MELVIN EUGENE MAYFIELD

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Obituary

At the age of 93, on December 19, 2021, Gloria Hunter passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

Gloria Teresa Hunter was born in Gatun, Panama to Victor Hunter and Margaret Sewell on October 30, 1928. She attended school in Gamboa, Canal Zone. She met the late Cecil Kenneth Robinson, and five children were born from this union. She worked as a Clerk in the Canal Zone Commissary for a number of years, and later migrated to the U.S. to Omaha, Nebraska and worked as an Au Pair. After a brief stay in Omaha, she relocated to Boston, Massachusetts, later moving to New York City where she joined her children and continued working. She retired and relocated to Virginia, Florida and finally North Carolina.

To all who knew her, she was a woman of integrity, incredible strength, compassion, wisdom, and unselfishness. Her passion was tap dance, dancing, baseball, cooking, baking, and doing word search.

Gloria is predeceased by her parents, Victor Hunter & Margaret Sewell. Brothers: Lorenzo Holder, and Dickie King. Sister: Pauline McBayne and son Cecilio Kenneth Robinson.

Gloria is survived by her children: Laverne Robinson, Sonia (Marvin) Garnett, Sandra (Fred) Ligon and Carlos (Tawanna) Robinson. Sister: Norma Applewhite, Brothers: Fernando Holder and Thomas Holder. 

Grandchildren include: Kayko, Mark, Carlos Jr. (Lani), Kareema, Lamar (Safiyah), Kamali, Kelii (Semira), Edika. 

Gloria also leaved behind 18 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, 5 nieces, 5 nephews and 6 great nieces and great nephews   

Obituary

Gloria A. Boulware, 73, departed this earth on November 20, 2021. She was born August 18, 1948 to the late Rev. Major F. Boulware and late Odessa W. Boulware. She graduated from Logan High School, Class of 1966.  While at Logan, Ms. Gloria represented the school as "Miss Logan" in 1965.  This was a high honor, because never in the history of the school, had anyone, except a senior, won this distinction. She was also part of the French Club. Ms. Gloria attended Livingston College, Salisbury, NC. She had vivid memories of childhood events.  She knew the birth dates of most of her former classmates.

Ms. Gloria was a faithful and committed member of Price Memorial. Except for the times that Ms. Gloria attended church with her family, Price Memorial has been her church and we have been her family.

Ms. Gloria was an accomplished musician, playing the piano for many years for the devotion at Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She knew every hymn from memory. She was fervent in her praise.  There was no mistake that she loved God. She loved to sing! When she attended church, she was immaculately dressed, always in matching dresses or suits, hats, shoes, and purse.

Ms. Gloria was a member of the Price Memorial Missionary Society. She was a member of the Adult Sunday School class and took her attendance very seriously. She would call members of the church and community for a ride to church. Even after the pandemic, while we held church by phone, she would call in and announce herself in such fervent manner. She loved the children and youth of our church and they loved her.

Ms. Gloria enjoyed any kind of food, especially from Mister C's and Avenues.

Ms. Gloria is survived by her cousins from Alabama, Philadelphia, Virginia, New Jersey, her Price Memorial family and all those who loved her. 

Ellen Geraldine Mathis

Geraldine departed this earthly life on September 24, 2021 at the hospital in Cabarrus County. She was born on April 7, 1948 in Concord, NC. Geraldine was born to Edward and Grace White who are waiting for her in heaven.

She was educated in schools in Cabarrus County. She graduated from Logan High School and studied at Barber Scotia College. From there, she went to work for Channel 9 news for some time.

Geraldine met Mr. Asbury and had two beautiful daughters, Sharon Lynnette and Jacqueline Denis Mathis who lives in Charlotte, NC. She worked for the school system as a manager in Child Nutrition from where she retired.

She leaves behind one daughter, Jacqueline Denise Mathis and a host of family friends.

Mothers Never Really Die - - 

They Just Keep House Up In The Sky

Death beckoned her with outstretched hand

And whispered softly of “An Unknown Land” – 

But she was not afraid to go

For though the path she did not know,

She took Death’s Hand without a fear,

For He who safely brought her here

Had told her He would lead the way

Into Eternity’s Bright Day…

And so she did not go alone

Into the “Valley That’s Unknown” –

She gently took Death By the Hand

And journeyed to “The Promised Land”…

And there, with step so light and gay,

She polishes the sun by day

And lights the stars that shine at night

And keeps the moonbeams silvery bright

For Mothersreally never die,

They just “Keep House Up In The Sky”…

And in the Heavenly Home Above

They wait to “welcome” those they love.

Isaac Lee Applewhite, Jr. of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully at the age of 66 on Friday, April 30, 2021 at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, NC with his family by his side. He was born October 6, 1954 in Buffalo, NY to Isaac and Mildred Applewhite. He graduated from Kensington High School where he excelled at football as a star running back and to this day, still holds several records at the school. In addition to his football prowess, he was a great all-around athlete and avid swimmer, who as a teenager worked multiple summers as a certified lifeguard at the local YMCA in his neighborhood. He received his bachelor’s degree at Johnson C Smith University where he majored in physical education and minored in biology and continued to play and excel in football. An affirmed life-long learner, Isaac continued his pursuit of higher education and enlighten by devoting many hours toward his master’s degree from Ogleby School of Sports.

He is preceded in death by his father, Isaac Applewhite.

Isaac retired from Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation after 35 years of service. He continued to be an advisor and a consultant for the continued development of the Parks and Recreation department, after retirement. He served years with the NAACP, Legal Defense Fund, Black Political Caucus, and served as the treasurer of Mecklenburg County Democratic Party. Isaac was also instrumental in developing partnerships with schools, churches, community groups and neighborhood associations. He developed and implemented the Jazz in the Park Series. Isaac advocated for all citizens of Mecklenburg County especially communities that lacked recreational resources and leisure time activities. He worked tirelessly as an advocate for his community and his family. Isaac has been mentioned in news articles and a book for his attributes to his community. He was a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. His crowing joy was seeing both of his sons graduate from a HBCU, Clark University and NCA&T, respectively.

Isaac was all about uplifting the Black community and being a role model for the men in his family and community. He never met a stranger and helped a lot of people in his lifetime. He was also instrumental in a lot of the Park & Recreation development over the years. 

Isaac is survived by his cherished wife and love, Jean; loving mother, Mildred Applewhite of Buffalo, NY; sons Isaac D. Applewhite, III of Atlanta, Ga, Angelo Maxamillion Tyler (Caitlyn) Applewhite and his heartbeat, grandson Caleb McKinley Tyler Applewhite of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by uncles; Willie Johnson of Buffalo, NY and Robert Earl Boger of Concord, NC, Aunties, Annette Hill, Alma Nelson, Sandra Holiday of Grand Rapids, Mich., Betty Murchison of Concord, NC; sisters-in-law; Gail Boger, Debra Frazier and Suzette Allison, brother-in-law, Lee Allison all of Concord, NC. Special God Daughters; Car’rie Little and Mary Kelly. A host of nieces, nephews, and host of other relatives and friends. 

Dr. Carol Poole Felder, departed this life on May 18, 2021. She was born in 

Tuskegee, Alabama. The daughter of the late Oliver H. Poole and the late Georgia C. Poole. The youngest of five, Carol attended Children’s House where she maintained life-long friendships with classmates from kindergarten through graduation from Tuskegee Institute. She went on to earn a Master’s degree from the University of Connecticut, in Storrs, Connecticut where she met her husband Dr. Nathaniel L. Felder. Two years after meeting they went on to marry and had 3 children. Carol Felder earned her Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL where she served as an academic advisor for the University. While living in Carbondale, Illinois, she became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (Carbondale Alumnae Chapter – Dec. 5, 1987). During her 42 years as an educator, Dr. Felder worked at Hillside High School and as a Professor at North Carolina Central University in Durham NC. She also worked as a Professor at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. Dr. Felder worked as Professor in the College of Education at Xavier University of Louisiana. She was particularly proud of her time at St. Augustine High School until Hurricane Katrina sent her to Charlotte, NC where she retired as the Lead Senior English Teacher at Zebulon B. Vance High School in 2014. Dr. Felder published several scholarly articles in her career as an Educator. She spent 42 years impacting and making a difference for all of the students she had the honor of teaching. 

Dr. Carol Poole Felder cherished her devoted and loving husband of 47 years Dr. Nathaniel L. Felder; Two Daughters – LaKeisha Felder Dickerson (Brad) and Christie L. Felder; One Son – Nathaniel “Leon” Felder II; Four grandchildren – Amari, Jaelen, Braden, and Brennan; One Brother – William H. Poole (Johnye); Three Sister-In-Laws - Shirley Poole (the late Thomas 

Poole), Harriet Ray (Nathaniel Ray) and Gwendolyn Barton (John Barton); Two Cousins Billie Gaines and Adrienne Whitehead. A host of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by brothers Thomas and George Poole and her sister Elizabeth Ann Poole.  

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Alexander M. White was born September 14, 1987 to Michael and Brenda White in Searcy, Arkansas.  He grew up in Marion, Arkansas where he attended schools in the Marion School District.  He later moved with his family to Harrisburg, North Carolina until he moved his residency to Charlotte, North Carolina.

In high school, Alex was a member of the Marion Marching Band and played the French horn.  He also participated in a drama club and had a leading role in the musical School House Rock.  He had a beautiful singing voice.  Alex also enjoyed traveling, going to the beach and swimming.  He was also an accomplished sketch artist and painter.  Alex was a member of the 14th St. Church of Christ in West Memphis, Arkansas.  As a young boy he participated in Bible Bowls and other youth group activities.  He was known for his sense of humor and warm smile of which will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

Alex was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Bernard G. White and Henry H. Valentine, Sr.

To forever cherish his memory, he leaves: his parents Michael and Brenda White; His grandmothers:  Fannie White, Marion, AR., and Ludora Valentine, West Memphis, AR.  His Aunts: Beverly Hankerson, Detroit, MI., Christine Tennon, Concord, NC., Michelle (Carlos) Foxx, Marion, AR., Briana (Reginald) Cunningham, Searcy, AR., and Vicky (Corry) Valentine-Phillips, West Memphis, AR., His Uncles:  Frank (Gale) Day, Marion, AR., Melvin White, Washington, DC, Henry (Tracy) Valentine, West Memphis, AR., Steven (Naomi) Valentine, Searcy, AR., and many cousins, relatives and friends.

You left us so early son.  We were not ready for your passing. Our hearts will remain broken, but we know you are now set free from the cares and troubles of this life in which we all will some day depart.  We will truly miss your laughter and hugs.  Love, Mom and Dad.

Amidio Louis "Rusty" Dalberth also known as ¨Papa¨ to many died peacefully on March 16th, 2021 in Concord, NC at the age of 90.

He is survived by his children; Bonnie Catalano (husband;Charles Catalano Sr.) and Steven Dalberth ( wife;Dawn Dalberth), Grandchildren; Frank Petrosino Catalano (wife; Tasha) Charles ¨Chachi¨ Catalano Jr. (wife; Amber) Jamie Catalano (Wife; Amber) Kelly Mariano (husband; Matt) Nicole Brown (husband; Ben) and Colton Dalberth.  Great grandchildren;  Taylor, Cadence, Phoenix, Cyler, Gannon, Brady, Ben, Dominic, Brooks, Sadie, Gianna and Caleb.. He is preceded in death by his wife Virginia Dalberth; his daughters Patricia Dalberth and Kelly Marie Dalberth. 

He was born on October 12th, 1930 in Rochester, NY. He married the love of his life Virginia on February 15th, 1950  and resided in Marion, NY where they raised their family.  In the early 2000´s they moved to Concord, NC where they were surrounded by family.  

Amidio was a U.S. Navy Veteran, a hard worker and an avid hunter/fishermen.  He enjoyed raising beagles and spending time watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren playing their many sports. He was a witty individual who loved cracking jokes and who loved his family dearly. He was an active and dedicated member of Harmony Baptist Church of Harrisburg, NC.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00pm March 28th, 2021 at Harmony Baptist Church, 5361 Tom Query Rd, Harrisburg, NC. Pastor Mike Burnette and Pastor Mike Culler will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Amidio´s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Lung Association.  

Big Pete or Pete were some of the names he was called. Pete lived life on his own terms. Peter liked his sports – NY Mets, Jets and Knicks.

Peter also liked the casinos, loved to coach baseball, and was proud of his wrestling medals. He was preceded in death by his mother, Carmella and father, Mario. Peter had three siblings and left behind son Peter, 30, daughter Lisa Marie, 28, wife Denise of 30 years, and his beloved Leah, 10, Alexanderia, 6, and Oliva, 3. Peter will be missed by his friends and family. Rest in peace.

Kevin “Kev” Rogers’ story began on September 29, 1978. Kevin was born in the city that never sleeps; otherwise known as New York City, to Willie Beatrice Starkie and Johnny Rogers. The younger of two children, Kevin spent his childhood alongside his older brother, Jeffrey Rogers, on the basketball courts of Brownsville, Brooklyn making many lifelong friends along his journey. Kevin graduated from Nazareth High School and attended Medgar Evers College and Long Island University. He completed his studies at Western Carolina University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, with a concentration in Special Education. His love for working with children led him to securing a position in New York City’s Department of Education, where he worked as a Paraprofessional, basketball coach, and mentor. However, Kevin didn’t let the title define his commitment, so he could often be found doing whatever was needed and filling any role to help serve the students in Brownsville, and the overall community. Most recently, Kevin served as the Founder and Executive Director of Upper Room Kids Academy & Upper Room Outreach International in Concord, NC.

Kev never met a person that was not impressed by his charisma and witty personality, that included a young vibrant teacher named Lasharee Lynn. Obviously, their relationship grew beyond that of mere colleagues, and blossomed into a young power couple who shared an unconditional and committed love. Of all the people he touched, his proudest achievement in life was marrying his wife Lasharee Rogers who supported him from courtship to their last days together. If Lasharee was Kev’s proudest achievement, then their amazing children Garfield, Kevin Jr. and Mya were his living legacies. They were the core of his heart, soul and existence. When someone calls their father the best dad ever, what they’re saying is: “It is my considered opinion that my dad is the greatest example of fatherhood that can be found in the entire history of humankind.” Kevin will be remembered as the “Best Dad Ever.” He was the Dad who drove the car across states while everyone slept. He was the Dad who the kids cried for in the middle of the night when they could not sleep. He was the Dad who toted the kids to all their basketball games on weekdays and weekends and mentored other kids along the way. He was the Dad who loved all his children equally and impartially. He was quite simply, “The Best Dad Ever.”

In his early adult years, Kevin became known as one of the coolest, most laid-back people that you would every meet. When Kev was in your presence, a good time and plenty of laughs were guaranteed. Kevin was known for wearing the iconic New York Fashion which was a white T-shirt and Yankee fitted, regardless of the weather. He loved his family, his extended family at the schools he worked at in New York and his favorite sport, basketball. When Kevin moved to North Carolina over a decade ago, the relocation did not diminish the magnitude of love he had for working with children. He and Lasharee founded Upper Room Kids Child Development Center in 2006, which has since grown into Upper Room Kids Academy. As founder and Executive Director, this became Kev’s second home, and his second family. Kev also had a passion for outreach, community development, and community empowerment. He and Lasharee worked together in Kenya in 2013 and 2017 to provide water to a small community, playground equipment to neighboring villages, and living supplies to children in orphanages. For the last several years, they provided backpacks with supplies to children in their local community, fed the homeless, and provided clothing and basic items for those in need. As their passion for this work grew, they created Upper Room Outreach Center. Kev worked tirelessly to renovate the Outreach Center space that is currently being utilized. This has helped to expand their reach and fulfill their vision of supporting children and families in their community with educational programs that will lead to endless opportunities.

Kevin kept those he loved close and was a man of great faith. When diagnosed with hypertension, no one would ever imagine that someone as young as Kevin would be chosen to brave the battle! However, he put his faith in God, committed himself to his family and continued his philanthropic work of saving and changing the lives of children and families locally and internationally. He was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important – the simplicity of living a life with those you love. We can surely understand why God would choose Kevin to come home: his heart, so big, so pure, so filled with goodness! Surrounded by his loving family, Kevin peacefully departed this earthly life on Thursday, March 14, 2019 and is now living His Best Life in Glory! Kevin’s legacy will live through his wife Lasharee Rogers; his three children Garfield Donald, Kevin Rogers Jr. and Mya Rogers; two grandchildren Jace Donald and Osiris Donald; his father, Johnny Rogers; his nieces, Victoria Rogers, Madeleine Rogers, Gianna Lynn, and Nina Lynn; nephew Jeffrey Rogers Jr., Skylar Rogers, and Cash Lynn; his brother-in-law Kareem Lynn; grandmothers, Mary Starkie and Ruth Mayfield; grandfather, Melvin Mayfield; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and other loved ones. He is preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice Starkie; brother, Jeffery Rogers; grandparents, Bennie Stark, Leanna and Claiborne Rogers, and Louise and Ezel Lynn

I attended Warrenton County Public Schools, then moved to Norfolk, Virginia to look for work. In 1952, I joined the Army and served 21 years and retired as Sergeant First Class. I served two tours in Korea and Vietnam, three tours in Germany to include Berlin. I was awarded numerous medals: Bronze Star with meritorious service, Army Commendation Medal, seven Good Conduct Awards, National Defense Service Medal Oakleaf Cluster, Korean Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Berlin Germany), Vietnam Service Medal with three battle stars, and The United Nation Service Medal. I was an expert rifleman specializing in Carbine Rifles such as the M-1 and M-14. After retirement, I was a postal worker for 20 years, then worked for Henrico County Public Schools for nine years. I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at an early age. I served 10 years as Deacon Trustee and Treasurer at First Union Baptist Church before moving to Faith Landmark Ministries where I was the Department Head for the Usher and Special Detail Ministry. I later moved to Concord, NC in 2007.” John “Jack” Jasper Carter Sr, formerly of Concord NC, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 11, 2020 in Concord, NC. He was preceeded in death by his son John Jasper Carter Jr. He was born December 3, 1929 in Paschall, NC to the late Annanias and Mary Carter. John is survived by his cherished wife, Grace Carter; son, Kurt Carter (Lenora) of Richmond VA; daughters: Sandra Carter of Charlotte NC, Keshia Wyche (Charles) of Virginia Beach VA and Clara Alston of Raleigh NC. He is survived by his sister: Roxie Burton of Brooklyn NY, brothers: Leon Carter (Betty) of Brooklyn NY and James Carter of Warrenton NC; devoted family friends Charles and Evelyn Spells of New Ark, DE. Host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Michael Craig Smith

Michael Craig Smith of Concord, NC, passed away at home on May 23, 2019 after an extended illness. Mike loved all things technology, often taking computers and phones apart before expertly fixing and rebuilding them to suit his changing needs. Mike loved to sit in his recliner with cats Mandarin and Chloe purring away and granddog Harper sleeping at his feet. Always willing to help, his many friends and family will miss his humor, laugh, and undying love of oak furniture. He was quick to tell anyone who would listen how proud he was of his wife and daughters, even while eating chicken wings with his fingers!

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Gina, daughter Hannah Smith Brooks of Concord NC, daughter Sarah Grace Smith of Raleigh NC, and granddaughter Ellis Smith Brooks of Austin, TX. Mike is also survived by sister Laura Smith of Greensboro NC; brother Steve Smith and wife Stuart of Austin TX; brother Tim Smith and wife Toktam of Durham NC; nieces Elizabeth Howell Welch and Mackenzie Smith; nephews Bryce Howell, Whitfield Smith and Zaal Smith as well as Gina’s parents, Melvin and Gail Howell. Mike will be remembered by a large personal and professional extended family. Mike was preceded in death by his parents William David and Mary Tomlinson Smith; and elder brother Billy Smith.

Mike was employed at WTVI PBS Charlotte for many years. He worked as a broadcast engineer among colleagues that were like family. An active member of First Baptist Church Charlotte, he worked in the television and the pre-school ministry. Mike’s happy place was Sunday School in the nursery, serving families as they worshiped.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to First Baptist Church Charlotte Pre-School, WTVI Foundation, or your local public television station.

Mike’s family will honor him on Wednesday, May 29th at First Baptist Church Charlotte, 301 S. Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC . The family will receive at 2:00 pm, followed by a memorial service starting at 3:00 pm. The family is being served by Robinson Funeral Service of Concord, NC.

The Rev. Dr. Glenn H. Rudisill, born July 3, 1918, lived a long and impactful life as evidenced by the legacy he left behind. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Gettysburg College, followed by a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, a Master of Sacred Theology (STM) from Union Theological Seminary in New York City and an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Gettysburg College.

He served as associate pastor and then pastor for 6 years at St. Paul Lutheran Church in New York City, and pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Dumont, NJ for 37 years. He served the greater church through his leadership as the Secretary of the New York Conference of the New York Synod, Secretary and Vice-President of the NY Conference of the NY Synod; member of the Executive Board, Strategy Committee, Finance Committee, Stewardship Committee, Parish Education Committee, and Secretary of the NJ Synod.