McNeill Legacy Funeral Home

01/31/2026

01/30/2026

Phyllis Council Simmons

Phyllis C. Simmons, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026. She was born and raised in Gray's Creek, where she learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and responsibility while growing up in a farming family. She was the daughter of Marvin and Mildred Council of St. Pauls. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Tommy Simmons, and her brother, Steve.

In the late 1960s, Phyllis met Tommy Simmons, the love of her life. They were married on December 10, 1971, and welcomed one daughter, Lisa. Phyllis and Tommy worked side by side operating Fayetteville Wrecker Service until Tommy's passing in 1992.

After her husband's death, Phyllis worked faithfully at Monarch Cleaners, Belk, and the Trophy House, where she was known for her honesty, dependability, and strong work ethic. Through her example, she taught her daughter the importance of strength, independence, and resilience. Phyllis leaves behind her beloved daughter, Lisa Johnson, and her husband, John, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Kyle, and Zach, and her great-granddaughter, Harleigh. She found peace in her home, especially in tending her yard, and remained deeply connected to the place where she raised her family. Even as dementia entered her life, she remained herself in the ways that mattered most.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at McNeill-Legacy Funeral Home, 319 West Broad Street, St. Pauls, North Carolina. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel.

McNeill-Legacy Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Phyllis Simmons.

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01/27/2026

Marylou Johnson

Marylou Johnson, age 50, of St. Pauls, North Carolina, entered her eternal rest on Saturday, January 24, 2026. She was born on January 27, 1975, in Oakland, Maryland.

Marylou was known by all who loved her as a spunky, caring, and devoted woman who had a true passion for cooking and a heart that always put her family first. She was truly one of a kind—irreplaceable in spirit and love—and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband, Willard Johnson; her two daughters, Samantha Kersey and husband Wayne Kersey, and Rebecca Lansberry and husband Brian Lansberry; and her treasured granddaughter, Addie Lansberry. She is also survived by her sisters, Carole Ford and Madonna Bowman; her brothers, Anthony Moats and Matt Porter; her mother-in-law, Sue Johnson; and a host of loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Marylou is now reunited in heaven with her mother, father, and brother, where she rests in peace and comfort.

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01/26/2026

Derrick Van Linton, II

Derrick Van Linton II, of Burlington, North Carolina, was born to the late Victoria Lee Locklear and Derrick Van Linton on September 18, 1981, in Nassau County, New York. Derrick departed this life on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the age of 44, at his home in Alamance County, North Carolina.

Derrick was a graduate of East Alamance High School, Class of 2000, and later graduated from Gibbs School, Class of 2002. He was a digital creator with a natural artistic eye, expressing himself through graphic and visual design. Creativity was one of the ways Derrick made sense of the world and left his personal mark.

In addition to his parents, Derrick was preceded in death by his beloved cousins Takeyla McNair, Fredrick Locklear, and Heaven (Nina) Hanna; his paternal grandparents, Evelyn Christmas and Melvin Linton; his paternal uncle Keith Linton Jr.; his maternal grandfather, Theodore Locklear; and his maternal uncles Charles Jay, Johnny Ray, Carey Drake, Timothy Locklear, and Theodore Locklear Jr.

Derrick leaves to cherish his memory his partner, Akiaya Fuller, of Alamance County, North Carolina; his beloved maternal grandmother, Gracie Lee Locklear, of North Carolina; his maternal aunts, Margie Locklear and Melody Rose Locklear, of North Carolina; his paternal brother, Mitchell Linton, of Washington, DC; his paternal uncle Keith Linton, of Long Island, New York; and his paternal cousins Janel Diaz, Ebony Linton, Desmond Linton, and Regina Bennett.

He also leaves behind his beloved maternal cousins Quinn Hanna, Tanisha McNair, Dock McNair Jr., Syrus Gaddy, Bless Hanna, and Tiana McNair, all of North Carolina, along with a host of other close family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Derrick will be remembered for his perseverance, his creativity, and the quiet strength with which he lived. May he now rest in peace, free from struggle and surrounded by love.

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01/26/2026

Lawrence Jackson, Sr.

Lawrence Jackson, Sr.

July 29, 1948 – January 26, 2026

Lawrence Jackson, Sr., of White Oak, North Carolina, was born July 29, 1948 in Robeson Co. and passed away on January 26, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved son of the late Asberry and Eula Parker Jackson and the devoted husband of Joan Britt Jackson, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.

He is survived by his three children, Lawrence Jackson, Jr. and his wife Melanie of White Oak, NC; Tony R. Jackson and his wife Anita of Spencer, WV; and Elsie Reeves and her husband Jimmy of Laurel Hill, NC; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; he is also survived by his sisters, Francis Blount of Southern Pines, NC, and Lula Pait of St. Pauls, NC.

He was preceded in death by: Paulene Barnes, Allen Jackson, Jimmy Jackson, Berry Jackson, Donald Jackson, Byrdie Hair, Ronald Jackson, Annie Lee Rice, and Mamie Gilbert.

McNeill Legacy Funeral Home is honored to serve the Jackson family.

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01/23/2026

Sylvia Taylor Service

01/22/2026

Roy Rogers Bryant, Jr.

Roy Rogers Bryant, Jr., was born January 22, 1985 in Cumberland Co. to Roy Rogers Braynt, Sr. and the late Linda Alice Bryant and departed this life on January 22, 2026, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

Roy was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Alice Bryant.

He is survived by his loving wife, Destiny Lee Bryant; his son, Roy Rogers Bryant III; his daughters, Katelyn Marie Bryant and Madison Alice Bryant; his father, Roy Rogers Bryant, Sr.; his brothers, Cruz Bryant and Elvis Bryant; and his sister, Joyce Marie Sims.

Roy was a devoted husband, a loving father, a provider for his family, and a friend to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by those whose lives he touched.

Arrangements are entrusted to McNeill-Legacy Funeral Home.

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01/20/2026

Danvy Dewey Fisher

Mr. Danvy Dewey Fisher, age 82, of St. Pauls, North Carolina, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026.

He was born on July 21, 1943, in Robeson County, North Carolina, to the late William Dewey Fisher and Mable Faircloth Fisher. Danvy worked for many years in the construction industry as a heavy equipment operator. He was a lifelong resident of Robeson County and was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine Fisher of the home; one daughter, Rosa Pat Fisher; one step-daughter, Bonnie Sue Wilburn; one sister, Carol Owens; two grandchildren, Christopher Wayne Wimberly and Bradley James Wimberly; two step-grandchildren, William Isaiah Stewart and Elizabeth Ann Sampson and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.

A graveside service will be held at Great Marsh Baptist Church Cemetery. The Reverend David Humphrey will officiate.

Arrangements are entrusted to McNeill-Legacy Funeral Home of St. Pauls.

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01/20/2026

Thomas Ellis Taylor

Thomas (Tom) Ellis Taylor, age 85, of St. Pauls, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Born on December 12, 1940, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, Thomas was the son of the late Fred Taylor and Elizabeth Taylor. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his aunt, Ruby Livingston, and his son-in-law, Robert Taylor Jr.

Tom dedicated his career to public service as a Graphic Designer with the Civil Service Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina—a profession he deeply loved and in which he took great pride.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marie Davis Taylor; two sons, Darrell Taylor (Jeane) and Michael Taylor (Wendy); three daughters, Stephanie Walters (Gene), Lindy Taylor, and Tara Fisher (Ryan); six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by special friends Wayne Chavis, Andy White, Gerald Beany, and Mark Whitley, along with many other friends and relatives who will forever cherish his memory.

Tom was known for his deep love of nature and the outdoors, especially hiking the Appalachian Trail. He also enjoyed antiquing, genealogy, and cheering on NC State basketball. A lifetime member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Tom was very active in his camp and greatly enjoyed participating in reenactments.

McNeill-Legacy Funeral Home is honored to serve the Taylor family.

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01/17/2026

Sylvia Ann "Tina" Taylor

Sylvia Ann “Tina” Fendley Taylor, age 69, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, departed this life on January 16, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by her loving husband and family.

Born on March 16, 1956, in Cumberland County, NC, Tina was the daughter of the late Walton Bruce Fendley and the late June Sylvia Fendley. She lived her life devoted to her family, cherishing the bonds of love, friendship, and loyalty that defined her character. Tina was known for her caring spirit, strength, and deep affection for those closest to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, Kenneth Register.

Tina is survived by her loving husband, Curtis Mack Taylor, Jr.; her son, Micheal Curtis Taylor (Jennifer); two stepdaughters, Shawn Whitten (Carl) and Rhonda Taylor; one brother, William Fendley (Pamela); two sisters, Patricia Register and Carol Arnold (Kenneth); two grandchildren; her devoted friend, Debbie Clifford; and many other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

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01/17/2026

John Clay Carter

Mr. John Clay Carter, age 51, of Parkton, formerly of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was born on April 11, 1974, and passed away on December 28, 2025. He was a graduate of Terry Sanford High School and proudly served his country as a United States Army veteran.

He is survived by his loving mother, Jennifer Carter; his brother, Bryan Carter; and his sister, Terrie Carter Evans.

Mr. Carter will be remembered for his service to his country and the love he had for his family.

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01/16/2026

Jessie L. Simpson

Mrs. Jessie Lee Simpson, age 84, went to be with the Lord, our Savior, on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Jessie was born to Aaron and Edith Hatchell Lee and grew up in Shannon, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Gene Leroy Lee; and her beloved husband, Robert W. Simpson of Rhode Island.

Jessie was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished sister, and treasured aunt. She dearly loved her grandchildren and spent many summers creating special memories with them. Her favorite pastime was gardening and caring for wildlife. Her home was beautifully adorned with photographs she took of her flowers and the wildlife around her home, reflecting her deep appreciation for God’s creation.

Jessie earned a degree in cosmetology and generously volunteered her time serving others in hospitals and nursing homes, sharing kindness and compassion wherever she went.

She is survived by her three children: Janice Langendorff (Peter), Karen Marlow, and Billy Simpson (Debbie); six grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sisters, Juanita L. Harden (Delton) of Raeford, NC, and Margaret L. Page (Boston) of Lakeview, SC.

Jessie will be remembered for her gentle spirit, servant’s heart, and the love she shared with her family and all who knew her.

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