Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services

Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services God grants ordinary people to do extraordinary things! Cremations, Full Service Funerals, Memorial Services, Monuments, Markers

Nannie Lee Dunston Davis, of Selma, North Carolina was born on December 9, 1947, in Johnston County to the late Chester ...
07/22/2025

Nannie Lee Dunston Davis, of Selma, North Carolina was born on December 9, 1947, in Johnston County to the late Chester Dunston and Bessie Adams Dunston. She peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on July 20, 2025, at home surrounded by family.

She is survived by her daughters Wanda Godwin (Dock), Mazzie Hill (Darryl), Nichole Sanders (Charles Snead). Eight grandchildren: Natasha West (Gregory), Lottie Creech, Anthony Battle, Gabrielle Whitaker (Shavon), Orielle Laster, Briana Laster, Antwon Sanders, Sherrica Sanders and 36 great grandchildren. Her loving sister Josephine Laster (Lenard) and a host of nieces, nephews.

Arrangements:
Wake: Friday, July 25, 2025, at 11am - 12pm at Johnston Piney Grove Baptist Church, 1691 Barber Mill Road, Clayton, NC 27520
Funeral Service: Friday, July 25, 2025, at 12pm at Johnston Piney Grove Baptist Church, 1691 Barber Mill Road, Clayton, NC 27520.
www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

Mr. James Earl Benton, of Selma, North Carolina, was born on November 19, 1937, in Johnston County to the late Ransome B...
07/10/2025

Mr. James Earl Benton, of Selma, North Carolina, was born on November 19, 1937, in Johnston County to the late Ransome Benton and Fannie Bunn. He peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on July 9, 2025, at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, NC.

Arrangements:

Viewing: Thursday July 17, 2025, 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm in the Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC.

Funeral Services: A visitation will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM at New Generation Christian Church, located at 4423 Wilsons Mills Rd., Smithfield, NC 27577. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM at the same location. The funeral will be live streamed starting at 11:50 am on our page, Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremations.

Interment will take place immediately after the service at Selma Memorial Gardens. Repast will be held at River Oak Commons in Selma.
www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

07/10/2025

In Loving Memory of Mr. Murtnell Sligh

January 13, 1954 ~ June 21, 2025

www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

We don’t own rights to music played in this video.

06/25/2025

In Loving Memory of Ms. Thelma Glovenia Vinson

November 11, 1931 ~ June 16, 2025

www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

We don’t own rights to music played in this video.%

06/24/2025

In Loving Memory of Mrs. Margaret Harris

November 28, 1951 ~ June 12, 2025

www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

We don’t own rights to music played in this video.

Mr. Murtnell Sligh of Selma NC was the son of Willie and Cora Sligh. He was born January 13, 1954, in Johnston County, N...
06/24/2025

Mr. Murtnell Sligh of Selma NC was the son of Willie and Cora Sligh. He was born January 13, 1954, in Johnston County, NC. Mr. Sligh transitioned from labor to reward on June 21, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Murtnell attended Richard B Harrison High School. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. Murtnell worked for North Carolina State University where he was a maintenance engineer and concentrated on keeping the floors in excellent condition. Mr. Sligh especially enjoyed talking about the Lord to family and friends. Another of his favorite things was cooking, he often cooked for the family.

He is survived by his wife Mary Sligh, bonus children; Sandra Sanders, Michelle Sanders, seven grandchildren, two sisters, Mary Newsome, Maxine Lewis and a host of other relatives and friends.

Arrangements:
Funeral Services will be held Thursday July 10, 2025, at Howell's Chapel Church of Christ 214 E. Preston St., Selma, NC at 12:00 noon.

The family would request in lieu of flowers monetary contributions be submitted to the funeral home directly Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremations 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC 27577 for Murtnell Sligh. www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

06/20/2025

In Loving Memory of Christopher Lavarr “Big Baby” Moore
September 20, 1988, to June 11, 2025

www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

We don’t own rights to music played in this video.

Thelma Glovenia Vinson, a beloved resident of Clayton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 16, 2025. ...
06/19/2025

Thelma Glovenia Vinson, a beloved resident of Clayton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 16, 2025. She was born on November 11, 1931, in Wilson Mills, North Carolina to the late George Nunn and Bessie Holt.

Thelma spent her early years attending Wilson Mills School until the age of eight before her family relocated from North Carolina to New York. In New York, she attended the Fashion Institute High School, where her exceptional talent earned her a scholarship to the Fashion Institute College. Demonstrating a strong work ethic and dedication early on, Thelma chose to embark on her professional career directly after high school. She joined the New York Telephone Company full-time, where she dedicated 35 years of loyal service as a telecommunications supervisor before her well-deserved retirement.

A woman of deep faith, Thelma was a dedicated and faithful member of the Lutheran Church of the Epiphany in Hempstead, New York. After moving back to North Carolina, she joined Union Hill AME Church in 1990, where she continued her faithful and dedicated membership. Beyond her church service, Thelma also extended her compassion to the community, volunteering with the Johnson County Memorial Hospital for 14 years.

Thelma was a confident, independent, and fashion-conscious woman who loved beautiful things. She had a passion for sewing and found joy in the design and creation of various home décor projects and clothing. She rarely wore the same outfit twice and attended every event dressed to impress in her signature style.

Thelma was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 71 years, William Oscar Vinson. She leaves a legacy of love and cherished memories for her devoted children, Pavla Avery, Derek Vinson, and Dwayne Vinson (Stephanie). She was a cherished grandmother to Lincoln Tyson (Kiyo), Lakeisha Mills (Jay), Carol Avery, Christopher Burnette, Demetri, Devin and Donovan Vinson. Thelma was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren, Kevin Ingram, Tionna Hicks (Jerrod), Kionna Tyson, Collin Tyson, Jayvion and Jada Bradley and Miles Tyson. She is also survived by her great-great-grandchildren, Madison Tyson and Ashton Hicks and as well as a host of cousins and friends.

Service Information
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Mount Vernon Christian Church 300 Lombard St., in Clayton, North Carolina. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM at the church. The interment will take place immediately after the service at Pinecrest Memorial Park, Clayton, NC. A repast will be held at the Gateway Event Center in Clayton, NC.
www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

Margaret Elizabeth Harris ,73, of Smithfield, North Carolina passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, at her home surrou...
06/16/2025

Margaret Elizabeth Harris ,73, of Smithfield, North Carolina passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, at her home surrounded by family. We announce this with great sadness but our hearts are lifted, knowing that she is at rest.
Margaret was born November 28, 1951 in Dunedin, Florida to Rebecca Harris sand Riley Parks.
She attended Tarpon Springs High School, Tarpon Springs, Florida. Margaret worked as a Nursing Assistant and Maid in Florida for several years before moving to Clayton, North Carolina. There she became a Stay At Home Mom and was the manager of two construction companies for 15 years. She and her life-long companion Ira Oden Sr. worked together for 53 years.
Margaret enjoyed studying the "Word of God", crocheting and spending time with her grandbabies.

Margaret was preceded in death by both her parents Rebecca Harris and Riley Parks, also a brother Mario Hankerson.

She leaves to cherish her memory 6 children; Fred Harris, Brian Harris, Brian Harris, Ira Oden Jr., (Felicia), Lo**ta Oden (Perry), Elizabeth Hucks (Victor), 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 4 siblings; Elanor Lake, Julia Jones, William Harris, Evans Harris and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services: Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel, 302 South Bright Leaf Blvd. Smithfield, North Carolina 27577 11:00 Viewing and 12:00 (noon) Funeral Service. Interment Crocker-Price Cemetery Pine Level, NC.

Remembering and honoring the fathers who have touched our lives and left a lasting legacy. 💙✨ Happy Father's Day from al...
06/16/2025

Remembering and honoring the fathers who have touched our lives and left a lasting legacy. 💙✨

Happy Father's Day from all of us at Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services. 'Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.' - Proverbs 31:28.

Today, we celebrate the love and memories that continue to shine bright in our hearts.

In Loving Memory of Christopher Lavarr “Big Baby” MooreSeptember 20, 1988, to June 11, 2025Christopher Lavarr Moore, aff...
06/13/2025

In Loving Memory of Christopher Lavarr “Big Baby” Moore
September 20, 1988, to June 11, 2025

Christopher Lavarr Moore, affectionately known as “Big Baby,” passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, at Johnston Health in Smithfield, North Carolina, at the age of 36. Though his life ended far too soon, Chris lived every day with courage, loyalty, and deep love for his family. For many years, he fought a hard and unrelenting battle with cancer, Synovial Sarcoma, with strength and grace that inspired everyone who knew him.

Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Chris spent his final years in Clayton, Johnston County, where he built a life rooted in family and friendship. He graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High School and worked in logistics, leaving his mark at J.B. Hunt, Brinks, and the Dollar General warehouse. It was at Dollar General where he met the love of his life, Shonlette Moore, who stood faithfully by his side through every high and low.

Chris is survived by his loving wife, Shonlette Moore, his parents, Diana Moore and Dolyski Lee, and his children: Jaxon Moore (deceased), Shylah Moore, Malachi Moore, Katherine Pirela, Ariyanna Pirela, Cameron Gilley, and Da’Shawn Williams. He also leaves behind his cherished granddaughter, Amia Williams.

His brothers, Chad Moore and DJ Lee, and his grandmother, Annie Pearl Stalling, also survive him. He was preceded in death by his brother, Shavar Williams, grandmother Geraldine Moore, great-grandmother Annie Burrows, and grandfather Joe Edward Lee.

Chris is fondly remembered by his uncles Raynor Moore, Chuck Lee, and Darryl Lee, aunts Cynthia Moore, Elizabeth Tasha Young, along with many cousins and a wide circle of close friends who were like family. Among them, his best friend, P, stood as a constant source of support, love, and brotherhood throughout his life. Chris believed family wasn’t just about blood. It was about loyalty, respect, and real love, and he gave that freely to all who knew him.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held Friday June 20, 2025, at Launched Ministries 1101 West Haven Blvd., in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Viewing starts at 11am and lasts until 12:00 noon and memorial services will begin at 12:00 noon.

In accordance with his wishes, Chris will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to support the battle he fought so bravely:
https://givesendgo.com/MyHusbandsBattleWithSynovialSarcoma

Christopher Lavarr Moore will be remembered for the love he gave, the people he protected, and the legacy he leaves in the hearts of all who knew him.

Until we meet again – With all my love,
Shonlette
www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

Annie Louise Artis Nixon was born on April 26, 1945, to June Artis and Corene Lee, in Smithfield, NC. The family include...
06/13/2025

Annie Louise Artis Nixon was born on April 26, 1945, to June Artis and Corene Lee, in Smithfield, NC. The family included her two sisters, Lorraine Cooley and Irish Rose Artis, one brother, Charles “Taff” Artis, (all predeceased). Louise departed this life on June 10, 2025.

Louise’s journey began in Johnston County, where she blossomed into an active and engaged young woman. She graduated from Johnston County Training School in 1964, and her pursuit of excellence led her to Durham’s Deshazor’s Beauty College, where she honed her craft and earned her board certification as a cosmetologist. Her passion and dedication continued throughout her career, as she served at Fieldcrest and Johnston-Lee Harnett Community Action in Smithfield, NC. Her deep commitment to her faith was evident in her dedicated service at Shiloh Christian Church, and she was an enthusiastic, proactive member of the JCTS/JCHS Alumni Association, Inc., contributing in multiple capacities. Beyond her professional and church commitments, Louise was actively involved in various community organizations, both public and private.

In 1965, Louise married Marshall Nixon, and together they built a family filled with love. They welcomed two daughters, Angela Nixon Wright (Kenneth) and Marsha Nixon Smalls (Curtis), whose lives were enriched by her nurturing spirit. Louise leaves behind her beloved husband Marshall, her daughters Angela and Marsha, as well as siblings and extended family in the Baltimore, MD area. Her influence reaches even further through her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a cherished network of sisters and brothers-in-love, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of dear friends.
Louise’s legacy is one of service, love, and community commitment.

Arrangements:
Walk-Thru Viewing: Walter Sanders Funeral Home Chapel, 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC., Friday June 20, 2025, from 2:00pm until 6:00pm
Funeral Service: Saturday June 21, 2025, Shiloh Christian Church 211 Durham St., Smithfield, NC., 27577 period of viewing from 11:00am until 12:00 noon. Funeral service will begin at 12:00 noon. Interment Sunset Memorial Park, Smithfield, NC.
www.waltersandersfuneralhome.com

Address

Smithfield, NC

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category