Gertrude D. Roest, 90, New Bern, NC
Mrs. Gertrude D. Roest, 90, passed away Saturday, May 29, 2021 with her family by her side. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister and will be missed by all who knew her. Gertrude was a seamstress extraordinaire, a member of the River Bend Garden Club, and loved to work in her garden. She was known for her prized tomatoes. She was a faithful member of St. Paul Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir and volunteered wherever she could. Sadly, she was preceded in death by her husband, Anton L. Roest, and her son-in-law Sean Wall.
Funeral services for Gertrude will be 2:30 PM, Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at St. Paul Catholic Church with Fr. Tom Tully officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at pollockbest.com. Memorials, in Gertrude’s name, may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church, 3005 Country Club Dr., New Bern, NC 28562.
Gertrude is survived by her children, Emily Platt, and husband Bob, of Lexington, SC; Lorraine Wall, of Sequim, WA; Kenneth Roest, of New Bern, and Anton M. “Tony” Roest, of New Bern. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, her brother Ad Durinck, and sister Lia Van Buul of the Netherlands, where Gertrude and her husband were born and raised.
Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is entrusted with the Roest Family.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111
Sabra Fulcher “Pinkie” Willis, 92, Bayboro, NC
Mrs. Sabra Fulcher “Pinkie” Willis, 92, passed away Saturday, May 29, 2021. A longtime resident of Pamlico and Craven counties, Pinkie was a member of Craven Chapter No. 129 of the Order of the Eastern Star, a member of the Red Hat Society, and a faithful member of New Life Church. Above all, she was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who cherished her time with her family. When she wasn’t tending her flowers, she would be the center of family gatherings. Sadly, she was preceded in death by her parents, Nora and James Harris Fulcher; her husband of 66 years, John B. Willis; her sisters, Lucille F. Armstrong and Lena M. Broughton; her son-in-law, Dick Riggs, her daughter-in-law, Sylvia Willis, and her beloved dog, Sadie.
The family will receive friends Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Pollock~Best Funeral Home from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, prior to her funeral at 12:00 noon with Pastor Scott Coghill officiating. Burial will follow in Greenleaf Memorial Park. Online condolences may be made at pollockbest.com. Memorials, in Pinkie’s name, may be made to No. 7 Township Fire Dept. 1705 Old Cherry Point Rd, New Bern, NC 28560, which her husband John helped grow; or New Life Church, 2911 Old Cherry Point Rd. New Bern, NC 28562.
Pinkie is survived by her daughters, Jean W. Abbott, and husband Johnny, of Bayboro; Donna K. Riggs, of Clayton; her son John B. Willis, Jr., of Bayboro; and her granddaughters, Jamie A. Radcliff (Justin), Jodi K. Houston (Scottie), and Amy P. Jordan (Tommy); along with her great grandchildren Jayla C. Woodard, Bryson A. Green, and Josh Betka, and many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the medical teams on the 3rd and 4th floors at Carolina East Health System, in New Bern, for their compassionate care during the past several weeks.
Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is entrusted with the Willis Family.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111
Lois Ann Day Jones, 84, of Greenville
Lois Ann Day Jones, 84, of Greenville, died peacefully at her home on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, with her family by her side.
Lois was born on July 18, 1936, to the late Gertrude Allen Day and Preston Day of Pamlico County. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Jones, her daughter, Carlene Piepol, and sister Barbara Day Stowe.
She was an avid crafter and especially enjoyed cross stitching, knitting, and quilting. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and was affectionately called Mimi by them.
She is survived by her son, Michael Jones and wife Donna of Greenville, and three grandchildren, Zachary Piepol (Kari) of Folsom, CA, Logan Jones of Chapel Hill, and Spencer Jones of Greenville.
There will be a graveside service at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 30, at the Concord Christian Church Cemetery in Florence with Scott Conner, Chaplain, officiating. Online condolences may be made at pollockbest.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children 950 West Faris Rd. Greenville, SC 29605, shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc.
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
John R. Mosley, 79, New Bern, NC
John R. Mosley, formerly of Midlothian, TX and Weaverville, NC, May 24, 2021 at age 79. Former stepfather of Paul Edward, Sharon Elaine, Diana Marie and step-grandfather of Tyler Quinn, Kelsey Marie, Weston Edward and Paris Clare. Husband of Angela Waite Wilson Durkin. Former husband of Ruth Ellen Mosley.
John met the love of his life, Ruth, in 1980. Their marriage lasted 35 years until Ruth’s passing in 2016. A jack of all trades, John worked as automobile repair manager, a golf instructor, a renter of vending machines and mobile homes, jewelry creation, and home construction. The highlight of his career was when he ran his own restaurant, The Colonial House of Waffles and also his late-in-life career as a United Methodist Church minister where his favorite church to have served was Pollocksville United Methodist Church. John loved fishing, RV camping, collecting fine art and antique dolls, and flea market sales. John was especially proud of his service in the military in the early 1960’s.
A private remembrance will be held at a later date. John will be laid to rest in Greenleaf Memorial Park, beside Ruth. In lieu of flowers, consider visiting with veterans at your local VA or a donation to Crystal Coast Hospice House. Online condolences may be made at pollockbest.com.
Submitted by Bob Burns, Funeral Director
Jenny Phillips Godwin, 69, New Bern, NC
Born June 27, 1951 – Died May 20, 2021
Jenny Phillips Godwin died at age 69 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Dr. Charles Godwin of New Bern, NC and her three children, Gabriel Godwin; Dr. Chloe Gorga; and Andrew Godwin, as well as her four beloved grandchildren. Jenny was a true lifetime learner who could always be found with a book in her hand. She was valedictorian of her high school in Brookhaven, Mississippi and was admitted to the first class of women at Yale University, where she graduated with honors. She attended law school at Emory University in Atlanta and went on to practice law in Georgia, New York and North Carolina. She also pursued a number of diverse interests that led her to teach a college course on medical ethics at SUNY Stony Brook, where she also hosted her own radio show.
After moving to North Carolina in 1989 she was asked to author her own column in a local magazine and became a fervent advocate for coastal wildlife preservation. She also served as the first executive director of the non-profit Habitat for Humanity in New Bern. She was a dedicated volunteer in the New Bern community where she strove to make a real difference in people’s lives through her work in the local public schools, the RSCS soup kitchen, and Craven County Meals on Wheels. Online condolences may be made at pollockbest.com. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the North Carolina Coastal Federation to aid their conservation efforts at nccoast.org, or 3609 NC 24 Newport, NC 28570.
Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is entrusted with the Godwin Family.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111
Kathleen T. Petritsch, age 74, New Bern, NC
Kathleen T. Petritsch, age 74, of New Bern, North Carolina passed away on April 14, 2021. Kathleen was born November 13, 1946 in Queens, New York, to the late Edward and Margaret Regan.
Beloved spouse of Robert Petritsch. Loving mother of Scott Petritsch (Pamela), Dawn Bollard and George Petritsch (Mary). Proud grandmother of Amanda, Joel, Timothy, Zachary and Katie. Devoted sister of Patricia Schaefer and Edward Regan.
A visitation for Kathleen was held Sunday, April 18, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at O.B. Davis Funeral Homes, Centereach, NY 11720. Funeral Mass, Monday, April 19, 2021 at 11:15 a.m. at St. Margaret of Scotland Roman Catholic Church, Selden, NY 11784. Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday, May 27, 2021 at St. Joseph Cemetery, New Bern, NC.
Arrangements with Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111
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Juanita Rhodes Gaskins, 93, Albertson, NC
Mrs. Juanita Rhodes Gaskins, 93, passed away at her home Thursday, May 20, 2021 with her daughter by her side. A native of Onslow County, Ms. Juanita lived in New Bern most of her life, where she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a faithful member of Bridgeton Free Will Baptist Church. Sadly, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward L. Gaskins; her son, Don Gaskins, and her six siblings. She loved doing crafts and needlework.
Funeral services for Ms. Juanita will be 11 a.m., Monday, May 24, 2021 at the Lakeside Chapel in Greenleaf Memorial Park with Rev. Jerry Rackley officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Online condolences may be made at pollockbest.com. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105; Wounded Warrior Project, 1990 Fordham Drive, Suite 100 Fayetteville, NC 28304; or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
Ms. Juanita is survived by her daughter, Cheryl G. Stroud, and husband Tommy, of Albertson, NC; her grandchildren, Celeste Britt (Scott) and Kevin Stroud (Angie); along with her five great grandchildren, Jared Britt, Blaine Britt, Noah Stroud, Sara Beth Stroud, and Carson Stroud; along with a host of nieces and nephews.
Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is entrusted with the Gaskins Family.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111
Hal Foscue Humphrey, Sr., 94, New Bern, NC
Mr. Hal Foscue Humphrey, Sr., 94, passed away at his home, with his family by his side, Thursday, May 13, 2021. A lifelong resident of New Bern, Hal grew up in the Clarks Community. He served in the US Maritime Service, and upon returning to New Bern, he was employed with the USPS and the Army National Guard, before being called to active duty in 1950. Hal served for over 21 years, with honor and distinction, in Germany, Korea, Vietnam, and many stateside posts. Following his retirement from the US Army, at the rank of CSM, Hal was employed as an executive and consultant with the City of New Bern Housing Authority for over 24 years. Sadly, Hal is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Martha “Dollie” Simpson Humphrey, his parents, Jay Lee and Rose Pittman Humphrey; his sisters, Doris H. McCombsand Helen H. Ferguson (his twin); and his five brothers, Jay Lee, Jr., Harold “Bump”, Donald, Bill, and Jimmy Humphrey.
Hal was a longtime faithful member of Centenary United Methodist Church, where he served on many boards and committees. Recently, he enjoyed attending Broad Creek Christian Church. He was a member of St. John’s Lodge # 3; a Scottish Rite Mason for more than 30 years; a member of Sudan Shriners, member and past President of New Bern Shriners Club; member of Royal Order of Jesters for more than 30 years, and a member of the Sudan Marching Patrol for more than 20 years. Hal served his community in numerous ways, including the United Way, Salvation Army, and many Veteran’s organizations. He was most passionate about the Shriners Hospital for Children. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
The family will receive friends 6 – 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at Pollock-Best Funeral Home, and other times at his home. Graveside services, with US Army Honors, will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 20, 2021 at New Bern National Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at pollockbest.com. Memorials, in Hal’s name, may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children 950 West Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605, shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc, or your favorite charity.
Hal is survived by his wife Opal Lee Humphrey; his sons, Hal F. Humphrey, Jr., Stephen J. Humphrey, and wife Johnette; his granddaughters, Lynn Cauley (Allen), Sarah Mayo (Perry); his grandson, Stephen J. Humphrey, Jr. (Malia); his seven great-grandchildren, Chelsea Fulcher (Adam), Camry Cauley (Jesse Gardner), Chandlor Cauley, Colten Cauley, Alana Mayo, Bee Humphrey, and Teddy Humphrey.
Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is entrusted with the Humphrey Family.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111
Irma Purser Tingle, 100, New Bern, NC
Irma Purser Tingle went home to Glory on May 16, 2021. She lived 100 years here on Earth, each day with a bright smile, and she always had a story to tell from her many years.
Irma was the only daughter born to Harvey Arthur, Sr and Celia Lee Purser on February 28, 1921 in Silver Hill, NC (Pamlico County). She was a whiz in school and graduated at the age of 16 from Alliance High School.
Irma was a career woman, first beginning work with the Rural Electric Company, then Maxwell Company and retiring in 1990 as Craven County Finance Officer, after working with Craven County Government Offices for 34 years. She was recognized for her exemplary work within the North Carolina County Finance Association, serving as President and Secretary-Treasurer. She was awarded the North Carolina Outstanding Finance Officer of the Year award in 1987.
Throughout her life, Irma was a dedicated member and elder of Broad Street Christian Church, with an unwavering faith in God. She served on various boards and community groups, with Christmount Christian Assembly being one that was near and dear to her heart.
Irma joins her parents, her husband Roscoe, and all of her brothers, Ormel, Jesse Lee, Harvey, Clifton, Paul and Harold in Heaven. She is survived by her daughter, Dinah, a special niece, Sara King (Mac) and special nephew, Jimmy Purser (Sharon) and a host of many other nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
A celebration of Irma’s life will be held at The Lakeside Chapel in Greenleaf Memorial Park on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 11a.m. with Rev. Mary Ann Koffenberger officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Online condolences may be made at pollockbest.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Irma’s honor, to Broad Street Christian Church Benevolent Fund 802 Broad St., New Bern, NC 28560 or Christmount Christian Assembly, 222 Fern Way, Black Mountain, NC 28711.
Arrangements entrusted to Pollock-Best Funerals and Cremations.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111
Roger Edward Miller, 90, New Bern, NC
Roger Edward Miller, 90 of New Bern, North Carolina passed away peacefully Friday (May 14, 2021) at his home. Roger was born in Stamford Connecticut, the son of the late Edward and Mildred Miller. He graduated from Stamford High School, attended graphics trade apprenticeship school, and then took a position with Graphic Color Plate where he worked for over 45 years. While working in that organization, he started as a print runner, was promoted to a graphics design and layout lead, and ultimately promoted to senior graphics
production lead. Throughout his printing career, Roger was involved in the final assembly production efforts for numerous highly known hard copy and digital print magazines (Life, Time, National Geographic, and others). Roger retired from the printing industry in 1988 and moved to New Bern, NC. Throughout his life, he was actively involved in playing golf, softball, bowling, drawing, family events, supporting local events, attending church activities, attending minor league baseball games, traveling, and taking long walks on the beach. In his spare time, Roger loved following all sports and was a Huge fan of the St. Louis Baseball Cardinals and N.Y. Giants Football Club. All that knew Roger always commented on his positive attitude, integrity, kindness, sense of humor, and his love for family and friends.
For Roger, every day was 75 degrees and sunny! Roger loved our nation and from 1952-1954, served in the U.S. Army as a Combat Engineer during the Korean War era. He was extremely proud to be a U.S Military veteran and supported numerous veteran and charity events.Roger met his wife Joan in Stamford Connecticut on a blind date through mutual friends and they were married on 8 November 1958. Roger is survived by Joan and his 3 children, Wayne Miller and his wife Sandy of Simsbury Connecticut, Dawn Lesieur and husband Brian of Evans, Georgia, and Marylou LeMoult and husband Ken of Portland, Maine. A great husband, father, grandfather and mentor, Roger has eight grandchildren (Christine, Austin, Amanda, Nicole, Gabriele, Brian Roger, Logan and Riley) and one great grandson (Beckham).
With his wife Joan, Roger was devoted to his children and his grandchildren, both a constant presence at their many activities over the years. Along with both his parents he was predeceased by one of his two siblings, Ruth Northrup.
Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation and mass on Friday the 21 st of May 2021 at Annunciation Catholic Church, located at 246 E. Main Street, Havelock, North Carolina. The visitation will be from 10-11 am. Mass will start at 11 am. Immediately following the Mass,
there will be a celebration of life at the same church location. Online condolences may be made at pollockbest.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations made be given in the name of Roger E. Miller to either the Craven County Hospice through their website Hospice | Craven County Hospice | North Carolina (office located at 2818 Neuse Blvd New Bern, NC ,28562) or call for donation assistance at (252) 636-4930 or Annunciation Catholic School (ACS) through their website (annunciationcatholicnc.org) (office located at 246 E. Main St, Havelock, NC 28532) or call for donation assistance at (252) 447-3137.
Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is entrusted with the Miller Family.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111
Karl William Zimmermann, 66, Pollocksville, NC
Karl William Zimmermann transitioned to eternal life on the morning of May 7, 2021 surrounded by his family.
Karl was born on August 21, 1954 in New Brunswick, NJ. He spent a majority of his life in New Jersey, between Barnegat and South Brunswick. South Brunswick is where he met the love of his life, Bonnie, and married her on February 14, 1981.
He leaves behind his wife, Bonnie of 40 years, daughters Kelly Cunningham and Alison Toro, son-in-law Charles Cunningham, his grandson Charles James; and his granddaughters Katherine and Charlotte. He also leaves behind his older sister, Janet Petrone and her children and grandchildren, along with additional family and friends that miss him already.
Karl did everything, from Boy Scouts, was a member of the First Aid Squad in Monmouth Junction, sang with the American Boychoir, played piano, and raced cars and boats. He was a carpenter and a truck driver for many years.
He moved to Pollocksville in 2018 just in time to experience the wrath of Hurricane Florence. His skills and helpful nature gave him joy in being a great help at a devastating time. He found the Filling Station to be such a place of goodness.
A Memorial service will be held at The Pollocksville Presbyterian Church on Friday, May 14th at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. T. Wes Moore and Dr. Sharon Bender officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Online condolences may be made at pollockbest.com. In lieu of flowers, Karl would like donations to The Filling Station- where he found so much joy in helping others. PO Box 222 Pollocksville, NC 28573, or fillingstation1075.com.
Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is entrusted with the Zimmermann Family.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111
Randall T. Priesing, 50, New Bern, NC
Randall T. Priesing, 50, passed away Wednesday, May 5, 2021. A long time resident of Havelock, Randy was a faithful member of Cherry Point Baptist Church where he was a greeter and usher for many years. He was always smiling and knew that God was love. He worked for many years at Taco Bell in Havelock, and was active with the Special Olympics in the swimming and running categories. He will be missed by all who knew him. Sadly, he was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara and Ralph Priesing, Sr., and his sister Kristen Pelland.
A celebration of Randy’s life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at pollockbest.com. Memorials in lieu of flowers, in Randy’s name, may be made to Cherry Point Baptist Church 212 Church Rd, Havelock, NC 28532, cherrypointbaptist.com, or Special Olympics NC 2200 Gateway Centre Blvd. Ste., 201 Morrisville, NC 27560, sonc.net.
Randy is survived by his four brothers, Richard, of Phoenix, AZ; Ralph Jr., of Augusta WV; Bob, of Havelock; and Russell, of Augusta, WV; along with a host of nieces and nephews.
Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is entrusted with the Priesing Family.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111
Edna Daley Harkins, age 94, New Bern, NC
Edna Daley Harkins, age 94, died peacefully at home in New Bern on April 24, 2021.
Edna settled in downtown New Bern in 1986 with her late husband, Charles J. Harkins. Edna and her sister were raised by a single Mom, Adeline Daley, in Rego Park, NY. Edna graduated from Queens College and went on to work at Pan Am Airlines. There she worked until an early retirement, having attained the position of Marketing Vice President.
Edna and Charles first lived in Brooklyn, NY. Later they moved to Maplewood, NJ, before finally moving to New Bern. Edna left a trail of good deeds and good friends everywhere she lived. In New Bern, she was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church. For many years in New Bern, she was an antiques dealer specializing in Sterling silver, forming friendships with dealers and clients across North Carolina.
Zoom services for Edna will be 4 p.m., Sunday, May 2, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church. Please call the church at 252-637-3270 to get access to the service. Online condolences may be made at www.pollockbest.com.
Edna is survived by her daughter, Patricia H. Taylor and Pat’s husband Tom, of Wilmington, her son, Charles F. Harkins, of Wilmington, as well as her grandchildren Brendan and Ryan Taylor, her great grandchildren, Charlie and George Taylor, her nephews, Christian, Robert and David Arnold, and her grand-nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please make a gift to the First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 1069 New Bern, NC 28563-1069, or https://www.firstpresnb.org/give.html.
Pollock~Best Funerals & Cremations is entrusted with the Harkins Family.
Submitted by: Bob Burns, Funeral Director, Manager, Pollock~Best, 2015 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 252-637-5111