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Peaks & Waters Memorial Funeral Care, Durham, NC (2026)

06/30/2026

Paul Raymond Harrington

Paul Raymond Harrington passed away on June 27, 2026, at Duke University Hospital. Born in New Zealand on March 24, 1955, Paul's journey, though short, left a distinct impression through his dedication to his work and his enduring presence in the lives he touched.

Paul embarked on a professional path as a self-employed carpenter, applying his skills with precision and care. His craftsmanship spoke volumes about his commitment to excellence and the value he placed on hard work. Those who encountered Paul in his professional capacity recognized his attention to detail and his steadfast approach to every project he undertook.

Paul’s time was largely defined by his commitment to his trade. Through his work, he made a tangible impact that will endure in the structures and spaces shaped by his hands. His presence will be missed by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

His legacy remains within the craftsmanship he leaves behind and the lasting impression on those he met during his lifetime.

Paul Raymond Harrington will be remembered with respect for his dedication and the mark he made in his chosen field.

SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO PEAKS & WATERS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CARE.

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06/29/2026

Christine C. Williamson

Christine C. Williamson, born June 5, 1939, in Durham, passed away peacefully at her residence on June 24, 2026. Throughout her eighty-seven years, Christine lived a life marked by dedication, quiet strength, and an enduring connection to her hometown of Durham, North Carolina.

Christine’s journey began in the heart of Durham, where she was born and spent much of her life. Over the decades, she became a familiar and cherished presence in her community. Known for her gentle demeanor and tireless work ethic, Christine found her vocation at the Residence Inn Hotel, where she worked as a Hotel Laundry Attendant. She approached every day with diligence and took pride in contributing to the comfort of countless guests. Her time at the hotel was not just a career, but an example of the care and steadfast commitment she gave to all aspects of her life. Colleagues at Residence Inn remember her as someone whose kindness and reliability left a meaningful imprint on those around her.

Christine’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Durham, symbolized by her lifelong connection to the city. Her life was one of humble service and sincere generosity, marked by a readiness to quietly support others and a steadfastness in doing her part for her community. Those who knew Christine remember her not only for her work, but for her gentle presence and unwavering spirit.

Family, friends, and members of the Durham community are invited to honor Christine’s life and memory at several upcoming services. A viewing will take place at Peaks and Waters Memorial Funeral Care, located at 4914 North Roxboro Street, Durham, NC 27704, on July 2, 2026, from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM. On July 3, 2026, visitation will be held at Mt. Calvary United Church of Christ, 1715 Athens Ave, Durham, NC 27707, beginning at 12:00 PM and concluding at 1:00 PM. The funeral service will follow immediately at the same location, starting at 1:00 PM and ending at 2:30 PM. Christine will be laid to rest at Glennview Memorial Park, Apex Highway, Durham, NC 27707, with the burial scheduled for 2:45 PM.

Christine C. Williamson’s life reminds all who knew her of the profound impact of kindness, humility, and quiet dedication. She will be remembered always in the hearts of those who worked alongside her and those whose lives she touched throughout her many years in the Durham community.

SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO PEAKS & WATERS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CARE.

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06/25/2026

Robbie Sharyn Bridges-Hunt

Robbie Sharyn Bridges-Hunt, born on August 29, 1958, in Durham, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, at Duke Regional Hospital.

Robbie was a lifelong Durham original: creative, gifted, sharp, and deeply rooted in the people and places that shaped her. She carried a natural artistry in her hands and spirit. To many, she was known as one of the best hair braiders in the city, a woman whose talent, style, and care showed up in everything she touched. She was also an exceptional cook, remembered for her signature recipes, twists she put on dishes she learned from her mother, Robbies' meals brought people close, felt down home, and always left you wanting more.

Her creativity extended beyond the kitchen and the chair. She was a designer who loved to sew and took pride in making her own and others clothes, expressing her unique style through every stitch. She had a deep love for early Motown music and was always ready to put on a show, bringing joy, rhythm, and a sense of fun wherever she went.

A meaningful part of Robbie’s life and labor was connected to The Know Bookstore, the first African-American bookstore in Durham, founded by her big brother, Bruce Bridges, in 1981. More than a bookstore, The Know became a gathering place for culture, conversation, learning, food, and community. Robbie helped carry that legacy in her own way, running and serving as the main cook for the deli side of the store. Through her cooking, presence, and daily work, she helped make The Know a place where people were nourished in more ways than one.

In later years, Robbie also worked as a Security Officer for Allied Security, where she brought the same unique energy and commitment that marked so much of her life. But her work was never limited to a job title. She was a maker, a caretaker, a cook, a braider, a community woman, and a true Durham presence.

Above all, Robbie was a loyal wife, sharing over 50 years of love and partnership with her husband, and a devoted mother whose care and dedication shaped her family’s lives in lasting ways.

Those who knew Robbie will remember her strength, loyalty, creativity, and unmistakable spirit. Her life was filled with quiet acts of care, skill, and service, and her memory will remain woven into the lives of the family, friends, neighbors, and community members who loved her.

Robbie’s passing is a profound loss, but her legacy lives on in the people she fed, the beauty she created, the family she loved, and the Durham history she helped carry forward. She will be remembered with deep love, gratitude, and respect.

SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO PEAKS & WATERS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CARE.

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06/17/2026

Luis Ernesto Ocasio

View Luis Ernesto Ocasio's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/17/2026

Jante Deonte Graves

Jante Deonte Graves was born on October 20, 1996, to Allison Graves and the late John Graves Jr. He departed this life on June 13, 2026.

Jante attended Durham Public Schools and later graduated from Kittrell Job Corps Center. He dedicated nine years of service as a Food Service Worker at the Durham VA Medical Center, where he was known for his strong work ethic, warm personality, and ability to brighten the day of everyone he encountered.

To know Jante was to know laughter. He was a natural comedian whose humor could light up any room. No matter the circumstance, he had a way of making people smile and forget their troubles, if only for a moment. His gift for bringing joy to others led him to pursue stand-up comedy in his spare time, sharing his jokes and infectious spirit at local comedy clubs.

Above all else, Jante's greatest joy in life was being a father. His son, Mehki, was the center of his world, and he cherished every moment they spent together. Jante loved his son deeply and took great pride in being his father.

Jante was preceded in death by his father, John Graves Jr.; his brother, JaVaun Graves; and his grandfather, Clarence Harris.

Jante leaves to cherish his precious memory: his loving mother, Allison Graves (Harris) of Louisburg, North Carolina; his beloved son, Jante “Mehki” Graves, and Mehki’s mother, Kiana Royster, of Durham, North Carolina; his sisters, Bianca Jones (Jay) of Franklinton, North Carolina, and Jessica Currie of Durham, North Carolina; his brothers, Gregory Currie (Kyandra) of Concord, North Carolina, and John Graves III of Durham, North Carolina; and his grandmother, Marion Bailey of Durham, North Carolina.

In addition, he is lovingly remembered by three nephews, Jhamari Barton-Graves, Gregory Currie III, and Zachariah King; two nieces, Journee Jones and Bella Jones; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, friends, coworkers, and loved ones who will forever cherish the memories they shared with him.

Though his time on earth was far too short, Jante’s laughter, love, and unforgettable spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His legacy of joy, kindness, and devotion to family will never be forgotten.

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day."

THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC VIEWING.

SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO PEAKS & WATERS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CARE.

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06/09/2026

Carol Jenkins

Carol Jenkins, born on March 14, 1961, in Passaic, New Jersey, peacefully passed away on June 6, 2026, at Sampson Regional Medical Center. Her departure marks the end of a life that was both significant and quietly impactful.

Throughout her years, Carol exemplified steadfastness and grace, qualities that resonated deeply with those who had the privilege to know her. Born and raised in Passaic, she carried the values and spirit of her hometown wherever life took her, embodying a connection to community and kinship.

Carol’s journey was one witnessed and cherished by family and friends whose lives were enriched by her presence. Though this obituary does not enumerate these relationships, the void left by her absence is profoundly felt among those who loved her.

As we reflect on Carol Jenkins’ life, it is with a tone of deep respect and remembrance. Her story, beginning in New Jersey and coming to a close at Sampson Regional Medical Center, is a reminder of the fragile beauty of life and the enduring impact of a well-lived one.

She will be remembered with affection and honor, her memory serving as a beacon for all who were fortunate enough to cross her path. In this moment of farewell, we hold onto the quiet dignity and enduring spirit that defined Carol Jenkins.

SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO PEAKS & WATERS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CARE.

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06/09/2026

Rhykem Jaimarkyle Green

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Rhykem Jaimarkyle Green, who left this world on June 6, 2026. Born on October 12, 2001, in Durham, North Carolina, Rhykem’s life was marked by a remarkable spirit of independence and dedication, particularly evident through his self-employed career.

Rhykem’s journey began in the vibrant city of Durham, where he grew up surrounded by the rich culture and community that shaped his values and aspirations. From an early age, he demonstrated a strong sense of purpose and the courage to forge his own path, choosing the path of self-employment, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to his personal goals.

Throughout his life, Rhykem was known for his unwavering resolve and the quiet strength with which he approached both challenges and opportunities. His ability to navigate the complexities of self-employment showcased not only his resourcefulness but also his passion for carving out a space where he could thrive on his own terms.

Rhykem’s passing leaves a significant void, yet it also serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and independence that defined his life. His story is one of perseverance, self-reliance, and the pursuit of dreams with steadfast determination.

Though Rhykem departed far too soon, his legacy endures through the memories of all who knew him and the inspiration gleaned from his enduring example. In remembering Rhykem Jaimarkyle Green, we honor a life lived with dignity and the courage to embrace one’s unique journey.

He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of crossing his path.

THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC VIEWING.

SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO PEAKS & WATERS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CARE.

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06/09/2026

Keya Lashawn Ferguson-Mitchell

Keya Lashawn Ferguson-Mitchell, a dedicated Cyber Security Engineer, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, at the Transitions Lifecare Hospice Home. Born on October 7, 1978, in Lanham, Maryland, Keya’s life was marked by her commitment to protecting digital landscapes and ensuring the safety of information in an increasingly connected world.

Throughout her career, Keya demonstrated an unwavering dedication to her field, bringing expertise, innovation, and a steadfast work ethic to every project she undertook. Her role as a Cyber Security Engineer was not just a profession but a vocation through which she contributed significantly to the security and integrity of numerous systems.

Keya’s early years in Lanham shaped a foundation of resilience and determination, qualities that would come to define her both professionally and personally. Though her journey was one of immense accomplishment, it was her character—marked by intelligence, kindness, and quiet strength—that endeared her to those who knew her.

Her passing leaves a profound void. While the details of her personal relationships and surviving family members remain private, the impact of her life’s work and the memories held by her colleagues and acquaintances stand testament to a life well-lived.

Keya Lashawn Ferguson-Mitchell’s memory will endure through the legacy she leaves in the field of cyber security and through the respect and admiration of those who were fortunate to cross paths with her. Her contribution to the digital safety of communities and organizations will not be forgotten.

She will be remembered with great respect and honor by all who had the privilege to know her and work alongside her. May her soul rest in peace.

FINAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE PENDING AT THIS HOUR.

SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO PEAKS & WATERS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CARE.

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06/09/2026

Ruth Ann Haley

In Loving Memory

Ruth Ann Haley

July 15, 1957 ❧ June 4, 2026

♥ ❁ ♥

“She is clothed with strength and dignity,

and she laughs without fear of the future.”

— Proverbs 31:25

♥ ❁ ♥

Ruth Ann Haley was born on July 15, 1957, in Jacksonville, Illinois, the youngest of four children born to Helen Marie Hayes and James Delbert Hayes. From her earliest days, Ruth was surrounded by love — a foundation that would shape the warmth and generosity she carried throughout her entire life.

She grew up alongside her brothers James and Bob, and her sister Virginia, all of whom preceded her in death. She attended and graduated from Routt High School in Jacksonville, where the roots of her strong character and tireless work ethic took hold.

On January 31, 1976, Ruth united her life with the love of her life, Billy Dean Haley. Theirs was a love story that endured every season — a true and lasting partnership that reached a beautiful milestone this very year as they celebrated fifty years of marriage together. It was a testament to their faithfulness, devotion, and the life they built side by side.

Ruth’s greatest joy was her family. She was the proud and deeply loving mother of three daughters: Helen Elizabeth Pagán and her husband June, Monica Ann Writz and her husband Daniel Jay, and Allison Pauline Haley and her fiancé Michael Shanks. Her heart expanded further still with the arrival of her beloved grandchildren — Haley Pagán and her husband Joseph; Alexander Pagán and his girlfriend Selena Maurer; Alexis Pagán and her fiancé Daniel Podwirny; and Preston, Eve, Gabriella, Rebecca, Jacob, Naomi Writz, and Kayden Shanks — each one a treasure she held dearly.

Above all else, Ruth loved God. Her faith in Jesus Christ was not merely a belief she held — it was the very heartbeat of who she was. She lived her faith out loud, with open hands and an open door. For years she poured herself into local food ministries, quietly and steadfastly serving those in need, embodying the grace and compassion she so deeply believed in. She never sought recognition; she simply served, because serving was her calling.

Ruth was a woman of extraordinary dedication. For over forty years she gave herself fully to a career in retail management, earning the respect of all who worked alongside her. She was not one to do anything halfway — whether at work, at home, or in her community, she brought her whole self, every single time.

She had a deep and joyful love for her country, and the Fourth of July held a special place in her heart — her favorite holiday, celebrated with the same enthusiasm and patriotic spirit she brought to everything she loved. Her home was also filled with a quiet, whimsical collection of teddy bears, each one a small reminder of the gentleness that lived beneath her determined and capable exterior.

Ruth Ann Haley leaves behind a legacy not written in monuments, but in the lives she touched — the hungry she fed, the hands she held, the family she raised, and the God she served faithfully until her last breath. She was loved beyond measure, and she will be missed every single day.

♥ ❁ ♥

She Is Survived By

Her beloved husband of 50 years, Billy Dean Haley

Her daughters and their husbands: Helen Elizabeth and June Pagán; Monica Ann and Daniel Jay Writz; and Allison Pauline Haley and her fiancé Michael Shanks

Her grandchildren: Haley Pagán and husband Joseph; Alexander Pagán and girlfriend Selena Maurer;

Alexis Pagán and fiancé Daniel Podwirny; Preston, Eve, Gabriella, Rebecca, Jacob, Naomi Writz, and Kayden Shanks

♥ ❁ ♥

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7

SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO PEAKS & WATERS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CARE.

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05/26/2026

Melanie Jan Miller

Melanie Jan Miller, born on July 19, 1956 in Niagara Falls, NY passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026 at her residence in Durham, NC.

Melanie is survived by two daughters, Tessa and Emily, and her husband David. Both girls were born in Glens Falls, NY before the family moved to Maine for David's fisheries career. She raised her daughters in Lamoine, ME. After her girls grew up, she became a Certified Professional Coder before moving to Durham, NC where she built a career as a Patient Supply Associate at Duke Homecare and Hospice.

Melanie loved to go on trips with her daughters, traveling to Beaufort, NC her favorite Southern town; Beaufort, SC to see the home of her favorite author Patrick Conroy; Atlanta, GA to feed elephants by hand; Havana, Cuba to learn their history and culture, also the place she asked Emily to plan a trip for when she got her first passport in her 60s; Playa del Carmen to eat her favorite Mexican foods and have a good, "real" margarita; and many more. She appreciated a good thunderstorm, a warm day to sit on the porch with a beer, and going out for a fun meal with some live music. Her daughters were her favorite people in life and she was happy to have them both on August 12 but 3 years apart, often remarking that this was her favorite holiday. She was loved not only by her daughters, but also her son-in-laws (Nathan and Javier) plus several "dogren" (her term for our very loved and spoiled family dogs) Sugar, Georgia, and Walker, and her grand-dogren Douglas, Bentley, Hazel, and Noodle. She also adored, doted on, and wished she had more time to spoil the newest love of her life, Everett Miller Priest, her first grandson.

Melanie did not want a funeral service and she did not want people to mourn her passing. She wants anyone who cares to reflect on their past together, remember the good times, and smile. Drink a beer, have some ice cream, enjoy a lovely day basking in the sun in her honor. No flowers or gifts are desired. If you feel compelled, please donate in her memory to your favorite charity, or if you'd like a suggestion, contribute to Saving Grace Animals for Adoption in NC where she and her daughters volunteer and many dog's lives are changed for the better.

SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO PEAKS & WATERS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CARE.

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