Obituary: Stephanie Ezzell

After a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer, Stephanie Ezzell passed away peacefully on March 20, 2024 at her home in Raleigh North Carolina, surrounded by her family. A funeral service will be held at 11am on Monday, March 25 at Highland Baptist Church, 8524 Crowder Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 before the service at the church. The burial will take place at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro.

Theresa Parker Pierce: In your Easter bonnet

At Teacher’s Memorial Elementary School in Kinston, NC, Mrs. Skinner taught us all the seasonal songs. I must have loved music class because I memorized every word she taught us.  “In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it…On the avenue, fifth avenue, the photographers will snap us, and you’ll find that you’re in the rotogravure.”

Obituary: Robert J. Jeffcott

Robert J. Jeffcott, a resident of Seagrass Village in Gulf Shores, and previous longtime resident of Kinston, NC, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the age of 94. Funeral arrangements will be private. To honor Bob’s memory, he requested his friends and family to offer instrumental lessons to young students. Music enriched his life, and he passed on this passion to his grandchildren and would like this tradition to continue with others.

Scott Alston promoted to Kinston-Lenoir County Recreation Director

Scott Alston has been promoted to the position of Kinston-Lenoir County Recreation Director after 20 years of service with the City of Kinston. During his tenure, Alston has held various roles, including Recreation Superintendent and Interim Parks & Rec Director. He graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Administration and is an alumnus of North Lenoir High School, class of 1998. Alston recently achieved his 100th career win as the tennis coach at North Lenoir High School.

Obituary: Garland A. Loftin

Garland A. Loftin, 91, of Kinston passed away peacefully Monday, March 18, 2024, following declining health from Dementia at the home of his loving caregiver, Angela D. Garris. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 10am at Shady Grove Church, 4375 Middle Road, Trenton, NC. Burial will be private.