Virginian-Pilot

May 3, 2003

Betty J. Baker

EDENTON -- Betty J. Baker, 67, died May 1, 2003. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Beaver Hill. Evans Funerals & Cremations of Edenton is in charge.

Amy E. Beecham

WILLIAMSTON -- Amy Everett Beecham, 75, of the 2000 block of Sweet Home Church Road, died May 2, 2003. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Macedonia Christian Church. Biggs Funeral Home is in charge.

Ernest Ferebee Sr.

SOUTH MILLS -- Ernest Ferebee Sr., 69, of the 100 block of Bloodfield Road, died April 28, 2003. A funeral will be held at 3 p.m. today at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Stallings Funeral Home, Elizabeth City, is in charge.

Mattie C. Franklin

ELIZABETH CITY -- Mattie Copeland Franklin, 89, of the 500 block of Cardwell St., died April 29, 2003. A funeral will be held today at 2 p.m. at Memorial Missionary Baptist Church. Stallings Funeral Home, Elizabeth City, is in charge.

Mary S. Jordan

EDENTON -- Mary Elizabeth S. Jordan, 89, of the 1300 block of Paradise Road, died May 1, 2003. A funeral will be held Monday at noon at St. John Missionary Baptist Church. Rowsom Funeral Home is in charge.

Elaine Manley

COFIELD -- Elaine Manley, 85, of the 100 block of Oak St., died April 30, 2003. A funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Phillipi Baptist Church. Hunter's Funeral Home, Ahoskie, is in charge.

Jimmy J. Ruffin

PLYMOUTH -- Jimmy James Ruffin, 89, died April 30, 2003. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Second Zion Grove Baptist Church. Simmons Funeral Service is in charge.

Ronald G. Vangasbeck

SUNBURY -- Ronald Gershon Vangasbeck, 67, of Folly Road, died May 1, 2003 in Albemarle Hospital, Elizabeth City.

Mr. Vangasbeck was born in Mill City, Pa. He was a Vietnam veteran and had retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of service with the rank of chief petty officer. He later retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard after 15 years of employment and was a member of VFW Post 6060 and the Fleet Reserve Association.

Preceded in death by his father, Gershon Hunter Vangasbeck, he is survived by his mother, Doris Tripp Vangasbeck Stage of Lake Winola, Pa.; his wife, Betty Arnold Vangasbeck; two daughters, Peggy Leonhart of Lake Winola and Beth Burlew of Spencer, N.Y.; a son, Larry Vangasbeck of Lake Winola; four grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.

A funeral will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Miller Funeral Home, Gatesville, by the Rev. William Clements. Burial will follow later in the week at the Fairview Cemetery in Lake Winola. Friends may join the family following the service in the lobby of the funeral home and all other times at the residence.

The family asks that flowers be omitted and contributions be made to the Gates County Rescue Squad, Gatesville, NC 27938.

James A. Williams

COFIELD -- James A. Williams, 89, of the 500 block of NC 45 South, died April 28, 2003. A funeral will be held today at 11 a.m. at New Harrellsville Chapel Baptist Church. Hunter's Funeral Home, Ahoskie, is in charge.