Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services

12/19/2025

Mr. Juan "Andy" Andres Gilberto Valdez age 92 went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday December 17, 2025, while on a respite stay at The SECU Hospice House of UNC Johnston, Smithfield, N.C. Prior to his stay at The SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, N.C. Andy had been living for the past four years at Bethesda Family Care Home in Clayton, N.C.

Andy was born on February 23, 1933, in Cimarron, N.M. He moved to Trinidad, CO as a baby. Andy had 4 sisters and 3 brothers. Andy is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers and sisters, his wives Phillis Shaw Valdez and Crystella Salvador Valdez.

Andy served in the United States Army after graduating high school in Trinidad, Colorado. After being honorably discharged from the Army he moved back to Trinidad, Colorado.

On January 21, 1956, Andy married his first wife Crystella Salvador. To that union 2 sons were born. Kenneth Andrew of Denver, CO. and Gregory Allen of Port Orchard Washington. Crystella died from cancer on August 6th, 1990.

On February 11, 1993, Andy married Phillis Shaw. They shared Andy's two biological sons Kenny Valdez and Greg Valdez along with Phillis's 7 biological adult children of five girls and two boys; Charleen (Slater) Marino of Wheat Ridge, CO, Peri (Slater) Labate of Westminster,CO, Kathleen (Slater) Faliano of Broomfield, CO, Jeanne (Slater) Jackson of Clayton, NC, Rochelle (Shelly Slater) Van Ootegham of Clayton, NC. Steve Slater of Milwaukee, WI, and Scott Slater of Keystone Heights, FL.

Andy and Phillis were married for 28 years until Andy once again lost the love of his life. Phillis died from complications from a stroke on June 15, 2021.

Andy loved the Lord, his family, his friends, fishing, gardening, dancing, reading and playing his harmonica.

Andy will be greatly missed. He leaves behind 9 adult children and their spouses, 20 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will always remember him for the gentle, funny, kind and loving person he was.

A "Celebration of Life" for Andy and his wife Phillis Valdez, will be held in the Chapel of Walter Sanders Funeral Home & Cremation Services 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC 27577 after the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Date to be determined. Most likely around the second week in January, however, keep looking on the website of Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services for the exact time and date. There will also be a "Celebration of Life" and burial at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO for Andy and Phillis this Spring. The date is yet to be determined.
Again, please refer to the website of Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services with that date. Condolences may be posted on the website www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

12/17/2025

Rev. William Henry Lucas, age 96 of Smithfield, NC transitioned Monday December 15, 2025, at UNC Johnston Health in Smithfield. Rev. Lucas was the son of Theodore R and Bertha Brinkley Lucas and was born February 20, 1929, in Spring Hope, NC.
Rev. Lucas graduated from C.C. Spaulding High School, enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served honorably until his discharge in 1953 and then attended Shaw University.

In June 1953, Rev. Lucas received a calling from the Lord and for the next 49 years began a lifelong career in the ministry. He served as Pastor at First Baptist Church of Creedmoor NC, Lettice Hall Baptist in Franklin County, Odell Baptist in Littleton, NC, Shiloh Baptist Church in Arcola, NC, Strickland Grove Baptist in Four Oaks, NC and Galilee Baptist Church in Smithfield, NC. Upon retirement from pastoring in 2002, Rev Lucas joined Johnston Piney Grove Baptist Church of Clayton, NC and was faithful until declining health.

In addition to pastoring, Rev Lucas typically worked a full-time job so he could ensure his family was taken care of. However, in September 1991, after 25 years of service, the Lord blessed Rev Lucas to retire from NC State University.
Rev. Lucas is survived by his wife, Joan Green Lucas, sons; William Lucas II (Rita), and Timothy Lucas, one daughter-in- law; Lisa Lucas, three sisters-in-law; Luevenia Lucas, Brenda Lucas and Gail Green, four grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Theodore Lucas and Bertha Lucas, and son Brodwick Lucas.

Viewing: Monday December 22, 2025, at the Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC., from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm.
Funeral Service: Tuesday December 23, 2025, at Johnston Piney Grove Baptist Church 1691 Barber Mill Rd, Clayton, NC., at 10:30 am. Viewing from 10:00 am until 10:30 am.
Interment: Carolina Biblical Gardens 1530 Creech Rd, Garner, NC.
www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

12/16/2025

Mr. Sammie Lee Brown, 82 of Smithfield, NC transitioned peacefully on Sunday December 14, 2025, at his residence surrounded by the love of his family. Mr. Brown was the son of Jessie and Lode Brown of Castleberry, Alabama born May 26, 1943.

Mr. Sammie was married to Mrs. Peggy Brown for 61 years. To this union they had five children: Kathy Brown Taylor, Beverly Brown Cotton, Samuel Brown, Patricia Brown, and Debra Brown. He also leaves to cherish his memories: 9 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends, his legacy shall live forever in all those who knew him.

Viewing: There Will Not Be Any Public Viewing on Sunday Dec 21, 2025.

Funeral Services: Monday December 22, 2025, at New Generation Christian Church 4423 Wilsons Mills, NC., viewing 11:00am - 11:30am, with funeral services beginning at 11:30am.
Interment: Selma Memorial Gardens Selma, NC.
www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

12/13/2025

11/29/2025

Gladys Lucille White

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Take a moment to realize the blessings we all have and let us be thankful for the opportunities bestowed upon us.
It is an honor and privilege for us at Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremations to serve you with dignity and respect.

Grace, Peace and Love to you all.

11/22/2025

Mr. Donnie D. Nixon Jr.


November 28, 1938 November 15, 2025


We do not own the rights to any music played here today.

11/18/2025

Mr. Donnie D. Nixon, Jr., 86, of Smithfield, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Donnie Jr. was born on November 28, 1938, to the late Donnie Nixon, Sr. and Marie Nixon.

He was educated in the Johnston County School System and proudly graduated from Johnston County Training School (J.C.T.S.) in 1956. He went on to attend North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC.

Donnie Jr. built a lifelong career as a professional tractor-trailer driver, traveling across the United States. His journey began in the family-owned business, Nixon Bros. Transfer Company of Smithfield, NC. He later continued his career with Barnes Trucking and Cargo-Care Trucking, where he also served as an owner-operator.

A devoted family man, Donnie Jr. cherished his loved ones deeply. He was married to the late Yvonne Lewis Nixon for 63 years. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Frank Nixon.

He leaves to celebrate and honor his memory: his children, Donnie Nixon III, Tim Nixon, and Yvette Nixon; his grandchildren, Timaiya McManus, N'namdi Nixon, DaRiel Nixon, Devon Nixon, Adalyn Nixon, and Caroline Nixon; great-grandchildren Ivy McManus and Nick McManus; his brother, Keith Nixon; sister-in-law; Phebia McIver, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will continue to carry his legacy forward.

His presence, wisdom, and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Viewing: Friday November 21, 2025, Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC from 1:00 pm until 5:30 pm. The family plans to be present from 4:00 pm until 5:30 pm.

Graveside Service: Saturday November 22, 2025, at the Selma Memorial Gardens, Selma, NC starting at 12:00 noon.
www.waltersandersfuneralhome.comu

11/18/2025

Gladys Lucille Suggs White was born on March 31, 1941, in Belmont, North Carolina, the child of Herman and Druscilla Suggs. On Friday November 14, 2025, she transitioned at UNC Memorial Hospital as her husband, Otto White, Jr. and daughter, Pamela Delta White, held her hands in prayer. She was a loving wife and mother with her sweet smile and caring heart.
In the early 1940’s, the Suggs family moved to Chapel Hill where Lucille spent her childhood. She attended Northside Elementary School and Lincoln High School. Lucille was active in basketball and in the marching band, often leading the band with flips and other acrobatic stunts. She furthered her education by attending nursing school and taking classes at Nassau Community College, Garden City, NY and Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY.
Lucille leaves many loving memories to comfort her family. She is survived by Otto, her husband of 58 years, son Ray (Cynthia) Anthony “Tony” White of Port Jefferson Station, NY and daughter Pamela Delta White, three grandchildren Cheriece (Ernest) White Fair, Brandon Green, and Chanelle Vargas, and three great-grandchildren Ernest A., Navi, and Adrianna. One sister-in-law Theresa (James) White Parmley and two brothers-in-law Stephen (Patrica) White and Robert (Barbara deceased) White. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, beloved friends, and loved ones.
Public Viewing at Walter Sanders Funeral Home, 302 S. Bright Leaf Boulevard, Smithfield, NC on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Viewing, Family Visitation, and Funeral Service at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2620 E. Weaver Street, Durham, NC 27707 on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
Viewing: 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Family Visitation: 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
Funeral Service: 12:30 PM

Interment at New Bern Memorial Cemetery, 1112 Chelsea Road, New Bern, NC 28562 on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM.

www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

11/14/2025

Ms Hazel Godwin

April 9, 1939 - November 6,, 2025


We do not own the rights to any music played here today.

11/11/2025

Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremations would like to salute all those who have served in our armed forces. We thank you and your families for your sacrifices.

11/06/2025

Ms. Hazel Godwin began her earthly journey on April 9, 1939, in Johnston County, North Carolina, born to the late Wallace and Annabell Godwin. She peacefully entered eternal rest and gained her wings on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 6:02 a.m. at her residence in Selma, NC, surrounded by the love of her family.

Ms. Godwin was educated in the Johnston County School System and attended Richard B. Harrison School in Selma, NC. She was a dedicated and hardworking woman who spent many years employed with K.R. Edwards To***co Company in Smithfield, NC, and Bright Leaf & Burley in Wilson, NC. She also worked at the Nash County To***co Factory, where she was well respected by her coworkers and friends.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory two brothers, Calvin Godwin and Robert Godwin; two sisters, Carolyn Godwin and Rolinda Godwin (niece/sister); along with a host of other relatives, and friends who will forever remember her kindness, strength, and love.

Viewing: Thursday November 13, 2025, from 1:00 pm until 5:30 pm at the Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC 27577.
Funeral Services: Friday November 14, 2025, 11:30 am Bethel Ame Church 9632 NC-96, Selma, NC., viewing from 11:00 am until 11:30 am. www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com