Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services

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.
Services: Incomplete at this time. 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

01/16/2026

Mr. Marshall Craven Nixon
“Hemp”

November 5, 1943 - January 1, 2026


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

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

12/23/2025

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

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: Public Viewing on Sunday Dec 21, 2025 from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at the funeral home chapel.

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

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.