updated":false,"image":null}},{"node":{"id":"438c5fb2-36d1-58ad-91b7-27ac7b6a1876","slug":"article-636","name":"Ruben Matthews","content":{"data":{"content":"Ruben Earl Matthews\n\nOn April 12, 2025, Ruben Earl Matthews, known to many as “Mr. Earl” and to those closest as “Pa,” peacefully completed his earthly journey at the age of 81 in North Carolina. While we will miss him dearly, we celebrate a life that was truly well lived—full of faith, joy, and deep love for family.\n\nEarl was a man who found happiness in the simple things: a quiet morning by the water with a fishing pole in hand, a stack of well-loved comic books, a joke shared around the dinner table, and the laughter of those he loved. His humor was quick, his faith was steady, and his heart was always open.\n\nEarl leaves behind a legacy of love in his daughters, Rhonda Beasley and Lisa Lee; his grandchildren, Thomas Matthews, James Lee, and Shannon Beasley; and his great-grandchildren, Reid, Annalise, and Alyssa. He was a devoted brother to Joyce Turlington, Marie Surles, Peggy Clark, and Gail Gaskins, and a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews.\n\nEarl is now reunited with his beloved wife, Brenda Johnson Matthews, his parents Allison and Estelle Matthews, his brother Ed Matthews, and his granddaughter Katie Beasley. While we feel their absence, we take comfort knowing they’re together again, watching over us with love.\n\nA memorial service to honor Earl’s incredible life will be held at Greater Light Baptist Church in Lillington on Saturday, April 26 at 2:00 PM. All who knew him are invited to come, share memories, and celebrate a man who made the world a little brighter just by being in it.\n\nThough he may no longer walk beside us, his stories, his laughter, and his love will echo in our hearts always."}},"city":"Angier","county":"Harnett","state":"North Carolina","deathdate":"04/12/2025","age":81,"user_updated":true,"image":{"localFile":{"publicURL":"/static/490f2f1b45b78dc8cfe3fc6bf34fba6d/Ruben_Matthews_9119dd65b8.jpg"}}}},{"node":{"id":"f7a87d1c-1f47-583e-acc2-0f1671727746","slug":"2025-04-12-Michael-Jordan","name":"Michael Jordan","content":{"data":{"content":""}},"city":"Durham","county":"Orange","state":"North Carolina","deathdate":"04/12/2025","age":60,"user_updated":true,"image":null}},{"node":{"id":"8035505f-cf8b-5a46-ab04-81a322b2fdc1","slug":"article-634","name":"Willie Mae Ezzell","content":{"data":{"content":""}},"city":"Garner","county":"Wake","state":"North Carolina","deathdate":"04/12/2025","age":86,"user_updated":false,"image":null}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":888,"numPages":316,"currentPage":75,"numObits":3790,"featured":false}},
    "staticQueryHashes": ["3823480590","610842784"]}