Askew Funeral & Cremation Services

04/13/2026

Clayton Lee Smith, Jr.

More information to come.

View Clayton Lee Smith, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/08/2026

Frances Updike

Frances Michele Updike, 82, went to be with her Lord on April 7, 2026 with her family by her side.

She was preceded in death by her father, Alex Sumsky, her mother, Betty Lewis Sumsky, and her grandson, Robert Updike. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Kenneth Odell Updike.

She retired from A&P after 31 years of service as a manager.

She was a former member of Lake Gaston Computer Club, the Lake Gaston Ladies Club, Lake Gaston Adventurers, and Lake Gaston Association. She and Kenneth were longtime active members of Lake Gaston Baptist Church.

Michele is survived by her sons, Kenneth Odell Updike, Jr. and Garland Wayne Updike and his wife, Gloria; two granddaughters, Jessica Ferguson, Theresa Creech and her husband, Kasey Creech; six great grandchildren, Skyler Creech, Penelope Creech, Cameron Updike, Lillie Mae Updike, and Luna Lynne Updike; and her sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Jay Jones.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 10, 2026 at Lake Gaston Baptist Church, Littleton with Rev. Brad Antill officiating.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until the service time at the church.

View Frances Updike's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/06/2026

Danielle Shafer

Danielle Shafer, 44, of Roanoke Rapids passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026.

She was a native of Passaic County, New Jersey and was the daughter of the late Deniz Sarnelli and Carol Ann Shafer. She loved to crochet and collect crystal.

She is survived by her daughter, Rachel Babb and husband, Matthew; her sister, Anika Broady, all of Roanoke Rapids; and a brother, Brian Sarnelli.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 9, 2026 in the chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Randy Martin officiating.

View Danielle Shafer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/04/2026

Angela Clay Gowen

If it is true that “for anything to be good, truly good, there must be love in it,” then Angela Clay Gowen was good beyond measure. She was more than good—she was exceptional. She embodied love and she is deeply loved by so many.

Born April 1, 1970, on April Fool’s Day, Angie was no joke. She was a force of nature with a bold personality that radiated joy. Her smile lit up every room and her true genius was making every person she met feel seen, valued, and special. No matter who they were, she connected with them. She had a particular love for those others overlooked, because Angie truly saw people. She was incredibly funny and you always left her presence lighter than when you arrived.

For 31 years, Angie shaped the lives of hundreds of preschool and kindergarten students throughout Halifax County, including 28 years with the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District and three at Halifax Academy after retiring. She loved her students fiercely, building strong foundations for their success. As she did with everyone, she made them feel valued and special.

She had an incredibly quick wit and a gift for finding humor in everyday moments. Life with Angie was never dull—she brought laughter wherever she went. At home, her playful spirit filled even the simplest days with joy, creating memories her family will always carry with them.

While she hated clutter and was ruthless about letting go of things that no longer had a place in her home, she was the opposite with people. She was kind and compassionate, quick to forgive, and generous with grace, even when it wasn’t deserved. If you were part of her life, she stood by you, believed in you, and never once considered letting you go. She was the world’s biggest cheerleader, celebrating others’ joys as if they were her own.

Never one to stay in one place too long, Angie loved to travel. Whether it was trips with her girls, family vacations, weekends at the lake, 5Ks she took up later in life, or shopping excursions to her favorite places, she was always on the go. She loved many things and many people, but nothing was more important than her family.

Her first great love was her Daddy, Billy Clay. She was the apple of his eye and the two were kindred spirits. She was devastated to lose him 22 years ago and one can only imagine the joy of their reunion now.

Her Mama, Lou Ellen Clay Borrell, was her inspiration, teaching her to be resilient, brave, and strong, and to find joy and peace even in life’s hardest moments.

Susan was more than her sister; she was her best friend. For most of their lives, they lived just steps from each other, down the hall, down the street, or around the corner. They were inseparable, especially in the last year of Angie’s life as she battled cancer, serving as each other’s constant source of strength and support. Angie often said she could not have asked for a better sister or friend.

Rob came into her life in the sixth grade. What began as a skating rink romance grew into a love that spanned 45 years, including 32 years of marriage. He was and will always be her one true love. Together, they built a life grounded in deep affection, humor, and an unshakable bond. Angie kept Rob on his toes, a reflection of the warmth and ease that defined their life together. She was endlessly grateful for the family they created and the years they shared.

Their children, Jackson and Ellen, were the greatest joy of her life. She was so proud to be their mother and found immense happiness in watching them grow into kind, remarkable people. She was especially thankful to see them find love and build families of their own with Laurel and Neil.

Though her time with them was far too short, she leaves them knowing they are creating lives as beautiful and full as the one she cherished. She will be watching over them always, with a heart full of gratitude for the gift of being their mom.

The family will receive visitors at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services on Friday, April 10, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A private celebration of her life will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made in support of Pancreatic Cancer Research: https://pancan.org/ways-to-give/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23711494441&gbraid=0AA AAApuNv7GykseB46z79y0sHWVKqRMNS&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyr3OBhD0ARIsALlo-Okp8QOaRlJ 7vxzwBtPh02f6nuMuk35Bz7cCApzmX2dc5nd8EaMGsdsaAio0EALw_wcB

View Angela Clay Gowen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/03/2026

Jimmy Gray Blythe

Jimmy Gray Blythe, 86, of Pendleton, NC passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026 with his family by his side.

He was the son of the late Leon Elias Blythe and Hattie Verdell Matthews Blythe. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Judith Ann Boykin Blythe on February 28, 2026 and a sister, Margaret Johnson.

Jimmy loved his Lord Jesus Christ and his family. In his earlier career he took over and ran for a number of years his fathers business, Blythe and Carpenter Cotton Gin in Margaretsville, NC. He was a graduate of ECU and later became a teacher and head master at Northeast Academy in Lasker for many years. He also loved collecting antiques with his wife. He retired from the Farm Bureau Insurance as a claims manager after many years of service. He was very active with fundraisers for student scholarships, was an incredibly generous person and was a member of Galatia Baptist Church.

He is survived by his daughter, Penny Blythe Williams and her husband, Jeff of Henrico, Virginia; his son, Jimmy Gray Blythe, Jr. and his wife, Amy of Creedmoor, NC; his grandchildren, Shane Williams and his wife, Hannah, Joshua Blythe and his wife, Kristen; four great grandchilden, Carter Williams, Emma Blythe, Enoch Blythe, Hope Blythe, a niece and a nephew.

A graveside service with Masonic rites will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, April 6, 2026 in the Seaboard Cemetery in Seaboard, North Carolina with his grandson, Rev. Joshua Blythe officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Paul Williams Foundation, c/o Kathryn Williams, 839 Indian Trail Road, Edenton, NC, 27932.

View Jimmy Gray Blythe's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/03/2026

Jimmy Gray Blythe

Jimmy Gray Blythe, 85, of Pendleton, NC passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026 with his family by his side.

He was the son of the late Leon Elias Blythe and Hattie Verdell Matthews Blythe. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Judith Ann Boykin Blythe on February 28, 2026 and a sister, Margaret Johnson.

Jimmy loved his Lord Jesus Christ and his family. In his earlier career he took over and ran for a number of years his fathers business, Blythe and Carter Cotton Gin in Margaretsville, NC. He was a graduate of ECU and later became a teacher and head master at Northeast Academy in Lasker for many years. He also loved collecting antiques with his wife. He was very active with fundraisers for student scholarships, was an incredibly generous person and was a member of Galatia Baptist Church.

He is survived by his daughter, Penny Blythe Williams and her husband, Jeff of Henrico, Virginia; his son, Jimmy Gray Blythe, Jr. and his wife, Amy of Creedmoor, NC; his grandchildren, Shane Williams and his wife, Hannah, Joshua Blythe and his wife, Kristen; four great grandchilden, Carter Williams, Emma Blythe, Enoch Blythe, Hope Blythe, a niece and a nephew.

A graveside service with Masonic rites will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, April 6, 2026 in the Seaboard Cemetery in Seaboard, North Carolina with his grandson, Rev. Joshua Blythe officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Paul Williams Foundation, c/o Kathryn Williams, 839 Indian Trail Road, Edenton, NC, 27932.

View Jimmy Gray Blythe's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/30/2026

Peggy Barnes Britt

Peggy Ann Barnes Britt, 92, of Milwaukee, NC passed away peacefully in the night on Friday, March 27, 2026. She was born on November 9, 1933 in Potecasi, NC to Po***ck Tenille Barnes and Annie Rae Joyner Barnes and was the oldest and only sister to Patrick, Luther, and Johnny Barnes.

Peggy attended Woodland Olney School. After graduation, she went to Hardbarger business school in Raleigh. She married Carl Russell Britt on August 21, 1955. They lived in Ahoskie for two years while building a new home in Milwaukee where they raised five children, Ramona Ann, Rita Russell, Carl Kent, Po***ck Roy and John Charles.

Peggy worked many years for Vaughan’s Insurance Company in Woodland, Northampton County Tax Department and Cooley’s Insurance Agency in Jackson. She also worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Edward Fero in Ahoskie.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brothers, her son, Carl Kent Britt, son-in-law, Dr. Mark McCoy, daughter-in-law, Lisa Britt and several sisters and brother-in-laws.

Peggy leaves behind a legacy of love that will sustain her family and their friends. She loved her husband and children unconditionally. She became a “Ma Ma” after the birth of her first grandchild, Matthew McCoy, then followed other grandchildren, Rebecca McCoy Michael (Daniel), Dr. Andrew McCoy (Thais), John Christopher (Hannah) and Harrison Britt, Leah Britt Lowe (Dillon) and Dr. Patrick Fiorilli (Duri); her great grandchildren, Mina, Mark and Luther McCoy, Hattie and Penn Michael, Axel, Emilia, Luke and Ruby Lowe.

She often said, “there’s nothing sweeter than a baby”. She loved keeping her grandchildren, taking them to church and even to work. She loved the beach, spending many summer vacations in Nags Head with her family. She loved gardening, flowers and taking care of her yard. Peggy also loved her Carolina Tar Heels basketball.

Left to cherish her memories are her daughters, Ramona Britt Fiorilli (Mario) and Rita Britt McCoy; her sons, Po***ck Britt (Tonya) and John Britt; daughter-in-law, Susan Britt; grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at the Milwaukee Cemetery in Milwaukee, NC with Rev. Carol Taylor officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Memorial Fund, C/O Jennifer Stancell, 5134 NC HWY 35, Conway, NC, 27820 or a charity of one’s choice in honor of Peggy.

View Peggy Barnes Britt's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/25/2026

Thomas "Tommy" Richard Futrell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Thomas Richard Futrell who left us on March 24, 2026 at the age of 62. He was born on November 22, 1963 in Ahoskie, North Carolina to the late Edward Earl Futrell and Sandra Louise Cofield Futrell Wilkens. He was preceded in death by his step-father, Floyd Thomas Wilkins and great-nieces and nephew, Andrew and Evelyn Rose Simmons. Thomas was a beloved figure in Rich Square where he made his home.

Thomas was known for his skill as a diesel mechanic and ran his own operation, bringing a unique mix of expertise and charm to his work. He touched the lives of many in his community and his warm spirit will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his brother, David Futrell; sister, Cathrine Futrell; nephews, William Simmons (Sara) and Daniel Simmons (Melissa); great-niece, Alexa Scott and great nephews, Waylon Thomas Simmons and Oliver Simmons. He also leaves behind cherished aunts, Joyce Bracy and Linda Hathaway; uncle, Johnny Cofield; “brother-in-law”, Jorge Molina; and a host of canine companions.

Family and friends are invited to gather to honor Thomas’s life and memory at Askew Funeral Services, Jackson Chapel, 313 East Jefferson Street, Jackson, NC, 27845 on March 30, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The funeral service will take place at Rich Square Baptist Church, 116 West Jackson Street, Rich Square, NC, 27869 on March 31, 2026, at 11:00 AM officiated by Rev John Thompson. Interment will follow at Futrell family cemetery.

View Thomas "Tommy" Richard Futrell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/23/2026

June Northcutt Skaggs

June Northcutt Skaggs, 75, of Halifax passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026.

She was a native of West Virginia and was the daughter of the late Arthur and Gala Grimmett Northcutt. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Barry Skaggs.

June was a retired school teacher in the West Virginia school system. She loved her role being in the choir and trios at different churches where Barry pastored over many years. She also loved being a homemaker.

She is survived by her daughter, Holly Skaggs of Halifax; her sons, Sean Skaggs and his wife, Amy of Zebulon, NC and Lance Skaggs and his wife, Jennifer of Tazewell, Virginia; her sisters, Lynn Carol Wall of Salem, New Hampshire, Rumona Tucker and her husband, Russell of Anstead, West Virginia; brother, Charles Clacker; four grandchildren, Lincoln Skaggs and his wife Olivia, Landon Skaggs, Levi Skaggs and his wife, Jeimy and Grayson Skaggs; three great grandchildren, Gianina Skaggs, Liam Skaggs and Layton Skaggs.

The family will have a private memorial service.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race” (2 Timothy 4:7).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at events.alz.org

View June Northcutt Skaggs's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/20/2026

Myrle Mooney Moore

Myrle Mooney Moore, age 79, of Roanoke Rapids, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, March 20, 2026. Myrtle was born in Brunswick County, NC on January 5, 1947 to the late Elmer Talmadge Mooney and Clossie Phelps Mooney. She was retired from J.P. Stevens in Roanoke Rapids.

She was preceded in death by her her parents, her loving husband, Harry Eugene "Gene" Moore, and six sisters and brothers.

She is survived by a brother, Steve Mooney and a sister, Lora Clemmons; her loving care giver and niece, Wendy Mooney Joyner; many other nieces and nephews; longtime friends and neighbors, Neal and Barbara Moore, Atalee Moore Jones (Mark) and Emily Moore Martin (Mason).

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, March 23, 2026 at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Dathan Hall officiating.

View Myrtle Mooney Moore's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/10/2026

Donna Marie Clifton Boles

Donna Marie Clifton Boles, 59, of Holly Springs passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her stepfather, John Anderson and stepbrother, Mike Anderson.

Donna was a native of Roanoke Rapids, a 1985 graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School, and attended East Carolina University.

Donna loved the Lord and her family deeply. She also loved the beach and sunning. She had a passion for children and taught special education at Timber Drive Elementary School for several years. She had a heart of gold and would give the shirt off of her back to a stranger, she was a people person, loved animals, and could always light up a room with her smile and personality.

She is survived by her three sons, Elliott Wesley Boles and his wife, Mariah of Crestview, Florida, Grayson Thomas Boles and Jackson Marshall Boles, both of Holly Springs, NC and their father, Mark Boles; her mother, Marie Barnes Anderson of Roanoke Rapids; her father, Lawrence Elliott “Larry” Clifton, Sr. of MD; her two brothers, Lawrence Elliott “Chip” Clifton, Jr. and his wife, Sharron of Roanoke Rapids, Greg Clifton and his wife, Donna of Nashville, NC; step sister, Michelle Johnson and her husband, Jim; two step brothers, Brooks Savage and Matt Savage a his wife, Brenda; three nieces, Betsy Joyner and her husband, Joshua, Taylor Wheat and her husband, Phillip, and Abbey Clifton; her nephews, Hunter Clifton and his wife, Alyssa, Brandon and Zack Savage; great niece, Ava and great nephews, Nash, Levi, Theo and her canine companion, Dexter.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Joe Sandoval officiating.

Interment will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 6:00-7:30 at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids.

View Donna Marie Clifton Boles's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/08/2026

Service for Raymond "Ray" Marshall Reid, Jr.