The News and Observer from Raleigh, North Carolina • 26

4 THE NEWS OBSERVER A SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2009 Obituaries Hearing Aid Solutions From AUDIBEL. OPEN MODELS are available in five styles to fit every lifestyle and budget Cutting-edge nanoscience produces STATE-OF-THE-ART SOUND QUALITY Best-in-class feedback erasure system provides CRYSTAL CLEAR HEARING AUTOMATICALLY ADAPTS to changing environments BTE OTE CIC Optional directional microphone offers SUPERIOR SPEECH INTELLIGIBILITY, even in noise Hatfield-Berrang Hearing Aid Centers DURHAM RALEIGH CHAPEL HILL (919) 286-0759 (919) 782-2211 (919) 968-8232 GOLDSBORO CARY FAYETTEVILLE (919) 736-7494 (919) 466-9900 (910) 486-4327 See our Full Page ads in the Monday and Tuesday News Observer 4 DEATH NOTICES Death notices are provided as an or by consulting the funeral IN LOVING MEMORY OF Ashley R. Jackson MAY 31, 1967 FEBRUARY 21, 1999 Ashley, it has been 10 years since you left us. Your niece Nikki has graduated college and is married, nephew, Ryan is in college and a member of the ROTC at Mars Hill. You have gained a nephew, A.J.

and a niece, Ashlyn they are six years old. I know you would be proud of your brother Billy and your sister Sarah and their families. We love, you and miss you so much; you are always in our thoughts. Love, Mom, Dad, Billy, Sarah and their families. R.

Donald Jones advertising service. Families may director handling arrangements. provide information about a deceased Notices may be edited. All loved one by contacting the announcements become the property Dr. Paul Frederick Sharp NORMAN, OK Dr.

Paul Frederick Sharp, the genial president who successfully guided the University of Oklahoma through six and a half of its most turbulent years, died Thursday, February 19, 2009, at his home in Norman following a long illness. He was 91. Born January 19, 1918, in Kirksville, MO, the son of two medical doctors, L. Blanche and Fred Joseph Sharp, Paul Sharp grew up in Crookston, MN, and first came to Oklahoma to study at Phillips University in Enid, chosen because of its affiliation with the Disciples of Christ (Christian) Church. There he met Rose Anderson on the debate team; they began their 69-year marriage in 1939 after he earned his bachelor's degree.

His graduate study at the University of Minnesota was interrupted by World War II service in U.S. Navy as liaison officer to the Royal Australian Navy aboard the HMAS Hobart. He would later return to Australia with Rose as a Fulbright lecturer in 1952 and on research leave in 1977. He earned his Ph.D. at Minnesota, where he was an instructor in history, then was an associate professor at Iowa State University and a professor at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Dr. Sharp was president of Hiram College, Chancellor of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and president of Drake University before coming to the University of Oklahoma. In 1978, a minor stroke brought his OU presidency to an end. After designation as president emeritus and a regents-granted semester off, he returned to the classroom as Regents Professor of history and higher education from 1978 to 1988, when he added the emeritus title to his professorship. He continued his active association with the University, however, even in retirement, and also served several years as a distinguished professor of history at the University, of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha.

Dr. Sharp also became a major consultant for higher educational institutions and systems throughout the nation and continued to serve on the boards of countless education-related associations, including Educational Testing Service, which he twice chaired. His academic awards are almost too numerous to list. He received eight honorary doctorates, the distinguished Achievement Award from Phillips University, the Outstanding Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota and the Distinguished Service Citation from the University of Oklahoma, at that time OU's highest honor. His work as a historian, where he specialized in Canadian-American history, was widely respected, his book Whoopup Country earning the Silver Spur Award from the Western Writers of America as 1955's best non-fiction book on the American West.

He was inducted into the Oklahoma Education Hall of Fame and named one of Oklahoma's Living Treasures in 2003 by the Oklahoma Health Center. The Paul F. Sharp Concert Hall in OU's Catlett Music Center is named in his honor. He was preceded in death by his parents. His survivors include his wife of the home; three children, William Frederick Sharp and his wife, Liz of Homer, NY, Kathryn Ann Dunlap of Oklahoma City and Paul Trevor Sharp and his wife, Jane of Greensboro, NC; seven grandchildren, Michael Sharp, Chris Sharp, Heather Sharp, Brandon Sharp, Graham Sharp, Marny Dunlap and Daniel Dunlap; and seven great dren; and his sister, Thelma Miller of Colorado Springs.

The family wishes to thank the Loving Care Hospice and all his caregivers. A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. at First Christian Church, in Norman. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Reach Out and Read Program through the University of Oklahoma Foundation, 100 Timberdell Road, Norman, OK 73019. Tressie E.

DeBruhl RALEIGH Tressie E. DeBruhl, 83, of Raleigh, died Friday morning, February 19, 2009 at Sunnybrook Healthcare, She was born January 13, 1926, in Lancaster County, SC, the daughter of the late Samuel and Annabelle Craig Lucas. Survivors include her children: daughters, Sylvia Culbertson of Raleigh, Patricia Reynolds and husband, William of Apex: and son, James Gary DeBruhl and wife, Mary Beth of Apex; two sisters, Maude Bradley and Mildred Lucas; six grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Service will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Creedmoor Road Baptist Church, 6001 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh.

Burial will follow on Monday morning, February 23, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Brier Creek Memorial Park. Family will receive friends on Saturday, February 21, 2009 from p.m. at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh. obituary staff at 919-829-4545, of The News Observer.

Billye D. Shepherd RALEIGH Billye Dawn Shepherd, 44, of Raleigh, NC, died peacefully at her home on Thursday, February 19, 2009, following a' courageous year battle with cancer. Billye lived her life with a passion for others. Her true calling was being a devoted wife and dedicated mother to her two children. She never met a stranger, and had the unique ability to be a genuine friend.

Whether it was a family celebration, a charity event, or a school party, she was always a gracious hostess. Even during her illness, Billye was focused on making everyone around her comfortable as they traveled to spend time with her and her family. Her ever present energy and ability to "brighten a room" will truly be missed, but never forgotten. Billye is survived by her husband of 16 years, David Shepherd, 42, of Raleigh; daughter, Morgan Shepherd, eight; and son, Jack Shepherd, four. Additional survivors include her parents, Bill and Diane Borutta of Lake Ozark, MO; sister, Linda Messing of Acworth, GA; brother, Jeff Borutta and wife, Darcy Borutta of Keller, TX; brother, Dan Borutta of The Colony, mother-in-law, Carol Shepherd of Broken Arrow, OK; father-in-law, Ron Shepherd and wife, Geralyn Mason Shepherd of Springfield, MO; brother-in-law, Greg Shepherd and wife, Felicia Shepherd of Olive Branch, MS; sisters-in-law, Jennifer Keller (Shepherd) and husband, Jason Keller of Skiatook, OK; Angela Birmingham (Shepherd) and husband, Brian Birmingham of Springfield, MO; and Lindsay Shepherd of Tulsa, OK.

Billye is also survived by a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins. Billye was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Waymon and Una Springfield of Thayer, MO; paternal grandparents, Herman and Lorraine Borutta of Osage Beach, MO. Billye was born on November 22, 1964 in Springfield, MO. She graduated from Hallsville (Mo.) High School in 1983. Billye earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of ArkansasLittle Rock in 1995.

Billye worked as Senior Vice President for Lenders Mortgage in Pine Bluff and Hot Springs, AR during her business career. She spent the last five years at home raising her children. Family will receive friends on Monday, February 23, 2009 from p.m. at Brown Wynne Funeral Home in Cary, NC. A celebration of Billye's life will be held at 10:00 a.m.

on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Cary, NC. Burial will be in Springfield, MO. A special thanks goes to the outstanding staff of medical professionals at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill for the care and compassion provided to Billye during her unrelenting fight with liver cancer. In particular, special consideration goes to Dr.

Robert Dixon, Dr. David Gerber, and Dr. Bert O'Neil. Acknowledgment also goes to David's employer, International Paper, for the company's incredible support for the entire family throughout Billye's illness. The family also extends gratitude to Hospice of Wake County for their special care and support during the final days of Billye's life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Billye's memory to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of Wake County. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownwynne.com Grace F. Eason OCTOBER 8, 1913 FEBRUARY 18, 2009 CLAYTON Grace Frances Wright Eason, 95, of 112 Kelsey Ct. died Wednesday in the presence of her loving family. A native of Johnston daughter to the late Valmore Braxton and Maggie Corbett Wright.

She was preceded by husbands, Joseph Randolph Strickland and Alvester Eason, sons, Eugene Strickland and Joseph Randolph Strickland, brothers, Robert, Brunell, Thomas, and Leon Wright, sisters, Edna Betts, Vera "Jay Bird" Liles and grandson, Mike Strickland. Grace was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great, great, grandmother and sister whose loss will be deeply felt by her family and friends whom she touched with everything she was. Funeral service will be held 5:00 p.m. Saturday, Corinth Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. She is survived by her daughters, Susie S.

Bell of Swansboro, Ann S. Bell of Hubert, and Rebecca "Becky" S. Canaday of Clayton; sons, Charles Strickland of Mississippi, and Kenneth Strickland of Zebulon; sister, Louise W. Holland of Wendell; many special grandchildren, greatgrandchildren; and great-great grandchildren. Arrangements by Strickland Funeral Home, Wendell.

www.stricklandfuneralhomes.net INDEX S. Beckham Linda Flowers Bunn Frederick Edward Catching John William "Bill" Davis Tressie E. DeBruhl Grace F. Eason Martha Jane Turner Ewers Brenda B. Francis R.

Donald Jones Billy Sherrill Lassiter James Engle McCulloch Mary Davis Riley Dr. Paul Frederick Sharp Billye D. Shepherd Helen Parrish Stallings Sue Taylor Myers Sutton Elizabeth B. "Betsy" Swanner Vance Arnold Tibbens Vivian Mae Wiggins Arthur Benjamin Williams ONLINE To sign the online guest book for the deceased listed above, please visit www.newsobserver.com/obituaries/ Mary Davis Riley RALEIGH Mary Davis Riley, of 5629 Continental Way, departed this life on Wednesday, February 18, 2009. Funeral, Sunday, February 22, 2009, 3:00 p.m., Greater St.

Bethel United Holy Church, 11441 Claude Lewis Road, Middlesex. Interment, Middlesex Community Memorial Gardens. Visitation, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, at the Church. Survivors are her daughters, Betty Riley of Lanham, MD, Mary A. Wiggings of Bailey and Nancy L.

Boone of Bowie, MD; sons, Walter Boone of Apex, Bobby Boone of Elm City, Donnie Boone of Wilson and Michael Riley of Fuquay-Varina; 44 grandchildren, including Kevin Davis, a devoted grandchild who gave her special care, 61 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. A Lea Funeral Home Service (919) 231-1000 www.leafuneralhome.com Sue Taylor Myers Sutton MOREHEAD Mrs. Sue Taylor Myers Sutton, 93, of Morehead City, died Thursday, February 19, 2009, at Harborview Towers in Morehead City. Mrs. Sutton was born in La Grange to the late Sidney Jones and Mabel Taylor Myers on November 27, 1915.

She was educated in the La Grange Schools, East Carolina Teacher College, East Carolina College and East Carolina University. She was affiliated with the Lenoir County Schools as a teacher, Director of Guidance, and Supervisor of Elementary Education. Graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2009, at Fairview Cemetery in LaGrange. She is survived by her son, Dr.

George Edward Sutton and wife Charlotte of Morehead City and their daughter, Dr. Marci Godwin and husband, Matt of Morehead City and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Edward Armanie Sutton and her brother, Sid J. Myers, Jr. The family will receive friends p.m.

Saturday at Munden Funeral Home and following the service at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to La Grange Christian Church, P.O. Box 442, La Grange, NC, 28551. IN MEMORIAM Jamie Mack Penny FEBRUARY 22, 1980 MARCH 18,1999 Happy Birthday Jamie! We love and miss you. Mama, Daddy, and Jared Linda Flowers Bunn RALEIGH Linda Flowers Bunn, of Raleigh, formerly of Wilson County, Rock Community died Thursday, February 19, 2009 at Wake Med Cary.

Linda was born in Wilson County to the late Woodrow Wilson Flowers and Adalene Liles Flowers. Linda received her Bachelor of Science degree from East Carolina University; Master of Science in Home Economics and Doctor of Philosophy from UNC-Greensboro. Her career began with teaching in Cumberland County, followed by working with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. She served in teaching and administrative capacities for the North Carolina State University Extension Program and was a Professor Emeritus at NCSU. She also received the Outstanding Extension Service Award from NCSU.

Linda owned and operated Elegance by Design, a design firm featuring Linda's unique style. Together with her husband, Tommy, they hosted the Gala in the Garden at the J. C. Raulston Arboretum in 2006. Linda's garden was selected to be in the National Garden Conservancy Tour in 2006 and was featured in the Metro Magazine in December 2008.

An elegant, southern lady, Linda was a very talented and gracious. woman with a big heart. She was a genuine friend, known for her integrity. She leaves her unique design style to be enjoyed by many of her family, friends and associates. Her radiance and beauty were an inspiration.

Her passion was creating beauty, as evidenced by her home and garden, making a lasting impression on those who were fortunate to know, love, and learn from her. Funeral service 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2009 a garden memorial service to celebrate the life of Linda Bunn in her garden, 3800 Camp Mangum Wynd, Raleigh, NC. Graveside Service, 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2009 at Maplewood Cemetery, 400 College Street, Wilson, NC 27893.

Surviving: husband, Jessie Thomas Bunn; children, Brian Bunn of Raleigh, Juliana King of Artesia, New Mexico; brother, Woodrow Flowers, Jr. and wife, Edith Scott Flowers of Sims; uncle, Howard "Jim" Liles of Wilson; niece, Lily Flowers of Sims; sister-in-law, Carolyn Narron of Raleigh; brother-in-law, Carl Bunn of Raleigh; two nieces; one nephew; a A host of special friends and a special companion, Jon Luke. The Bunn family and friends wish to thank Dr. Mark Graham and his staff for the care and compassion shown to Linda. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the J.C.

Raulston 'Arboretum, Campus Box 7522, Raleigh, NC 27695-7522. Arrangements by L. Harold Poole Funeral Service Crematory, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, NC 27545. Condolences to the family may be made at www.poolefuneral.com under Obituaries. Thinking Cremation Join the Cremation Society of the Carolinas.

We've made it easy. oldest NC's Beg Deep roots in the Triangle since 1973 www.cremnc.com CALL TODAY FOR YOUR Family Enrollment Form 571-3300 Vance Arnold Tibbens KNIGHTDALE Vance Arnold Tibbens, 90, of 8 Robertson Street, died Friday, February 20, 2009 at Rex Healthcare. Mr. Tibbens was born in Clinton County, Pennsylvania on August 29, 1918 to the late Dalfus Tibbens and Bessie Gramley Tibbens. He attended Lock Haven State Teachers College.

Mr. Tibbens taught Jr. and Sr. High School Math for 38 years in the Wake County Public School System. He was a member of Knightdale Baptist Church.

Funeral service 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2009 at Knightdale Baptist Church, 15 Main Street, Knightdale, NC 27545 with Reverend Thomas Bounds and Reverend George Pullium officiating. Burial: Old Knightdale Baptist Church Cemetery, First Avenue, Knightdale, NC 27545. Surviving: wife, Rachel Pope Tibbens; daughter, Patricia Tibbens Waller of Raleigh; sons, Donnie E. Holmquist and wife, Elaine of Knightdale, Timothy L.

Holmquist and wife, Annette of Knightdale; grandchildren, Todd Holmquist, Steven Holmquist, Necole Medlin, Brandon Holmquist, Candice Holmquist; five great sister, Velma T. Thompson of Jersey Shore, PA. In addition to his parents, Mr. Tibbens was preceded in death by his first wife, Mertie Ferrell Tibbens; brothers, Don and George Tibbens. The family will receive relatives and friends from p.m.

Saturday, February 21, 2009 at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service Crematory, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, NC 27545 and other times at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Knightdale Baptist Church Family Life Center, P.O. Box 21, Knightdale, NC 27545. Condolences to the family may be made at www.poolefuneral.com under Obituaries.

Martha Jane Turner Ewers CARY Martha Jane Turner Ewers, 83, passed away on February 16, 2009 in Cary, after a long illness. dramatic training Born on October 31, 1925 Richmond, VA, she grew up in Hopewell, VA. Martha Jane graduated from Hopewell High School in 1942 and received her dramatic training at Mary Washing- ton College. After settling in New York City, she attended Feagen School of Drama and Radio and at the same time worked as a fashion model. During her earlier theatrical career she appeared as a dancer in musicals.

She appeared in many summer stock productions all over New England including the Newport Casino theatre in Newport, RI. Ms. Ewers lived in Austin, TX before retiring to Cary in 1990. Ms. Ewer was preceded in death by her mother Mary Reams Turner, father E.

Randolph Turner and brother E. Randolph Turner, Jr. Surviving relatives include her sister, Mary Reams Maynard of Cary; her five nieces and nephews, Mary Beth Berger of Bear 'DE, Martha Reams Maynard of FuquayVarina, Reid Maynard of Apex, Thomas R. Turner of Crownsville, MD and E. Randolph Turner, III of Williamsburg, VA.

As she wished Ms. Ewers will be laid to rest near her father at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Smithfield, VA. Billy Sherrill Lassiter SMITHFIELD Billy Sherrill Lassiter, 71, of Long Branch Road, died Thursday, February 19, 2009 at Duke University Hospital. He was born in Johnston County on February 12, 1938 to the late Joseph Henry and Neva Jordan Lassiter Mr. Lassiter was the owner of Carquest of Four Oaks, former president of Four Oaks Chamber of Commerce.

Funeral will be on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Minshew Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Hills of Neuse Memory Gardens. Surviving family members are wife, Linda Massengill Lassiter; son, Michael S. Lassiter of Smithfield; sisters, Josephine L.

Raynor of Four Oaks and Shelby L. Dudley and husband, Max of High Point; brother, Paul W. Lassiter of Four Oaks; sister-in-law, Merle P. Lassiter of Thomasville. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Earl Lassiter.

The family will be at Minshew Funeral Home on Saturday, February 21, 2009 from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent to www.minshewfuneralhome.com MORE DEATHS, PAGE 9B A 00 FREMONT R. Donald Jones, 72, passed away early Thursday morning at Wayne Memorial Hospital. Don was born in Wilson County on May 30, 1936 to the late Ralph Jones and Letha Whitley Jones. He began his career as a coach for Harrellsville High School and later served as the school principal.

Don has also served as principal for the following schools: Walstonburg School, Red Springs High School, Elm City School, Charles B. Aycock High School, Brogden Middle School and Eastern Wayne High School. In 1972, he served Wayne County as the Superintendent of Schools. In 1995, Don retired from a career in education that spanned for over 37 years. For those who knew him, Don will be remembered as a generous, caring, compassionate man and loyal friend to so many.

The love in Don's life was God, family and friends. He has served as a lay speaker for St. Joseph United Methodist Church and has also served as superintendent of the Sunday school. Don later became a member of Fremont United Methodist Church, where he served as the MYF leader. Don was a member of the Davie Masonic Lodge in Colerain, NC, and was a Shriner and a member of the York Rite.

He was also a member and past Exalted Ruler of the Goldsboro Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. Funeral service will be held Saturday at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Seymour Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Garner officiating and with Rev. Judy Drye assisting. Interment will be Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

in Stantonsburg Cemetery and friends are invited to the family's home following the service. Don is survived by his wife, Liz Jones; his daughter, Lisa Pate and husband, Randy of Fremont; his sons, Randy Jones and wife, Sharon of Princeton and Don Jones, Jr. and wife, Michele of Knightdale; his grandchildren, Ryne Pate, Caroline Pate, Brandon Jones, Brittany Jones, Taylor Jones and Lauren Jones; and his sisters, Hazel Murray of Snow Hill and Ruth Jones of Rocky Mount. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to the Crippled Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 490, New Bern, NC 28560.

The family will receive friends Saturday following the service at Seymour Funeral Home and other times at his home, 141 Dogwood Hill Lane, Fremont. a.