Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services

08/13/2026

Deacon Perry “PG” Gupton Jr
April 1, 1938 - August 5, 2026

08/09/2026

Mrs Lottie Mae Smith
Jan 9, 1940 - Aug 3, 2026

08/08/2026

Perry Gupton Jr., 88, of Smithfield, North Carolina, passed away on August 5, 2026. He was born on April 1, 1938, in Louisburg, North Carolina, to the late Margaret and Perry Gupton Sr.

Perry worked for Penn Compression until retiring in 1992 due to illness. He was an avid wrestling fan who enjoyed westerns, though cooking shows were his favorite. He also sold cars with his good friend Charles Elbee and his sister, Edith Gupton.

Perry joined Burning Bush Holiness Tabernacle in 1961 and served as Chairman of the Deacon Board until his passing. He and Lou Glenda married in September 1965 in Smithfield, North Carolina, and together raised four children: Stephen, Maurice, Pamela, and Maureen.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lou Glenda; his son, Stephen Gupton; his parents, Margaret and Perry Gupton; his brother, Eddie Lee; his sister, Annie G. Fogg; and his sister-in-law, Minnie Bridges.

Perry leaves cherished memories to his son, Maurice (Holly) Gupton of Zebulon, North Carolina; daughters, Pamela and Maureen Gupton of the home; brother, Halvester (Alma) Gupton; sister, Edith Gupton; sister-in-law, Otelia Gupton; grandsons, Corey and Darren Gupton; godson, Joseph O’Neal Jr.; great-granddaughter, Olivia; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Love and prayers

Services will be held at Shiloh Christian Church 211 Durham St. in Smithfield NC. Thursday 8/13viewing to begin at 10 and funeral to follow at 11. www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

08/07/2026

Mr Commodore Harvey Monk Jr
Sept 18, 1947 - July 31, 2026

08/05/2026

Lottie Mae Smith age 86, was born in Scotland Neck NC on January 9, 1940, to the late Willie and Alice Smith but raised in Rocky Mount NC. She departed this world on Monday August 3, 2026, at Barbour Court Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Smithfield, NC.

Lottie spent most of her life as a housewife to her late husband Johnny Dublin. She leaves behind a family who will forever treasure her memory, her daughters Carolyn Allen, Gloria Smith, her sons Charles Dublin (Amelia Dublin), James Dublin (Crystal Dublin), Larry Dublin (Wanda Dublin). She also leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, 16 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren and many friends.

She was reunited in eternal rest with her son Tyrone Dublin, her siblings Willie Smith, Ollie Stokes, Alice Mae Smith, Sarah Dowds, Norman Smith, James Smith, Barry Smith, Tom Smith and Louise Smith, two grandchildren Darrion Royal and Chereka Williams.

Lottie was a faithful member at Green Chapel Missionary Baptist.

Lottie will forever be treasured with loving memories; we honor the outstanding woman she was. Lottie's soul will rest in eternal peace.

Funeral Arrangements: Johnston County Agriculture Center 2736 NC-210 Ste B, Smithfield, NC 27577 Sunday August 9, 2026, 11:00 am until 12:00 noon viewing with eulogistic services beginning at 12:00 noon. www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

08/01/2026

Commodore Harvey Monk, Jr. of Clayton, NC passed peacefully Friday, July 31, 2026 , surrounded by family members.

He and his wife of 54 years, Barbara Liles Monk, relocated to Johnston County after he retired from the US Bureau of Census, in Suitland, MD.

Their son, Gerard Alexander, preceded him in death. Commodore was a faithful member and ordained Deacon of First Missionary Baptist Church, Smithfield.

Harvey was a Life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and a Silver life member of the NAACP Organization. Harvey was a proud 1970 graduate of NC A&T State University.

Funeral Arrangements:
Viewing Thursday August 6, 2026, from 5:00pm - 7:00 pm at First Missionary Baptist Church 403 Caswell St., Smithfield, NC 27577

Funeral Friday August 7, 2026, viewing from 10:00 am until 11:00 am with a celebration of life starting at 11:00 am 403 Caswell St., Smithfield, NC 27577. www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

07/21/2026

Mr Nelson Lavern Gilmore
March 2, 1948 - July15, 2026

07/17/2026

Nelson Laverne Gilmore, a man known for his boundless kindness and unwavering generosity, passed away on Wednesday July 15, 2026, at the age of 78. Born on March 2, 1948, in Smithfield, North Carolina, Nelson was the beloved son of Harvey and Ola Gilmore. His departure has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Nelson's life was a testament to service and dedication. He served his country with honor in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971. Upon returning home, he embarked on a lifelong career as a mechanic in a local textile mill. Known as a "jack of all trades, master of none," Nelson's skills were vast, and his willingness to help others was limitless. Whether it was fixing a flat tire, lending a hand when someone was out of gas, or simply offering a ride, Nelson never turned away a friend in need.

He was a man who never knew a stranger, always ready with a warm smile and a helping hand. He was the person you called on in times of trouble, and he never failed to show up. His selflessness and genuine compassion earned him the love and respect of his community and those fortunate enough to call him family.

Nelson was predeceased by his loving wife, Joyce Gilmore, and his cherished daughter, Lisa Kennedy, as well as his brothers Rayvon Gilmore and Steve Strickland, and sisters Brenda Rhodes and Evelyn McCullogh and biological father James Marlow. He leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory: his devoted daughter Toni Gilmore; his grandchildren, Tiffany Jones and Zachary Jones; and his great-grandchildren, Skylah Horton, Mason Horton, and Easton Jones. He is also survived by his siblings, Francis King, Sylvia Mills, and Danny Strickland.

Family and friends are invited to gather and pay tribute to a man who dedicated his life to serving.

Funeral Service to celebrate Nelson's life will be held on Tuesday July 21, 2026, with viewing for family and friends from 4:00pm to 5:00pm.
Celebration to follow from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremations Chapel 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd Smithfield NC 27577.

Nelson Laverne Gilmore's life was a beacon of kindness and selflessness, and his spirit will continue to inspire all who knew him. May he rest in peace, forever remembered for his gentle heart and unwavering love. www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

07/11/2026