January 2021 Deaths in New Bern, NC

Marie Openshaw

Marie N. Openshaw, 83, New Bern, NC

On Saturday, January 30, 2021, Marie N. Openshaw, loving mother of four children, passed away peacefully at her house at the age of 83. Marie was born February 17, 1937 in Sulfur, LA to Michael and Lillian Nassar. She married Albert R. Openshaw and raised four sons, Alan, Wynn, Albert, and James. She had five grandchildren, Lisa, Heather, Joey, Casey, and Tyler, and six great grandchildren.

Marie loved to bake cakes, sew, and crochet. Her passion was making wedding cakes and sewing dresses. She loved her church and being involved in the ‘Alter and Rosary’.

Marie was the last of the Nassar children and was preceded by her siblings, Betty, Kaylynn, George and Michael. Sadly, she was also preceded in death by her husband Albert and her son Albert. She is survived by three sons, Alan, Wynn, James; her grandchildren; great grandchildren, and her nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass, with Fr. Bill Upah officiating, will be 10 a.m., Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Annunciation Catholic Parish in Havelock, NC. She will be buried next to her husband Albert in Maine in the Spring. Online condolences may be made at www.pollockbest.com.  In lieu of flowers donations may be mailed to Annunciation Catholic Parish 246 E. Main St. Havelock, NC 28532, or annunciationparish.org.
Arrangements with Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations.

Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111

 

Trudy Boles Garland, 77, New Bern, NC

Mrs. Trudy Boles Garland, 77, left her earthly home on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A native of Clay County, TN. Trudy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother as well as a faithful and hard working member of Broad Street Christian Church. In her early career, Trudy was a beautician by trade, and then later worked for Piece Goods Shop and Branch’s Office Supply. However, her most rewarding position by far was her role as Nana. When she wasn’t working or spoiling her grandchildren, she enjoyed spending time at the beach, crocheting , watching UNC Tarheel basketball and serving as an active member of BSCC’s CWF. Trudy was a kind, gentle, welcoming soul who always had love in her heart, open arms and room at her table. She loved with her whole heart and gave herself fully to everything she did, especially her family, her friends and her church.

Trudy is survived by her husband of 52 years, Terry W. Garland; her daughter, Terri G. Pennington and husband, Troy; Marc W. Garland and wife, Adele, all of New Bern. She also leaves behind her brother, Walter “Buddy” Boles, and wife Susie, of Indianapolis, IN; her sisters, Linda B. Haustrup and husband Paul, of Cookeville, TN, and Betty B. Clinton, of Cookeville, TN; along with her dear grandchildren, Eric, Hannah, Jamie, Anna, and Reed; and Trudy’s great granddaughter Lilith.

A memorial service for Trudy will be Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lakeside Chapel at Greenleaf Memorial Park, with Rev. Mary Ann Koffenberger officiating. Online condolences may be made at www.pollockbest.com. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the SECU Family House, or Broad Street Christian Church.

Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111

 

Charles (Chuck) Macon Toler, 82, New Bern, NC

Charles (Chuck) Macon Toler passed away on Saturday, January 16th, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon Macon and Gracie Mae Toler, wife, Mary (Penny) Toler, and brother, Bruce Toler. He is survived by his son, Baron Toler, brother, Alan Toler, stepdaughters, Rose Cook and Paula Adams, and grandchildren, Bladz and Chloe Toler and Aaron and Rachel Cook.

Charles graduated from New Bern High School and served in the Army Reserve. He was President of First Federal Savings and Loan Bank and retired from East Carolina Internal Medicine as Administrator. His wife Penny would always tell her kids in a very strong southern accent, “When it comes to business, don’t mess with Charles Toler,” and they would giggle.

Charles made many people laugh over the years and always lightened the mood with his (sometimes inappropriate) jokes and his contagious laughter. He loved his family, friends, and pets and had an amazing imagination that allowed him to tell many tales. One humorous tale was when Charles was a teenager and missed his ride to the beach and decided to ride a scooter there. He knew it would be a long ride when a dog chased and passed him on his journey. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it to the beach until dusk! Charles also had a love for vintage cars and working on his computers. He made a mean Hungarian Goulash and was known for his beer boiled shrimp.

Charles and Penny went to high school together and reunited many years later. They had an amazing life together and no one ever knew what shenanigans they were up to. They laughed, traveled, bickered, and loved their lives together to the fullest.

A graveside service will be held at Cedar Grove Extension on Friday, January 29th at 1 pm. Online condolences may be made at www.pollockbest.com.

Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111

 

William Edward Jones

William Edward Jones, Sr., 79, New Bern, NC

Mr. William Edward Jones, Sr., 79, passed away Friday, January 22, 2021. A native of Craven County, Mr. William was the son of Theresa and Elza Jones and was a member of the New Bern Church of God. He was a hardworking man who owned and operated Neuse Blvd. Service Center for over 27 years. Mr. William was a Christian thru and thru, giving of his time, money, and talents. He was a faithful member of New Bern Church of God and will be missed by his church family. Mr. William was also a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather. Sadly, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Brenda J Long, grandson Willie Long, a special granddaughter, Prissy Price, and his four brothers and four sisters. He believed a truly rich man was one surrounded by family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.

The family will receive friends 1-3:00 PM, Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Pollock-Best Funeral Home. A private celebration of Mr. William’s home-going will follow at the Lakeside Chapel Online condolences may be made at www.pollockbest.com.

William is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margie Morris Jones; his daughter, Carol L. Edwards, and husband Larry; and his sons, William E. “Billy” Jones, Jr., and wife Paula; Danny R. Jones, Sr.; and Richard Lee Jones, and wife Lacrisha, all of New Bern and Vanceboro. He also leaves behind his 20 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and several great great grandchildren. With a special mention to his brother-in-law, that has always been there whenever needed, Dan Morris of Columbia, SC.

Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is entrusted with the Jones Family.

Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111

 

Ed Tarr

Mr. Edward “Ed” Robert Tarr, 58, New Bern, NC

Mr. Edward “Ed” Robert Tarr, 58, died Thursday, January 14, 2021. Ed was born in Indianapolis, IN on January 27, 1962. Sadly, he was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Kane Tarr.

The family will have a private committal service at New Bern Memorial Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.pollockbest.com.

Ed is survived by his parents, Don and Roberta Pollock; his daughter Emily (Bobby) Stevenson; and his beloved grandson Ivan, all of New Bern. Also mourning his death is his deaf dog, and faithful companion, who Ed taught sign language.

Arrangements with Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations.

Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111

 

Eric “Adam” Jackson, 30, Vanceboro, NC

Eric “Adam” Jackson, 30, died Wednesday, January 13, 2021.

He is survived by his wife, Bridgette Mozingo Jackson; parents, Jeffery Woodrow and Crystal Hufman Jackson; sister, Ellen Pauline Jackson; and brother, Jeffery Woodrow Jackson II.

Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday at New Bern Memorial Cemetery.

Arrangements by Pollock-Best Funerals & Cremations

Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111

 

Charles Philip Bodensieck Jr., 84, New Bern, NC

On the morning of January 7, 2021, my father, Charles Philip Bodensieck Jr, was unexpectedly taken from us to rest with the good Lord.

I wanted to share some of my knowledge of his life.

He was born June 10, 1935 in Port Jervis, NY, to Charles Bodensieck Sr. and Ella Coleman Bodensieck. He was the baby of a blended family, with an older brother John, and two sisters Marian, and Annamae. He lived in the small town of Sparrowbush most of his childhood. He graduated from Port Jervis High School, in 1952, where he played baseball, and played in the band. Two months after graduation, at the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he studied electronics and became a Ground Electronics Countermeasure Specialist, and served honorably until August 1956.

In January 1956, he married Rosemary Kehr, from the Bronx. Together they had six children.

We will remember him for our many camping excursions, his hunting with the boys in Lew Beach, and as a father who encouraged us to always continue learning.

He served as past President of the Goshen Youth League, and coached youth and local baseball teams. Formerly, he belonged to the American Legion Post #488 in Monroe, the Goshen Knights of Columbus, and the Forty and Eight, and was President of several bowling leagues in Orange County. He was an avid baseball and Jeopardy fan.

Throughout his life he actively participated in charities for the disabled, poor and disadvantaged.

He worked for General Telephone, and NYNEX (Verizon), from where he retired in 1995. He retired to New Bern, NC with his companion Patricia, where he enjoyed the south and golfing for many years. He was a member of the Tidewater Couples Golf Club and several others.  While living in Craven County, he started a charity to collect bicycles for disadvantaged youth, who worked hard to have good grades, similar to his own childhood.

He leaves behind his companion, Patricia Cimillo, his adult children Charles III and wife Kathy of Middletown, NY, Chris, of Avon, MA, Ray and his wife Karen of Glenville, NY, Barbara and her companion Walter, of Clearwater, FL, Susan of Middletown, NY and Eric and his wife Juliana, of Schuylerville, NY. Fifteen grandchildren, Kristen Milliken, Michelle Bodensieck, Charles Bodensieck IV, Christopher Bodensieck Jr., Elisabeth Bodensieck, Alex Bodensieck, Stephanie Bodensieck, Kaella Ryan, Glenn Ryan Jr., Melissa Morrone, Ed Morrone Jr., Dominick Morrone, William Bodensieck, Xavier Bodensieck and Lillian Bodensieck, his companion’s sons John Eisele and Tom Eisele.  He is also survived by seven great grandchildren, his brother John Sheehan, his sister Annamae Hallock, his former wife Rosemary Bodensieck as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister Barbara, and his sister Marion Hockenberry.

A funeral mass will be held in New Bern, NC on Thursday January 14th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:30 p.m. until service time. A celebration of his life will be coordinated by his children at a later date, to be held in Orange County, NY.

Online condolences may be directed to www.pollockbest.com.

Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111

 

Herbert E. Rawls, 84, New Bern, NC

Mr. Herbert E. Rawls, 84, passed away suddenly Tuesday, January 5, 2021. A native of Tarboro, he lived most of his life in Craven County. Herb was the son of Zeb Vance and Florence Williams Rawls. He had a career in the US Air Force in AirCraft maintenance and retired after 24 years at Travis Air Force Base, California. After retiring from the AF, he earned his Masters Degree in English and graduated from Sacramento State University. He became a teacher at Solano Community College and also taught classes in San Francisco. Upon returning to his hometown, New Bern, Herb was the manager of Carolina Connections and helped many people in his free time to set up their computers and the internet. Herb loved music. He played the guitar and the piano. He sang with a “Pickin & Grinnin” group for fun for many years and sang with family and friends at Britthaven Nursing Home every Tuesday without fail to bring joy to the residents there. Mostly Herb was a beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather.  He was always quick with a smile, had a gleam in his eye and was always ready to help someone. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him. He was a faithful member of Croatan Free Will Baptist Church. Sadly, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Jane Elizabeth Rawls Miller and his brother David.

Herb is survived by his wife, Alma D. Rawls (Sally), his daughter, Jennifer Lee Rawls, his son, Robert Earl Rawls, and his two grandchildren, Breeze and Drayton and their father, Daniel.   He also leaves behind his sister, Dorothy Lee Andrews, and his brother, Howard Douglas Rawls.

A celebration of Herb’s life, with military honors, will be at 1:30 PM, Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Croatan FWB Church, with Pastor Harry Bryan officiating. For the safety and health of everyone attending from the Corona Virus, social distancing and wearing masks are requested. Online condolences may be made at www.pollockbest.com.

Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is honored to serve the Rawls Family.

Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111

 

Joan Pugh Singleton

Joan Pugh Singleton, New Bern, NC

Mrs. Joan Pugh Singleton was called home by our heavenly Father on January 4, 2021, with her family by her side. Joan was a loving wife, wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother who spent her life dedicated to her Lord, her family, and her puppy dogs. She was retired from Bosch Power Tools as Senior Buyer in their purchasing department after many years of service. Sadly, she was preceded in death by her husband James E. Singleton in 2010.

The family will welcome friends from 1 pm Saturday, January 9th prior to the service at 2 p.m. at Pollock-Best Funeral Home, with Pastor Scott Coghill officiating. Burial will follow at New Bern Memorial Cemetery. Those wishing to offer words of hope and condolences may visit www.pollockbest.com. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Joan is survived by her children, Jimmy Singleton and wife Laura; Scott Singleton; Windee Singleton Price and husband Scott; and Skip E. Singleton, all of New Bern. She also leaves behind her three grandchildren, Andrew Singleton (Courtney), Heather Daigle (Gerry), Sara Singleton, and 6 great grandchildren Bryson, Kaylen, Graison, Hannah, Jaxson, and Karson, along with her two sisters and three brothers. She will truly be missed.

Arrangements with Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations

Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111

 

Tom Barnett

Thomas Ray Barnett, 78, Cove City, NC

Thomas Ray Barnett of Cove City, age 78, husband of Melissa Dean McCoy Barnett, passed away Friday, January 1, 2021 at CarolinaEast Medical Center. His family was by his side as his battle with long term illness ended. Born and raised in Kinston, NC, his parents were Baswell Bee Barnett and Glennie Whaley Barnett.

Thomas and Melissa had four children; Thomas Dean Barnett (deceased), Thomas Scott Barnett (deceased), Jane Michelle Barnett Tripp, Daniel Stephen Barnett (spouse Stacie Pate Barnett) and grandchildren, Taylor Dawn Barnett and Mallory Jane Tripp. He is survived by sisters, Esther Barnett Burkett and Jackie Barnett Hill (spouse Gary Hill).

Thomas served in the United States Air Force, last stationed at Beale AFB in Maryville, CA as SSGT. He married wife Melissa in 1967, and they returned to Kinston, NC in 1970. There, he established, and became co-owner of Thomas Service Center. He furthered his education at LCC and ECU, graduating in 1979. Following graduation, he began his career teaching in Wayne, Lenoir and Craven Public School Systems.

Visitation will be held from 10 -12 p.m. at Pollock-Best Funeral Home in New Bern, NC. Interment will follow at Cove City Cemetery with a private graveside service for family. Online condolences may be made at www.pollockbest.com.

Thomas was respected and loved by his family and he will be deeply missed.

I Corinthians 13:13 KJV

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity”

Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is honored to assist the Barnett Family.

Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111