Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services

03/20/2026

03/19/2026

Mrs. Annie Louise Sanders Williams age 89 of Smithfield transitioned on Tuesday March 17, 2026, surrounded by family at her residence. Mrs. Williams for born November 27, 1936, in Johnston County, NC. She was the daughter of Weston Sanders Sr. and Fannie Sanders.

She attended Johnston County Training School in Smithfield and later received her Nursing Certificate from Johnston Community College. She worked at Marlboro House and Colonial Rest Home until her retirement.

Annie's church memberships included Wesley Chapel Church, Evans Chapel AME Church, and New Life Deliverance Ministries where she served as a Church Mother until her health began to fail.

Annie was preceded in death by parents Weston Sr. and Fannie Sanders, children; Kenneth Williams, Aloysius Williams, siblings; Jeanette Clinton, Doris Hines, Weston Sanders Jr., and her husband Richard Williams.

She leaves to cherish her memories three daughters: Myrna Williams, Cynthia Williams, Brookie Glaspie, two sisters: Peggy Taylor, Ethel Sanders, two sister-n-laws: Thelma Williams, Marva Williams, one aunt: Dottie Sanders, four grandchildren: Jeffrey Williams, Jasmine Williams, Aaliyah Williams, and Maynard Glaspie, thirteen great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren along with several nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Viewing: Thursday March 26, 2026, at Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremations Chapel 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm.
Funeral Services: Friday March 27, 2026, New Generation Christian Church 4423 Wilsons Mills Rd, Wilsons Mills, NC. Viewing 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm with funeral services beginning at 2:00 pm.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Park Smithfield, NC.
www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

03/09/2026

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• Life Insurance Policies
• Preneed Funeral Planning & At-Need Arrangements
• Cremation Services
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Planning today can bring peace of mind for tomorrow. Let us help you make the right choices for you and your loved ones.

📞 Contact Tony today for more information or to schedule a consultation 919-934-6661 or email us at waltersandersfh@aol.com

02/23/2026

Mr. William Wade Crocker, age 80, of Four Oaks, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, at UNC Health Johnston in Smithfield, North Carolina, with his family by his side.

William was born on May 8, 1945, in Smithfield, North Carolina, to Nancy Ruth Massengill and William Wade Crocker. Raised by his grandparents, he attended school in Four Oaks. He later began his career as a mechanic at Bobby Murray Chevrolet, where he honed his skills before eventually opening his own shop. He worked faithfully until his retirement.
William had a deep love for boats, fishing, and mudslinging race pulls. He especially cherished time spent at his junkyard, where he enjoyed “piddling” and sharing laughs with friends. In his later years, he found joy in trips to the beach, riding his golf cart, watching hummingbirds, and working on small engines and equipment. Above all, he treasured time with his great-grandson, Myles, and his dear friend, Sheila Crocker.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Massengill; his father, William Wade Crocker; his wife, Georgia Crocker; and his son, Phillip Stanley Crocker and baby brother John Phillip Elam.

He leaves to cherish his memory his brothers, Brad Crocker, John Crocker, and Bob Crocker; his children, Henry Crocker of Four Oaks, Welton Earl Worsham (Kelly Worsham) of Four Oaks, Lisa Crocker Massengill (John Massengill) of Selma, Nancy Crocker Lee of Four Oaks, and Tammy Maness (Mike Maness) of Bear Creek; his grandchildren, Misty Lee, Emily Lee, Caitlin Crocker, Amber Lee Otto, Brittany Norris Broeker, Robbie Lee, Tristan Lee, Patrick Crocker, Nixon Crocker, Tyler Crocker, Caleb Norris, Jordan Norris, Macy Humphries, and Conner Worsham; and 10 great-grandchildren.

William was a devoted son, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He loved helping others in any way he could, and his heart was as big as the world. He will be remembered for his strength, kindness, humor, and unique spirit. Truly, he was one of a kind.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Faith OFWB Church 560 Webb Mill Road, Four Oaks, NC, Saturday February 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and honor his life.
www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

02/03/2026

Doris Ann Bell was born on December 14, 1944, to the late Lehman Bell Sr., and Hattie N. Bell in Smithfield, NC. Doris transitioned from her earthly life to her eternal rest on January 29, 2026, following a short illness.

Doris was the youngest sister of 6 children. She attended Short Journey School. Doris was a homemaker for much of her adult life. She enjoyed traveling to see family and friends afar off. She enjoyed gatherings, cookouts, and other friendly and exciting atmospheres. Doris enjoyed making jewelry of all types. She made earrings, necklaces, bracelets, key chains and much more and gave them as gifts.

Doris is preceded in death by her father, Lehman Bell, Sr, her mother Hattie Nixon Bell, her brother Rufus Bell, and sister Katie Bell.

Doris leaves a legacy of memories to be cherished by her husband, Joseph Singleton, Lillington NC, son Demetrius of the home, four grandchildren: MaKayla, Demetrius Jr, Demear, and Nyshawn DeVaughn. Brothers, Donnie Bell (Dianetta) of Maryland, Lehman Bell, Jr. (Lina) of Raleigh, NC, sister Sudie Bell of Ohio, goddaughter Pamela Sanders of Clayton, NC. And a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Viewing: Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services, 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC., Friday February 13, 2026, from 2:00pm until 6:00pm.
Funeral Services: Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services, 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC., Saturday February 14, 2026, at 12:00 noon. Viewing 11:00 am until 12:00 noon.
www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

02/03/2026

On January 31, 2026, Billy Ray Daniels left this world to be reunited with his beloved mother, Allie Gray, and father, Willie C.

Billy Ray will be remembered for many things, including the smile that reached his eyes, the way he could transform a yard like no other, and thumbing a guitar. He leaves behind four sisters and one brother, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends who became his extended family.

Services: We will celebrate a life fully lived on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC. Viewing will be from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon with funeral services starting at noon.
www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

02/03/2026

James E. McLaughlin Jr., of Selma, NC, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the age of 79.

Born in Fayetteville, NC, he was the son of George and Lillie McLaughlin. James honorably served in the armed forces before dedicating decades of his life to a career as a professional truck driver.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanelle McLaughlin; his children; siblings; grandchildren; great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral Service: Monday February 16, 2026, at Gray's Creek Missionary Baptist Church 4750 Grays Creek Church Rd., Hope Mills, NC 28348, Viewing from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon with funeral services beginning at 12:00 noon. Funeral services will be livestreamed via our page starting at 11:45 am.
www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

01/29/2026

Ms. Nickia Melissa Bryant, affectionately known as “GK” by her beloved grandson, was born on August 31, 1979, to Debora Boylan and the late Wayne Bryant. On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Nickia peacefully exchanged time for eternity and entered into Heavenly rest at Wilson Medical Hospital in Wilson, North Carolina.

Nickia received her education in 1997, graduating from SSS. She later pursued vocational training, earning her certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). With a heart for service and compassion for others, she dedicated over 16 years to the healthcare field. Due to health challenges, she was forced to retire early at the age of 34, yet her caring spirit and strength remained evident to all who knew her.

Nickia was preceded in death by her father, Wayne Bryant, and her great-grandmother, Malissia Sanders.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving daughter, Makelle Bryant; son, Malik Sanders; cherished grandson, Mekhi Bryant; devoted mother, Debora Boylan; sisters, Nitaisha Jackson, Nadia Reddick-Lofton, and Na’Ree Boylan; grandmother, Bessie Washington; along with a host of other relatives and dear friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.

Nickia’s life was one of love, resilience, and quiet strength, and her memory will continue to live on through those she touched.

Viewing: Thursday February 5, 2026, at Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC., from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm. The family request in lieu of fresh cut flowers please give potted plants.

Funeral Services: Friday February 6, 2026, at Faith in the Word Christian Center 399 Lake Wendell Rd., Wendell, NC 27591 starting at 1:00 pm. Viewing will be from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm.
www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

01/04/2026

Mr. Marshall Craven Nixon, 82 of Smithfield, NC passed away surrounded by family at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh, NC. on Thursday January 1, 2026. Marshall was the son of Isham and Gertrude Nixon and was born November 5, 1943.

Marshall was a proud member of the Johnston County Training School of Smithfield Class of 1962. Marshall spent most of his adult life in transportation. He worked in the family business Nixon Bros. Transfer Company, Barnes Transportation, Cargo Care Transportation and Triple E Transportation. Marshall also worked for Jerald Manufacturing of Smithfield, NC.

Marshall was married to the late Louise Nixon for over 60 years. He is survived by his daughters Angela Nixon Wright (Kenneth), Marsha Nixon Smalls (Curtis), and Dawn Sorrell (Jimmie Stevens), sister Emma Nixon Britt (Carlton) and brother Carl G. Nixon, Sr. (Olivia), a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.

Viewing: Friday January 16, 2026, at the Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC 27577 3:00pm - 6:00 pm.

Family present from 5:00pm-6:00pm
Family/Friends open remarks period from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm.

Funeral Services: Saturday January 17, 2026, at Shiloh Christian Church 211 Durham St., Smithfield, NC 27577 11:30 am with viewing from 11:00am until 11:30am.

Interment: Sunset Memorial Park, Smithfield, NC 27577
www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

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 32 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.

Memorial Services
A "Celebration of Life" for Phillis and her husband Juan "Andy" Valdez, will be held in the Chapel of Walter Sanders Funeral Home & Cremation Services 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC 27577 Saturday January 10, 2026, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Services will be live streamed via Facebook Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremations with a reception immediately to follow at Faith Community Church Fellowship Hall 2180 Steel Bridge Rd., Clayton, NC.

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