The News and Observer from Raleigh, North Carolina • B8

Kathryn P. Brett WINTON Kathryn Taylor Piland Brett, 81, died Monday, Oct. 6, 2003, at Roanoke Chowan Hospital following a brief illness. She was born in Norfolk, VA daughter of the late Herman O. and Kate Taylor Piland and was the widow of Herbert M.

Brett. She was a member of Winton Baptist Church where she was active for years in the Missionary Union, and where she served as the church pianist. She was retired from the North Carolina Library Department. Mrs. Brett is survived by a daughter, Kathryn S.

Brett of Buchanan, VA, and by a son, Herbert Brett of Virginia Beach, VA; a sister, Genevieve Major of Norfolk, VA; and two granddaughters, Jennifer and Jessica Brett. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Ahoskie Cemetery by Rev. Charles Harris and by Rev. Stephen Moore.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie, NC. Memorial donations may be made to Winton Baptist Church or to Winton Volunteer Rescue Squad. Joseph R. Darnell NOV.

20, 1916 OCT. 4, 2003 FUQUAY-VARINA Joseph R. Darnell, 86, of 514 Sunset Avenue, died Saturday at Wake Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. today in the Bryan-Lee Funeral Chapel, Garner.

Burial, Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh. Visitation was held Monday, October 6 at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner. Carlton L. Lanier MAY 3, 1938 OCT. 5, 2003 GARNER Carlton L.

Lanier, 65, passed away Sunday, October 5, 2003 at his home after a year long battle with lung cancer. Carlton was born in Maple Hill, NC on May 3, 1938 and was the son of the late Bruce R. Lanier and Flora Sheperd Lanier. He grew up in a loving home surrounded by many friends and family. Carlton spent his early career in the finance and banking field and moved to Garner, NC in 1969 to open a new branch of the Bank of North Carolina N.A.

His career then moved into the construction and forestry equipment business working at R.W. Moore Equipment Company before starting his own business of Lanier Equipment Company based in Garner. He made many good friends over the years and enjoyed working up until his diagnosis with lung cancer in September of 2002. Carlton enjoyed spending time with his family at home having cookouts, at the beach for the yearly family retreat, or long weekends at his homes in Swansboro, NC. He will be greatly missed epe- cially for his humor and generosity.

Carlton is survived by his wife and best friend of 46 years, Peggy Davis Lanier; his daughter, Denise Lanier Hussey and husband, Mike of Morganton, NC; sons, Carl Lanier Jr. and wife, Karla of Morganton, NC, Tracy T. Lanier and wife, Wanda of Garner, NC; his eight grandchildren, which were his pride and joy, Michael, Stephen, and Megan Hussey, Luke, Bethany, and Hannah Lanier, all of Morganton, NC, and Kristin, and Kaitlyn Lanier of Garner, NC; his caring sisters, Eleanor Wooten and husband, Leamon of Jacksonville, NC; Faye Russ and husband, John of Wilmington, NC; his loving brother, Alton Lanier and wife, Pat of Clarksboro, NJ; brother and best buddy, Barden Lanier and wife, Phoebe of Jacksonville, NC; sister-in-law, Patricia Tourish and husband, Jack of Maple Hill, NC; brothers-in-law, James Davis and wife, Louise of Verona, NC, and Colon Davis and wife, Donna of Benson, NC. Carlton deeply cared for and is survived by many nieces and nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday, October 8th at Garner United Methodist Church. The burial and graveside service will be at 3:30 p.m. at the Davis Cemetery in Maple Hill, NC. The family will receive friends Tuesday, October 7th from 6:08:00 p.m. at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road in Garner, NC.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of UNC Lineberger Cancer Center of Chapel Hill and Hospice of Wake County for their excellent care and treatment. We would also like to thank our friends and the members of Garner United Methodist Church for their prayers and support during the last 13 months. Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to Garner United Methodist Church, Building Fund, 201 Methodist Drive, Garner, NC 27529. Russell C. Brown RALEIGH Russell C.

Brown, 68, of Raleigh, died Sunday, October 5, 2003, at Rex Hospital. He worked in the Engineering Department for the City of Raleigh for 45 years. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Laura W. Brown; daughter, Tracy B. Strickland and husband, Richard of Raleigh; son, Russell B.

Brown and wife, Sharron of Apex; and daughter, Lisa B. Coyne and husband, Mark of Raleigh; sisters, Bettye Sarokin of Annandale, VA, Helene Womble of Paducah, KY, and Nancee Little of Morganton, NC; brothers, Albert Brown and wife, Frances of Raleigh, and Kenneth Brown and wife, Ida of LaGrange, NC; grandchildren, Ashley Brown, Amanda and Katie Strickland, Taylor and Ryan Brown. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 9, 2003 in Montlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 8, 2003, from 7-9 p.m.

at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, St. Street. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory to FEED THE CHILDREN, P.O. Box 36, Oklahoma City, OK 73101-0036. John R.

Cox DURHAM Mr. John R. Cox, age 74, passed away at Duke University Medical Center in Durham on Saturday, October 4, 2003 after a period of declining health. The memorial service will be held at Carrboro United Methodist Church in Carrboro, NC. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Cox; daughters, Tona Cox-Ward, Tammy Cox-Morey, and stepdaughter, Tonya Dale; grandson, John Logan Ward; granddaughters, Savannah Laurel Ward, Katherine Taylor Morey, and Gabrielle Morey.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the of on behalf of the 7800 Unit at Duke University Medical Center. Arrangements by the Cremation Society of the Carolinas, Raleigh. Willie Johnson NOV. 17, 1933 OCT. 3, 2003 RALEIGH Willie R.

Johnson, a life-long resident of Raleigh, departed this life on Friday, October 3, 2003. Funeral arrangements will be conducted at Haywood Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 8, 2003 at 12:00 noon. Billy served in the U.S. ARmy Medical Corp from 1954 to his Honorable discharge in 1956. Billy was one of 14 children born to the late Mr.

and Mrs. Grady (Luella) Johnson. He is survived by five sisters, Louis Moore of Raleigh, Evelyn Granville, Sadie Jones, Kathy (Pernell) Powell of Boston, MA, Rev. Luella (Rev. Hayward) Hudson of Phenix City, AL; six brothers, Grady (Beatrice) Johnson, James.

T. Johnson of Pensacola, FL, Jimmie (Rev. Shervell) Johnson of Brockton, MA, Mark (Mae) Johnson of Fall River, MA, Louis (Iris Johnson of Mattapan, MA, Alfred M. Johnson of Butner; a host of nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Haywood Funeral Home, 2415 S.

Wilmington Raleigh, NC (919) 832-2835. Ballard P. Curtis WENDELL Ballard Preston Curtis, 55, of 9531 Applewhite Road, died Sunday, October 5, 2003 at the V.A. Hospital in Durham. Hank was born August 12, 1948 to the late Roy Sidney Curtis and Isker Hocutt Curtis.

He was a self-employed mechanic. Hank served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Funeral service 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2003 at L.

Harold Poole Funeral Service Chapel. Entombment, Watkins Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery, Emit, with military honors. Surviving: sons, Scott Curtis and Keith Curtis, both of Zebulon; mother of his children, Mary Ann P. Curtis of Wake Forest; brother, Roy Donald Curtis and his wife, Doris of Middlesex; special aunt, Magdeline H. Moore of Zebulon.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Harold Curtis. Family will receive relatives and friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 7, 2003 at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service and Crematory, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, NC 27545, and other times at the home. Kathleen Elkins Hill CLAYTON Kathleen Elkins Hill, 74, died October 6, 2003.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at McLaurin Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor Luke Long will be officiating. Interment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery. She is survived by her nephews, Ronald Bailey of Goldsboro, NC, Kenny Hill of Clayton, NC, Wayne Bailey of Goldsboro, NC, David Hill of Cary, NC, Michael Hill of Alexandria, VA, Andy Thompson of Clayton, NC; niece, Carol Bastin of Troy, OH.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Wade Hill and brother, J.D. Elkins. The family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday evening from p.m. at McLaurin Funeral Home. Arrangements by McLaurin at Pinecrest, Funerals Cremation, Clayton.

Illa Mae Gay ZEBULON Illa Mae Gay, 89, formerly of 5133 Lake Wendell Road, Zebulon, died late Sunday, October 5, 2003 at Universal Health Care in Raleigh. Illa Mae was born December 9, 1913 to the late Wade Hampton and Lucy Hocutt Graveside service 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2003 at Corinth Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Ricky Anderson and Will Abernethy officiating. Surviving: brothers, Wade L. of Raleigh, Worth B.

of Wendell; sisters, Irma O. High of Zebulon, Clara O. Thomas of Edenton; several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Talmadge Gay, June 9, 1995. The family and friends of Illa Mae Gay may come by L.

Harold Poole Funeral Service, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, NC 27545 on Tuesday, October 7, 2003 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. to pay your respects. Elsie Matthews Rogers BOONE Elsie Matthews Rogers, 88, formerly of Raleigh, died Sunday, October 5, at Watauga Medical Center in Boone, NC. Mrs.

Rogers was born December 6, 1914 in Duplin County to the late Enoch and Bessie Matthews. Her husband, William Rogers, predeceased her. She graduated from Capital City School of Nursing in Washington, DC in 1942. Mrs. Rogers was a dedicated nurse for 40 years and was the first student nurse in the United States to become enrolled in the Red Cross Student Nurse Reserve.

Her sister, Edith Matthews of Maryland and eight nieces and nephews survive Mrs. Rogers. Funeral services will be held at Mitchell Funeral Home, St. Street, Raleigh, Wednesday, October 8, 2003 at 1:00 p.m., with a private burial to follow. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity. Obituaries 8 HE EWS BSERVER TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2003 102030405060708090 102030405060708090 8B, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2003 DESIGNER STATE EDITION DEATH NOTICES Death notices are provided as an advertising service. Families may provide information about a deceased loved one by contacting the obituary staff at 919-829-4545, or by consulting the funeral director handling arrangements. Notices may be edited. All announcements become the property of The News Observer.

MORE DEATHS, PAGE 9B Stephen Kennedy Gates DURHAM Stephen Kennedy Gates, age 27, lately of Durham, NC died early Saturday, October 4, the victim of a hit-and-run auto accident on Interstate 40 near his home. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 7, at Haines Lineberry Funeral Home, 515 N. Elm Greensboro NC, from 6 to 9 p.m. Additional visitation will precede services, Wednesday, October, 8, 5-7 p.m. at St.

Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, at Horse Pen Creek and New Garden Roads in Greensboro. Celebration of the Mass of Resurrection will begin at 7 p.m. at the church. Stephen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, moving with his family to Greensboro at the age of 5. From the sports-loving roots planted there by his Grandfather, Stephen blossomed into a committed and ever-optimistic fan of his beloved Reds and Bengals, and bloomed later into a passionate and professional sports broadcaster.

Stephen attended Guilford Primary and Middle schools, and graduated in 1994 from Western Guilford High school. His baptism as a true Tarheel took place at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He graduated with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication in 1998, and continued the broadcasting career begun there as student intern at WCHL. At the time of his death, Stephen was immersed in the broadcasting career he loved, on the path to the goal declared at age seven: to someday be radio voice of the Cincinnati Working for Learfield Communications, he was the on-air broadcaster for the UNC basketball and baseball teams, the side-line reporter for Tarheel football broadcasts, and the scoreboard and post-game radio host for basketball at Carolina. He also hosted Countdown to Kick-off, the live pre-game radio show broadcast from the Chapel Hill campus, as well as the Coach Silvia Hatchell Basketball Show, and the live ACC Today call-in show.

In addition to his varied broadcasting roles, Stephen was Director of Media Relations for both the Northeast and the Central Professional baseball leagues for non-affiliated minor league teams in the U.S. and Canada. He delighted in a wide range of duties that included press relations, producing media guides, compiling league statistics, expediting player contract sales to Major League Baseball, and even hosting game tours by the Russian National Team. His first love remained baseball broadcasting, with meticulous preparation and professional commitment. Stephen was the radio voice of the Burlington (NC) Indians.

He aimed always at what he called the game and its setting to bring the listener into the not just the plays, naming the players, and tossing around like the Hall of Fame broadcasters he studied and emulated. Stephen was preceded in death by his fraternal grandmother, Carolyn Gates Ammann, and his maternal grandparents, Joe and Betty Kennedy, all of Cincinnati. He is survived by his parents, George and Pat Gates of Greensboro, his younger brother Kevin, now working and residing at the University of Nevada-Reno, and his sister Kelley, who teaches and lives in Chicago. He also leaves behind a large and joyful family of aunts, uncles and cousins in the Gates, Lunne, Wilson, Webster and Atkinson families of the Cincinnati, Dayton and Seattle areas. Tax deductible donations in memory may be sent to: The Stephen Kennedy Gates Memorial Scholarship Fund School of Journalism and Mass Communication, UNC-Chapel Hill, Campus Box 3365, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.

Billie C. Hardison RALEIGH Billie C. Hardison, a 30-year-veteran with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, died at Wake Medical Center, Monday, Oct. 6. after several years of declining health.

Mr. Hardison, 72, spent most of his career with the NCDOT in the way During his service, he was involved in the development of many of the major highways, including Interstate highways 95, 85 and 40, as well as other arterials such as the east-west development of Highway 64 and 264. Bill Hardison was born in Greene County, a rural farming county situated between Wilson and Pitt Counties in the Coastal Plain section of the state. His plans for a farming career changed upon his graduation from East Carolina University in 1956 (then known as East Carolina Teachers College) with a BS degree in Business Administration. His first job after graduation was with the Department of Transportation.

Mr. Hardison is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jane Fields Hardison; two sons, Wesley M. Hardison of Raleigh, founder and president of Spinnaker Media Group, a production services company, and Captain John F. Hardisn, Commanding Officer of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 21, Naval Air Station Patuxent River (MD), and four grandchildren, Sarah, Hannah, Rachel and John Hardison, Jr. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Wed, Oct.

8th at Longview United Methodist Church, Milburnie Road, in Raleigh. Memorials may be made to the Longview United Methodist Church, 2312 Milburnie Road, Raleigh, NC 27610. Gareta W. Lentz RALEIGH Gareta Nell Wilken Lentz, 74, passed away Sunday afternoon, October 5, 2003 at Rex Hospital. Born on March 3, 1929 in Illinois; she was the daughter of Siebelt and Leila Toogood Wilken.

Mrs. Lentz was a retired public elementary school teacher for the Lake County School System and a substitute teacher for the Wake County School System. Mrs. Lentz was active in the NCSU Club, participating in the ESL program for over 16 years. She was a member of the Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church, serving as church chairman and enjoying Bible Study and School.

Mrs. Lentz is survived by her husband of 52 years, Richard J. Lentz of Raleigh; son, Leonard Lentz of Harrisburg PA; daughters, Reta J. Elliott and husband, Larry of Greeneville TN, Betty L. Elliott and husband, Tate of Cary, Lisa Lentz of Garner; three grandchildren, Jason Elliott, Emily Elliott, and Max Elliott; brothers, Wilfred Wilken and wife, Florence of San Antonio TX, Willard Wilken and wife, Louise and Lewis Wilken, all of Indiana; sister, Betty Smith and husband, Delmar of Illinois.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 8th from 12:30 p.m. at Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. in the church. Entombment will be at Raleigh Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 4900 Kaplan Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606. Arrangements by Mitchell Funeral Home, St. St. Henry Howell Murray AUG. 28, 1941 OCT.

6, 2003 J. Warren Balentine, Jr. OCT. 25, 1964 OCT. 5, 2003 RALEIGH J.

Warren Balentine, 38, of Raleigh, died Sunday, October 5, 2003, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Warren was the son of John and Beck Balentine. He graduated from Needham Broughton High School, then attended NCSU and graduated from Johnson Wales Culinary Art School. Warren represented the third generation of Balentines Cafeteria in Cameron Village. He was the founder and president of Balentines Catering Company.

He was an avid out- doorsman who enjoyed the simpler things. He dedicated his life to his wife and children. Surviving: his wife, Alysyn Sellers Balentine; a daughter, Jillian Paige Balentine; a son, Perry Joseph Balentine, all of the home. He was predeceased by an infant son, Reid Warren Balentine. Also surviving, his parents, John and Becky Balentine of Zebulon; two sisters, Kimberly Ann Balentine and her husband, Barry Ronald Luck of Raleigh, Cynthia B.

Parrish of Raleigh; a brother, Bryant Davis Balentine and his wife, Kelly of Greenville; and his grandmother, Ruth E. Balentine of Raleigh. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2003, from Hayes-Barton United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Montlawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Brown- Wynne Funeral Home, St. Street, 919-828-4311. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the Warren Balentine Memorial Scholarship Fund, Hayes-Barton United Methodist Church, 2209 Fairview Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608, which will be used for his surviving education. Virginia Mae Scearce Norris RALEIGH Virginia Mae Scearce Norris, 83, of 615 Brooks died Sunday, October 6, 2003.

Mrs. Norris was born in Danville, VA on November 28, 1919 to the late Stokley and Mary Alice Scearce. She was a long-time employee with Balentines Cafeteria. Mrs. Norris is survived by three sons, James Stokley Norris of Coats, NC, Jack Cameron Norris of Holly Springs, NC and Irvin Thomas Norris of Bland, VA; two daughters, Mary Frances North Montedonico of the home and Elizabeth Ann Lipscomb of Willow Spring; 12 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday in the Chapel of Brown-Wynne Funeral Home on St. St. Interment will follow in Raleigh Memorial Park. The family will receive friends 7-9 p.m.

Tuesday at the funeral home and other times at the home of Elizabeth Lipscomb, 7736 Panther Lake Willow Spring, NC. Our citizenship is in heaven, where we will see the Savior, Our Lord Jesus Christ. He shall take our corrupt, sick body and fashion it like his glorious resurrected body. (Phil 3:21) RALEIGH At 3:42 a.m., October 6, 2003, Henry Howell Murray, beloved and devoted husband, brother, and friend, took the hand of Jesus, the Lord of Life, and moved into the House. Our loss is gain.

Think of him not as deceased, but as being in a new city which glories in having Jesus for its king, angels for its guards, citizens that are saints, and being united with his much loved Mother. For those who spend a lifetime giving selflessly of themselves to the people around them, it is often difficult to capture their real contribution to our lives in words. Henry Murray has touched the lives of those in and beyond our community through his warmth and humor, generous spirit, financial assistance, and his inexhaustibly positive spirit. He was a man of honor and integrity, a smiling role model with a kind and compassionate heart for those from all walks of life. Henry loved and accepted those he knew just as they were but always helped them achieve their own goals.

A charismatic man who drew people to him, he had a heart of servant, and a wit that lightened the hearts of those around him. Henry brought out the good in people, and profoundly affected the lives that touched his own. His words were kind, encouraging, and cheerful. He loved life and often told others that his favorite sound was laughter. Often a advocate of people and causes, smiling face behind the concession stand in Dorton Arena at the NC State Fair was a Raleigh institution.

As a second occupation, he and his brother, Gene, were business partners operating Capital Concession for 37 years. Thinking of retiring to enjoy more golf, Jim Graham told Henry that he was allowed to Recipient of the a i under then Governor Jim Hunt, Henry was a man without pretension who genuinely loved and cared for the people of his state. Henry was born and raised in Raleigh. He attended Murphy Elementary, Hugh Morson Junior High, and then graduated from Needham B. Broughton in 1959.

He grew up on East Street, near the Oakwood section, and attended Tabernacle Baptist Church as a youth. After high school Henry attended Harbargers Business School. He was employed in 1967 by the state of North Carolina, retiring in 1998 as the Computer Operations Manager for the State Information Processing Services. There he was responsible for the continuous operation of the mainframe computer system. He was so dedicated to the organization, that after retirement he returned as a part-time consultant until a few weeks ago when his illness forced him to leave his job and organization that loved so much.

He also worked as a computer consultant with Alphanumeric Systems where he was a friend and respected colleague. Henry is survived by, the true loves of his life, his wife Ann, of 38 years, and their two puppies, and his father, Verlin G. Murray and wife, Ruth of Raleigh; brothers and their wives, William and Barbara Murray of Knightdale, Gene O. and Janice Murray of Raleigh; sisters and their husbands, Joan M. and Jimmy Thompson of Durham, Carolyn M.

and Ronnie Reitz of Wake Forest; half-brothers and their wives, V.G. II and Jane Murray of Raleigh, Samuel and Rosa Murray of Belhaven; half sister and her husband, Lora M. and Bobby Greene of Raleigh. lifetime boyhood friends of 48 years, are his extended family members. They built homes in the same neighborhood, took vacations together, and planned their free time together.

They are Alan Hicks, John Teel, Joel Tillotson, and Norman Paschal, all of Raleigh. Henry will also be missed by numerous beloved nieces and nephews that all would say is my favorite Henry also leaves many wonderful that are too numerous to mention. He genuinely loved these men and looked forward weekly to their fun and fellowship. A Celebration of Life, will be at 11 a.m., October 8 at Richland Creek Community Burlington Mills Road, Wake Forest, NC. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions made to Glenwood South Fellowship (formerly North Street Baptist), 400 N.

Boylan Raleigh, NC 27603. The family will receive friends immediately following the memorial service at Richland Creek Community Church. If flowers are sent please send to Richland Creek Community Church, 3229 Burlington Mills Road in Wake Forest, 27587. A private service for the family will be held at Oakwood Mausoleum. For directions to Richland Creek Community Church in Wake Forest, call 556-9292..