Askew Funeral & Cremation Services, 731 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC (2026)

08/05/2026

Mary Liles Keeter

Mary Liles Keeter, 88, of Littleton passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

She was born in Norfolk Virginia on July 27, 1938 to the late Alvin and Julia Liles and moved to Aurelian Springs in the 1940’s. She graduated from Aurelian Springs High School in 1956 where she played basketball. She started dating Ronald and on June 23, 1956, they were married and they just celebrated 70 years together. She graduated from ECU with a BS in Economics and then with a Master’s in Science. She retired after many years of teaching middle and high school students. She was a lay leader at Tabor Methodist Church as well as a Sunday School teacher. She was also active in the Pilot, Red Hat, and Stray Cats Car clubs, United Methodist Women and served on the social services and Rural Health boards.

Mary is survived by her husband, Ronald Luke Keeter, Sr.; their children, Ronnie Keeter and his wife, Tara, Lib Keeter and Grace Zorn, Kaye Cullom and her husband, Keith; grandchildren, Luke Keeter and his wife, Emily, Lizzie Keeter, Michael Cullom and his wife, Lauren; great grandchildren, Linley, Carson, and Wesley; siblings, Judy Lewis, Betty Crawley and husband, Ronald, Patsy Pilgreen and husband, Ronald, Al Liles and wife, Sue Ellen; sisters-in-law, Linda Wrenn, Kathy Lee and husband, Glen, Joan Webster and husband, Alvis; brother-in-law, Tommy Keeter; several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Rachel Keeter Hux.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Tabor Methodist Church with Rev. Chris Aydlett and Rev. Nancy Palmer officiating.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM at the church until service time.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations maybe made to Tabor Methodist Church, 1838 Wayman Church Road, Littleton, NC 27850

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07/31/2026

David LeRoy Spruill

It is with our deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our brother, David Leroy Spruill.

The angels came to take him to his eternal home on July 29, 2026, an equally sweltering hot day as the day he was born on August 5, 1961.

He was born in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Dorothy Mae Kidd Spruill and Caroll Leroy Spruill. He was a beloved son, brother, and a favorite uncle. He grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia and as a youth he was a Boy Scout and was active in the youth program at First Christian Church in Portsmouth. He attended Tabernacle Christian School in Virginia Beach, Virginia. As a teen, his family moved to Bluefield, West Virginia, where he worked his first job at The Broken Bread Deli. This job gave him the chance to express himself as a line cook, caterer, and later a baker of beautiful and delicious cakes. He was very talented in the field and later he went on to teach others the art of baking and decorating cakes and pastries. He moved back to the Norfolk area where he worked for Farm Fresh Grocers for over 13 years. He worked for K-Mart Deli and Bakery as a manager for over 5 years. He had a stern but gentle approach to managing his staff and most of them appreciated him and were sad when he left there to work for Pace Target Brokerage of New Jersey. This gave him the opportunity to travel and have many new adventures before moving to Roanoke Rapids, NC, where he made his home for over 25 years. He kept in touch with family and friends, although his health failed which did not allow for as much travel.

David is survived by two sisters, Laura Lee Hollifield (Tim) of Danielsville, GA and Patricia “Patty” Lynn Spruill of Roanoke Rapids, NC; his nephew, Jeremy Lee Hubbard and his children, Arianna and Emalyn Hubbard; a great great nephew, Jonah Hubbard of Danielsville, GA; a niece, Tarah “Tulip” Layman (Justin) and her children, Ethan Daniel Hubbard and Vivian A. Layman of Royston GA; his uncle, Harold Ray Kidd, Sr. (Linda) of Chesapeake, VA; his aunt, Billie Jean Kidd of Virginia Beach, VA; numerous cousins and friends including his beloved friend Dutchie’s children, Crystal Diane Collins and Beau Stinnett of Virginia Beach, VA, whom he loved as if they were his children.

David will be remembered for his warm disposition and his smile. He made ordinary moments seem extraordinary. His kind spirit, generosity, and love will leave a gift we carry in our hearts always. His remarkable sense of humor as well as his calming listening skills helped sooth us in times of trouble. He has touched so many people in his life and we will all feel his loss. His fondest memory, which he shared with his sisters and brother-in law, is the trip they took to Alaska. They saw whales, visited glaciers, and drank hot chocolate on the ship deck wrapped up in blankets. He loved children, especially his nieces and nephews. He also loved animals of all kinds, especially pigs and his favorite dog pal, Sebastain. He was a fond collector of Santas and he loved Christmas with a childlike wonder. Over 600 of the “jolly ole elf” will be shared with others. He loved music and art and if you listen closely, you might hear him humming a tune.

A “Celebration of Life” service will be held on August 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services-Jackson Chapel, 313 East Jackson Street, Jackson, NC, 27845. Mark Hamilton of Aydlett, NC and cousin of David will be officiating the service.

The family will receive friends following the service.

The staff at the facility and hospice care became like family to him during the last months of his life so as a tribute of love and friendship to David’s memory, please make donations to Windsor Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, 1306 S. King Street, Windsor NC.27983 or to Gentiva Hospice Care, 200 Green Street, Suite 203 Williamston, NC, 27892.

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07/20/2026

Mary Willmes Purdy

Mary Willmes Purdy, 96, of Henrico, NC passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at her home on Lake Gaston.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Captain Harlan Ralph Purdy, USN (retired), her son, Thomas Harlan Purdy, her brothers, Joseph Willmes (Beryle), Harold Willmes (Florence), and Alfred Willmes (Patricia), sisters Anna Leicht (Dick), Alice Willmes, Mildred “Buddy” Cleary (Jack), Stella Purdy (Walter), and Eleanor Maier (Joe).

Mary was born in Webster, New York, the daughter of Anthony “Tony” Willmes and Margaret LeFrois. She graduated from Webster High School in 1947. Mary enjoyed working at the Candy Kitchen in Webster and later at Kodak in Rochester before she married Harlan, a Lieutenant in the Navy and a Naval Aviator. She dutifully and most willingly fulfilled the job of Navy Wife over the course of her husband’s 30 year Naval Career…quite a job in and of itself with multiple deployments, living away from family, moving every 2-3 years… She was also the mother of 4 children (all born within 5 years), one of whom was handicapped and required much special care.

Mary shared Harlan’s love for the outdoors, especially camping, bicycling and boating. From the time the children were small through retirement, they traveled the country, visiting most of the National Parks in their Volkswagen Camper…they loved their Volkswagen Campers and owned three of them over the years.

They settled in Henrico, NC on Lake Gaston in 1987. Mary was active with the Lake Gaston Ladies Club where she enjoyed the card groups. Her passion was playing Hand and Foot while enjoying lunch and friendship with her friends from cards.

Mary and Harlan loved to host family and friends at their home. They fully embraced Lake Life…waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing their Hobie Cat, kayaking and early morning swims.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Patricia Lynn Purdy of North Wilkesboro, NC, Joan Purdy Thayer (Doug) of Waleska GA; her son, Robert Charles Purdy (Irene) of Henrico, NC; her sister, Theresa Schutt of Webster, NY; her sister in law, Bobbie Willmes of Webster, NY; grandchildren, Thomas Joines, Adam Joines (Jennifer), Nathaniel Thayer (Kim), Charlotte Guerrero (Alberto), and Peter Thayer (Julia), as well as ten great-grandchildren, Ashley, Amber, Paige, Addison, Owen, Emilyn, Jack, Eva, Adrian and Liam, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 31, 2026 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Ebony, VA with Father Jong Bayta officiating. Burial will follow in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, July 30, 2026 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services, 731 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Memorial gifts may be made to The American Heart Association. Mary was a true fighter whose strength and resilience carried her through many difficult moments. Your gift honors her memory while helping others facing heart disease and stroke.

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07/08/2026

Mary Boulineau

Mary Boulineau, 85, of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina peacefully passed away on July 6, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Lucille Nicholson; her beloved husband, Charles; daughter, Wendy; and siblings, Freddie and Reggie Nicholson, and Pat Hayes.

Nanny found joy in her relationship with Jesus Christ and being a devoted parishioner of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church. She loved crocheting beautful afghan blankets that will be cherished keepsakes.

She also loved trying her lucky hand in a slot machine; however, nothing brought her more joy than turning a seven letter word into a treasured memory. The game of Scrabble was a staple of every family gathering. What began as a simple game became a beloved tradition that spanned generations. Each game began with hopes of beating Nanny-most often resulting in disappointment due to a simple two letter word landing in the perfect triple word spot. Nothing soothed our sore spirits after defeat more than a slice of her lemon meringue pie.

Nanny was truly “built different”. She fiercely battled incredible health challenges throughout her life with determination, resilience, faith, and grit. Time and time again she defied expectations. In her final years, she was blessed with the unwavering love and full-time care of her daughter, Cindy and son-in-law, Pat. Her son Chuck, and his wife Katie, also dedicated a tremendous amount of time and effort helping to provide her with the best quality of life. They both dedicated their lives to ensuring hers was spent feeling the love and comfort she deserved.

Mary is survived by her children, Cindy Harsh (Pat) and Chuck Boulineau (Katie); grandchildren, Megan Martin, Amber (Jacob) Williamson, Tyler Boulineau, Natalie (Blake) Simpkins; great-grandchildren, Jade and TJ Edmondson, Emma Kate Williamson, and a special baby boy that is on the way!

The family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Issac Miller, whose compassionate care spanned decades. Also a special thanks to Shebbie Lynch, CCMA and the entire HMS team for their dedication and support.

The family will receive visitors at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids on Thursday, July 9, 2026 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. A memorial mass will be held at St. John’s the Baptist Roman Catholic Church on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM. A graveside service will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery.

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07/07/2026

Jacqueline "Jackie" Ann Garner

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Jacqueline Ann Dursma Garner, who left us on July 4, 2026, at the age of 60. Born on October 19, 1965, Jackie was the daughter of the late James G. Dursma.

Jackie was known for her talents in the arts, from drawings and images, to her music as a talented trumpet player. She had a unique way of living life that fit her many talents. Her joy for life and talents were shared with students as she was a teacher's assistant for many years.

The melody of Jackie's life will play on in the hearts of her family, including her mother, Phyllis Sievers of Florida; her beloved sister, Cathy Kinnin of North Carolina; her brother, Jamie Dursma, and wife, Amy of Pennsylvania; nephews and nieces, Derrick Dursma, Steven Dursma, and Sarah Dursma, Corey Kinnin and wife, Danyelle, Kelly Kinnin and wife, Jena; great nephews and nieces, Drew Kinnin, Emberley Kinnin, and Jaxon Kinnin; and special friend, Jason Thompson, who cared for Jackie for many years.

A celebration of Jackie’s life will be held on a date to be determined, where family and friends will gather to share stories, reminisce, and honor her legacy. We invite all who loved her to join us as we remember a beautiful soul who touched our lives in countless ways.

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07/03/2026

John Alfred Briggs

John Alfred Briggs of Enfield, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at the age of 86, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a legacy built on love, hard work, and an unwavering passion for racing.

John was one of thirteen children born to the late Henry Marriott Briggs and Maude Lassiter Briggs on August 17, 1939 in Edgecombe County. Growing up in a large family taught him the value of hard work, loyalty, and the importance of family—values he carried with him throughout his life.

John was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, caring brother, and beloved uncle. His family was his greatest treasure, and he took immense pride in watching it grow through the generations.

He never met a stranger and was known for his friendly smile, generous heart, and ability to make everyone feel welcome.

For many years, John worked as a long-distance truck driver, traveling countless miles with dedication and determination. While trucking was his profession, dirt track racing was his passion. Known to many as "Iceman," he became a respected competitor on racetracks throughout the region, earning victories at Chantilly Speedway, South Brunswick Speedway in Virginia, and numerous other dirt tracks. The roar of the engines, the competition, and the camaraderie of racing were among the greatest joys of his life.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Betty Brazell Briggs; his sisters, Elizabeth Briggs Bullock, Ann Briggs Wrenn, and Margaret Briggs Hayes; and his brothers, Lynn, Carl, Rylan, Allen, Bill, Kemp, Joe, and Wood Briggs.

John is survived by his daughters, Kim Briggs Mann of Raleigh NC and April Vaughan McKee and her husband, Steve of Nashville NC; his son, Chris Vaughan and his wife, Cristel of Roanoke Rapids; his brother, Bob Briggs of Jackson; five grandchildren, Christina Vaughan Hebert, Allison McKee, Karly Mann, Kelly Mann, and Jaci Vaughan; five great-grandchildren, Riley Askew, Londyn Askew, Ryker Askew, Everett Hebert, Trace Hebert, and several nieces and nephew.

John will be remembered for his love of family, his legendary racing career, his tireless work ethic, and the kindness he showed to everyone he met.

Funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Randy Martin on Sunday, July 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until service time.

Interment will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to a charity of your choice or simply spend time with those you love, just as John always did.

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07/01/2026

Susan Draper Coley

With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Susan Draper Coley, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who left us peacefully on June 25, 2026 at the age of 75. She was born on June 13, 1951 in Ahoskie, NC to the late Joseph Hiram Draper, Jr. and Madie Alice Sumner and was also preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Robert Coley, along with a grandson Joseph "Joey" Sloan.

Susan lived a life filled with love, laughter, and compassion, touching the lives of everyone she met. Residing in Littleton, NC, Susan was known for her unwavering kindness and dedication to her family. She is survived by her two cherished daughters, Stephaine Sloan and husband, Brian and Jo Barwick, who carry forward her legacy of love and strength. Her family was her pride and joy and she leaves behind five grandchildren, Tyler Sloan, Alyson Barwick, Hunter Early, Jordan Barwick, and Gavin Sloan and one great-grandchild, Joseph Boone.

Susan's warmth and compassion extended beyond her family, touching friends and community members alike and she was a caregiver to many.

A memorial service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery where she will join her husband in the columbarium at a later date.

As we say goodbye to Susan, let us remember her laughter and her endless love. May her soul rest in eternal peace, knowing she will forever be in the hearts of those she has touched.

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06/25/2026

Christine Radford Peedin

Christine Radford Peedin, 98, formerly of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, died June 23, 2026 in New Bern.

Christine was born on December 22, 1927 in Kenly, NC to the late Haley and Lillie Radford. She was a graduate of Kenly High School and East Carolina University. She taught business education at Nashville and Corinth Holders High Schools. Four children and twelve years later she taught math at Weldon and Roanoke Rapids High Schools.

Christine was a loving and beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a faithful member of Halifax Baptist Church and remained active there as long as her health permitted.

Christine moved to Halifax in 1958 with her husband, Clyde Douglas Peedin, Sr., who served Halifax County for 28 years as Agricultural Extension Chairman. She was widowed in 1993 and moved to Roanoke Rapids in 1997 when she married Hugh T. Bugg, who died in 2001. For health reasons and to be near her daughter, she became a resident of Home Place of New Bern in 2021.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Christine was preceded in death by her daughter, Judy Peedin; her sisters, Alberta Mozingo and Lessie McKeel; her brothers, Major Radford, Hubert Radford, Magnus Radford, Bill Radford and Aubrey Radford.

Survivors include her son, Dr. C. Douglas Peedin, Jr. (Carla) of Roanoke Rapids; daughters, Virginia Knight (David) of New Bern and Sylvia Peedin (Ginger Griffin) of Florida; son in-law, Keith Kollmann of Raleigh and stepdaughters, Mary Bugg of Moyock and Libby Sue Johnson of Vale, stepson, Bobby Bugg. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Lola Tharrington of Roanoke Rapids.

Also surviving are grandchildren, Jeff Knight (Becca), Philip Peedin (Leslie), Marie Knight (Shannon McDonald), Melissa Price (Jonathan), and Emily Patterson (Donovan); step-grandchildren, Donna Kellogg, Kevin Johnson (Jennifer), Kerry O-Berg (Lester), and Ryan Bugg (Kathy); great-grandchildren, Alexandra Knight, Ella Knight, Samantha Peedin, David Price, Natalie Price, and Everett Patterson.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services officiated by Rev. Billy Howell and Rev. Tim Jones. The family will receive visitors at 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be at 2:30 PM in Sunset Memorial Park in Smithfield, NC.

Memorial gifts may be made to Halifax Baptist Church, 131 Prussia Street, Halifax, NC 27839.

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06/24/2026

Bonnie Wheeler Spradlin

Bonnie Wheeler Spradlin, 94, of Conway, NC passed away on Tuesday morning, June 23, 2026.

She was the daughter of the late James Henry Wheeler and Ester Collier Wheeler and was also preceded in death by her husband, Richard Thomas Spradlin, Sr., a brother, Caron Wheeler and a nephew, Darryl Wheeler.

Bonnie worked in the medical field as an LPN for many years.

She is survived by her daughter, Robin Spradlin Cantrell and her husband, George of Oxford, NC; her son, Richard Thomas Spradlin, Jr. and his fiancee', Rina Araujo of Conway, NC; three grandchildren, Richard Wesley Spradlin, James Thomas Spradlin and his wife, Heather and Robin Spradlin Shaw and her husband, Jonathan; two great grandchildren, James Thomas Spradlin, Jr. and Aliyah Spradlin; two nieces, Lori Spradlin and Debbie Martin; nephew, Mike Spradlin; and her canine companion, Luna.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 2:00-3:00 PM at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services-Jackson Chapel in Jackson, NC.

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06/22/2026

Howard Nathan Gray

Howard Nathan Gray, 82, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026.

Born in Halifax County, Howard was the son of the late Thomas Jackson Gray and Laura Ellen Shearin Gray. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Roy Gray and Lloyd Gray; his sisters, Elizabeth Jones Brown, Dorothy Lee Moore, Myrtle Whitby, and Laura Ann Moore; and his beloved poodle, Reesee.

Howard was a proud United States Army veteran who served his country honorably. Following his military service, he dedicated 39½ years of service to Champion International before retiring. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and especially enjoyed deer hunting and fishing at the beach. Whether in the woods, on the water, or surrounded by family, Howard found joy in the simple pleasures of life.

Above all else, Howard cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest happiness came from spending time with those he loved. His grandchildren affectionately knew him as "Gann Daddy," a title he wore with pride and love.

Howard is survived by his wife of 63 wonderful years, Judy Gray; his son, Tim Gray and wife, Ashleigh; his three cherished grandchildren, Mallory Gray, Kenley Gray, and Allie Rose Gray; and several nieces and nephews.

Howard will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love of the outdoors, faithful service to his country, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

"A life well lived leaves a lasting legacy of love."

The family will receive friends at a visitation on Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Cedarwood Cemetery with Rev. Randy Martin officiating.

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