Obituary: Gerald Dwight Simmons

Gerald Dwight Simmons, died at home on Monday, February 2, 2026 in Raleigh North Carolina at age 89. A service celebrating Gerald’s life will be held at Outlaw’s Bridge Universalist Church, 4408 NC-111, Seven Springs North Carolina, 28578, on Saturday, February 21, at 3 PM. A reception will follow the service.

Mary’s Kitchen to host Annual Bingo Night

Mary’s Kitchen will be hosting their annual Bingo Night on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in Moseley Hall of St. Mary’s Church (800 Rountree St Kinston). Doors will open at 5:00. Everyone is invited for an evening of food and fellowship with hot dogs, chips and drinks as well as door prizes and game prizes!

Help Wanted: Controller

The Controller will be responsible for oversight of all finance, accounting, and reporting activities. The Controller will lead all day-to-day finance operations and supervise a team of staff members including functional responsibility over accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and purchasing.

Hickory Grove Church (7)

The earliest known reference to Hickory Grove Church of Bucklesberry is a church letter submitted to the Bethel Free Will Baptist (F.W.B.) Conference in 1841. Historically significant, this letter confirms Hickory Grove was organized as a church congregation by that year. Although associated today with the Methodist denomination, the 1841 church letter also provides undeniable proof that Hickory Grove has not always been a Methodist work. Without question, the church's origin is indisputably F.W.B.

Help Wanted: Controller

The Controller will be responsible for oversight of all finance, accounting, and reporting activities. The Controller will lead all day-to-day finance operations and supervise a team of staff members including functional responsibility over accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and purchasing.

Obituary: Ruth Fleming

Ruth Gauldin Grady Fleming, 87, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, while receiving care at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Ruth was born on January 8, 1939, in Lenoir County to the late Robert Clarence Gauldin and Lula Marie Neal Gauldin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Lester Ray Grady Sr., in 1970; her second husband, William Glenn Fleming, in 1995; and her brother, Larry Gauldin.

Evelyn Dove Coleman: February Is Short

Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays. It falls smack dab in the middle of our shortest month of all twelve months.  On February 14th, people across the land will be saying "I love you."  It applies to married couples, dating singles, family members, and friends.  Literally, love is in the air.