All Obituaries

Juan Jose Vazquez, age 93, passed away Saturday at Columbus Regional Healthcare.  He was born on November 12, 1928 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico to the late Juan Vazquez and Isabel Folch Vazquez.  In addition to his parents, Juan was preceded in death by his wife; Lydia Esther Vazquez, and two sons; Carlos Edgar Vazquez and Eric Aaron Vazquez. Mr. Vazquez was a self-employed furniture maker by trade. He is survived by his daughter; Janet Pamela Austin of Whiteville, two sons; Robert...

Jeb disappeared in Lake Waccamaw on May 8, 2022, Mother’s Day.  He was found by emergency personnel on May 11, 2022 which was his 19th birthday. Jeb was born on May 11, 2003, Mother’s Day, in Whiteville. His Papa was born on May 11, 1958, also Mother’s Day. He was co-partner with Baldwin Signs & Awnings of Whiteville, founded in 1979, and he specialized in finished carpentry, aluminum metal fabrication, steel welding, electrical sign production and bucket truck...

Jan Roland “Samuel” Linden, 97, of Whiteville, NC (formerly of Locust Valley, NY) peacefully left his earthly home and stepped through Heaven’s glorious gates into his eternal home prepared just for him. (John 14:1-3) He passed early on April 18, 2022 of natural causes. He was the eldest child born to Anna Anderson Linden and George Wilhelm Linden in Nassjo, Sweden on January 7, 1925. He immigrated to the U.S. at age one. After graduating from Glen Cove High School in...

Vicki Keeter Strom, 56, of Laramie, WY passed away on Saturday, 30 April 2022 in Aurora, CO following a brief illness. She was born to Vernon L. Keeter and the late Donna Benson in Whiteville, NC on October 25, 1965. She was a native of Lake Waccamaw and a 1984 Graduate of Hallsboro High School.  Vicki was a Registered CNA.  She was preceded in death by her mother; Donna Benson, her husband; MSG (E8) US Army Retired Greg Strom.  She is survived by her son; Matthew Strom of...

Steven McBride, age 71, of Whiteville, passed away Friday, April 29, 2022, at Columbus Regional Healthcare. Steven was born to Richard and Yvonne McBride in Florida on December 28, 1950.  In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by three sisters. Steven served his country for 20 years in the United States Navy. Left to cherish his memory are his wife; Lydia S. McBride of Whiteville and a sister Laree Percell of Florida. No local services will be held. McKenzie Mortuary,...

James "Jimmy"  Fredrick Benson, age 77, of Delco, NC, passed away Friday, April 22, 2022, (not Covid-19 or vaccine related) at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. His memorial service will be held at McKenzie Mortuary in Whiteville, NC on April 30, 2022. Visitation will be 2:00-2:45 pm and the memorial service will follow at 3:00 pm. Jimmy was known by all to be a hard-working, kind-hearted man. He loved to tell stories, discuss politics and crack jokes, but most of all he...

Betty Jean Raistrick, 81, of Chadbourn, NC, passed on April 17, 2022 in Florida. While growing up, she blossomed into an athlete and scholar. Betty Jean’s accolades started in high school, where she received superlatives all four of her high school years, was co-captain for the girls basketball team, was a class officer, and participated in a wide variety of clubs. Her accomplishments did not end there - Betty Jean was always an avid reader and traveled, extensively, throughout her...

F. DeLane Duncan, age 84, of Whiteville, NC, passed away Monday at Lower Cape Fear Life Care.  Delane was born to the late Vollie C. Duncan and Nellie Nobles Duncan on September 30, 1937 in Columbus County.  In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Peggy, four brothers and four sisters. DeLane was a graduate of Laurinburg High School. He was a founding member of Brunswick Volunteer Fire Department where he served several years.  He worked...

Michael Dixon Stophel Sr., age 74, of Wilmington, passed away on the evening of March 1, 2022. He was the son of the late C.C. and Sarah Lucy Stophel of Whiteville, NC.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Barbara Lynn Williamson Stophel.  Michael was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Whiteville, NC. He worked for the NC DMV for 30 yrs, an auxiliary police officer with Wrightsville Beach, Sheriff’s Deputy with Pender and...

Lonnie Mae Ransom Williams, age 81, of Whiteville, NC, passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at Columbus Regional Healthcare.  She was born on December 6, 1940, in Bladen County to the late Lonnie Hayes Ransom and Edgie Jane Brown Ransom. Mrs. Williams taught school for several years and was a member of First Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband; John Ander Williams, Jr., a daughter; Angela Jane Williams of Boston, MA, a son; John Ander "Andy" Williams III of...