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Massey Funeral Home, Zebulon, NC (2025)

07/15/2025

Stuart Gardner Barbour
September 20th, 1955 – July 12th, 2025

Smithfield, NC: Stuart Barbour, age 69, of Evergreen Lane died Saturday, July 12 at the SECU Hospice House of UNC Health. Visitation service will be held on Saturday, July 26 from 2 to 4 pm at the Massey Funeral Home in Zebulon, NC. The eulogy will be provided by his dear friend Allen White.
Stuart was a masterful woodworker and home builder. He shared his love of basketball with many over the years. He will be remembered as a philosopher, good friend and great brother.
Stuart was born September 20, 1955, in Wake County. He was predeceased by his mother Myrtle Clifton Kornegay, and Bill Kornegay. Surviving are his father Gardner Barbour and Leigh Barbour, and his sister and spouse, Cynthia and Charles Cashwell of Key Largo, FL; brother and spouse Greg and Vicki Barbour of Charlotte, NC; sister and nephew Jennifer and Nathan Nelson of Columbia, SC.
We ask that you remember Stuart not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and the profound impact it had on those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

06/23/2025

Della Hinton Carter
May 23rd, 1937 – June 20th, 2025

Zebulon – Della Hinton Carter, 88, died Friday. She was the daughter of the late Daisy Winstead and Marvin Hinton of Johnston County.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sherry Carter and her husband, Brantley Carter, and her sister. Sallie Laws.
Funeral service will be held 1 pm Wednesday June 25th, 2025 in the mausoleum chapel at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends beginning at 12 noon.
Surviving: her sisters Gayle Parrish of Zebulon and Joyce Shearer of Jacksonville, Florida; brothers-in-law, Eugene Carter and wife, Joyce of Raleigh and Dwight Laws of LaGrange.
The family wants to sincerely thank her caregiver, Doris Bass for her care, and devotion.

06/16/2025

Deborah Carol Lane Russell
January 3rd, 1954 – June 11th, 2025

Angier - Deborah Carol Lane Russell, age 71, passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 11, 2025. Born January 3, 1954 in Newport News, VA, to the late Carolyn (Wheeler) and Howard Lane.
A Native of Johnston County and a graduate of Smithfield-Selma Senior High School class of 1972. Deborah dedicated 25 years to NC DMV before retiring.
Deborah was a loving wife to her husband, Bob, for 53 years, a devoted mother to her two sons, Robbie and Jason and a proud grandma to her grandchildren, Rachel and Matthew.
She will be remembered for her giving nature and infectious smile. Her family and friends will forever cherish the loving memories they shared with her.
Deborah is survived by her husband, Bob; sons, Robbie Russell (wife Jennifer) and Jason Russell; grandchildren , Rachel Russell and Matthew Russell; Sisters, Terrie Ballance and Linda Brown.
A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

06/12/2025

February 11th, 1944 – June 10th, 2025

Middlesex – Zeb Vance Narron, 81, passed away on June 10th, 2025 following a fall at his home. He was born February 11th 1944 in Middlesex, NC.
He was a quiet, respectful man who always loved working on cars and gardening out in the yard. Zeb retired from the NCDMV and also from the Antioch Fire Department after over 20 years service.
Surviving: wife Shirley; son Ken Narron and two step-sons Greg and Andy; brother Harold Narron and two nephews.
The family will hold a small memorial service at 7pm on Tuesday June 17th, 2025 at his home.

05/18/2025

William Joseph Melina
July 21, 1963 – May 16, 2025

Zebulon - William "Bill" Joseph Melina, 61, of Zebulon, North Carolina, passed away on May 16, 2025 at his home surrounded by his daughters and sister Allison. Born on July 21, 1963, in Long Branch, New Jersey, he was the beloved son of the late Anthony and Mary Lee Melina. He would always share the many fond memories of his childhood growing up in New Jersey.

After attending college, Bill made North Carolina his home. It was there that he met the love of his life, Alison Strickland. They were married on March 19, 1988, and built a life together rooted in love.

Bill proudly served the Raleigh Fire Department with honor and dedication for 30 years, retiring in 2018. A proud firefighter, he found purpose in helping others and forged lifelong bonds with his colleagues. He was known for his strong work ethic, his deep commitment to helping others, and his good-natured sense of humor. A natural prankster and a deeply social person, Bill brought laughter and joy to those around him.

Above all, Bill was a devoted husband, dad, and papa. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alison Strickland Melina, with whom he shared 37 cherished years. He is survived by his daughters, Casey Melina Wiley (Willie) and Lauren Melina Hinnant (Kris); and his treasured grandchildren: Wyatt Hinnant, Walker Hinnant, Lynlee Hinnant, Sawyer Wiley, and Eliza Claire Wiley.

He had a deep love for his family and was incredibly involved in the lives of his daughters and grandchildren. In recent years the mountains of Elk Creek, VA became a place of peace and connection for Bill and his family. He cherished the time spent there with Alison, his children, and his grandchildren. He especially loved fishing with his grandkids, planting flowers and gardening, and recently working on renovating the "green house," an old home on a piece of land that he and Alison purchased at their happy place, Elk Creek, VA. — a dream project meant to bring the whole family together under one roof with plenty of space to create memories to be treasured forever.

A visitation will be held Monday, May 19, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Rocky Cross Baptist Church in Middlesex, NC. Other times the family will be at Casey and Willie’s home, 50 Pilot Ridge Dr., Zebulon, NC 27597.
Funeral services will be held at the same location on Tuesday, May 20, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a graveside service.

William will be remembered for his big heart, unwavering dedication to family, and the joy he brought to every life he touched.

Flowers welcome or donations can be made to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.

04/25/2025

Geter Moss Mason
July 18th, 1935 – April 22nd, 2025

Louisburg - Geter Moss Mason passed away on April 22, 2025 while residing at Zebulon Rehab Center in Zebulon, NC at the age of 89. He was born on July 18, 1935 in Oxford, NC. He married Theresa Doreen Lembke on December 20, 1957. They had four children - Rene, Cindy, Geter Jr, and Jason. He enjoyed hard work at home and in construction. He is preceded in death by his wife, Theresa. He is survived by his four children and their families - Rene Wright (husband Max, children Jason and Julie), Cindy Mason Chalk (husband Terry, child Ethan), Geter Moss Mason, Jr (wife Kathleen, child Dylan), and Jason Lee Mason (wife Melissa and children Logan, Madison, Avery, Memphis, and Lauren). He will be privately buried at Brier Creek Memorial Gardens in Raleigh, NC beside his wife and parents.

04/21/2025

Ruth Temple Joyner
June 10th, 1936 – April 19th, 2025

Ruth Temple Joyner of Zebulon, 88, peacefully passed away at home on April 19, 2025. Ruth was a proud graduate of Wakelon High School and Woman's College of the University of North Carolina (later renamed University of North Carolina at Greensboro). After earning a home economics degree, she worked as an 4H agent with Alamance County's Extension Services. As a mother to three daughters, Ruth volunteered in all aspects of her family's lives. Serving as a Girl Scout leader, she became a mother to many. Ruth enjoyed spending time with her special grandchildren, traveling to the beach, sewing, cross stitching, cooking, and cheering for the Wolfpack. She delighted in watching the birds, butterflies, trees, and flowers in her yard change throughout the seasons. Ruth loved traveling to the Outer Banks and N.C. Mountains with her husband, Jimmy. Ruth was a loyal lifelong member of Zebulon United Methodist Church serving throughout the years as acolyte director, Christian Kids leader, children's choir director, Sunday school teacher and member of the Hinton Rural Life Center mission team, Jane B. Jennings Handbell Choir, and Women Circle #3. Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved parents J. Maylon Temple and Mary Eaton Temple, husband of 61 years Jimmy Joyner, daughter Anna Stott, brother Joe Temple, sisters-in-law Jimmie Temple and Betty Crandell, brothers-in-law Clifton Crandell and Don Williams. Ruth is survived by her family that she loved dearly Mary Lib Brannan, Andy Brannan, Melissa Brannan, Brett Fielding, Milton Brannan, Samantha Brannan, Nancy Joyner, Clay Smith, Jamison Smith, Jean Williams, Richard Joyner, Bonnie Joyner, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Visitation is at Zebulon United Methodist Church on April 23, 2025 at 2:00pm prior to a 3:00pm funeral service with graveside service at Zebulon Town Cemetery. If desired, memorial gifts may be made to Zebulon United Methodist Church Preschool scholarship fund(121 West Gannon Avenue, Zebulon, NC 27597). Massey Funeral Home, Zebulon is taking care of the arrangements.

04/20/2025

Paul Spencer Tew
September 26th, 1956 – April 16th, 2025

Zebulon - Paul Spencer Tew, born September 26, 1956, died unexpectedly of a heart attack on April 16, 2025. He was 68 years old. The family is devastated and shocked by his sudden death.
Paul is survived by his loving wife Christine Davis Tew of 43 years, and his children, Julia Anne Tew and Alexandra Davis Tew, his siblings, Sharon Tew Luihn (Mike), and Morgan Tew Bunn (Terry), as well as nieces and nephews, Tyler Bunn, Meredith Luihn, Catherine Bunn, Allison Luihn Johnson, and Harrison Bunn. He was predeceased by his father, Raymond E. Tew, and his mother, Nancy Donnally Tew.
Paul was born in Lakeland, Florida where he lived until the age of 3. After spending a short time in Tennessee, his family moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, so Ray could accept a job in Career Planning and Placement at NC State. Paul grew up in Raleigh and graduated from Sanderson High School. It was during those years on Lattimer Road that he made the closest friends he would ever have. That crew, affectionately called “the Lakemont boys,” continue to fill his and Chris’s lives. He attended North Carolina State University, but left to move to New Jersey with Steak and Ale Restaurant. It was there he met his wife, Chris. They quickly fell in love, married, and moved back to Raleigh in 1983 after Chris graduated from college. They started their family, eventually settling in Zebulon, where they stayed for the rest of his life. Paul worked in the food service industry for over 40 years and opened P. Spencer’s Restaurant in 1991, finishing his degree at NC Wesleyan during his restaurant years. After selling the restaurant in 1999, he transitioned to a position as a food service broker and spent the final 22 years of his career servicing restaurant owners across the state.
His greatest pride and joy came from his beloved daughters, Julia and Alexandra, Ali to her family. Together with Chris they created the host of many memories that will sustain them in the weeks, months, and years ahead. Paul and Chris were thrilled to finally buy the Grady White boat of Paul’s dreams in 2017, Someday Lady, and loved spending time at the coast, on the water, taking the family and friends out on excursions. He had just finished cleaning it up and polishing the hull last week in preparation for this coming season. In addition Paul enjoyed photography, target shooting, and he was one heck of a good chef! And he found no greater pleasure than a beautiful day on the golf course playing with “the boys.”
In 2010 Paul and Chris attended Pullen for the first time. After just one visit they decided to join that same month and have been thrilled to find a church home that was perfect for them.
Above all, Paul loved people. He never met a person with whom he could not find connection. He was enthusiastic about life and epitomized the great commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. He lived a life of meaningful acts of love and service, and in many ways made us all better people.
A memorial service in his honor will be held at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church on Saturday, April 26 at 2 pm in the sanctuary. In lieu of flowers please feel free to make donations in Paul’s memory to Pullen to the general fund, SOS – Save Our Sounds, a program of the NC Wildlife Federation, or the Ocean Conservancy.

04/18/2025

Lyndia Grady Matthews
September 29th, 1948 – April 13th, 12025

Zebulon – Lyndia Susan Grady Matthews “Linda” 76, joined her beloved husband and son on
April 13th, 2025 at Transitions LifeCare of Raleigh. She passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Lyndia was born on September 29th, 1948 in Duplin County to the late Needham Bryan and Susan Grady. She married Robert “Bobby” Matthews and together they had one son, the late Robert Bryan Matthews.She also raised her grandson, Christian Andrew Matthews, and he is her sole survivor. She enjoyed her job taking care of the neighborhood kids, some of whom were like family to her (Samantha Stuart Williamson & Jacob Costello.)
Lyndia was cared for by her grandson Christian, who lived with her, as well as several of her good friends, especially her best friend Catherine Clifton & her daughter Sarah Clifton & her other best friend the late Linda Costello, as well as her great-niece, Jennifer Britton. Lyndia was surrounded by many good friends who loved and assisted her, including her best friend of 63 years, Maryann Stanley, and beloved friends of the Class of ’66. She was also dearly loved by her great-great-nephew, Joshua Britton, who often assisted his mother in her care. Lyndia was blessed with so many friends and family who loved her dearly.
She was preceded by her parents, NB and Susan Grady, her sister, Claudia Grady, her husband, Robert
W. Matthews and her son, Robert Bryan Matthews.
Lyndia was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Funeral service will be held at noonMonday April 21st, 2025 at Massey Funeral Home. Burial will take place at 3:30 pm at Rock Fish Memorial Cemetery in Wallace.
The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 11 am.

04/07/2025

Mrs. Gwendolyn “Gwen” Burgess Wells 84, of Middlesex, NC, passed away Friday, April 4, 2025.
A private family service will be held at the Bailey Cemetery.
Mrs. Wells was an artist of hand painted china, and tile painting. She attended the NC State Fair, The Village of Yesteryear, for 30 years selling her artwork.
She is survived by her daughter Doris W. Brantley and husband Delton. Her son James David Wells and wife Shannon. Grandsons Shane Brantley and wife Taylor, Cody Wells. Granddaughters, Carmon Critzer and husband Chris, and Brittney Wooten (Curry)
She is proceeded in death by her husband James V. Wells, parents John M. and Elizabeth S. Burgess, brother Mack Burgess, and sister Jane B. Winstead.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be sent to Promoting Animal Welfare in NC (PAWNC) for Gwen’s love of helping animals.

04/05/2025

Claire Whitney Cresswell Jenkins ,72, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, in Smithfield, North Carolina.

Born on August 25, 1952, in New York, New York, Claire was a woman of intellect, creativity, and deep compassion. She pursued her academic passions with vigor, earning a master’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from NYU. Her love for learning extended into the field of Early Childhood Education, where she found joy in nurturing young minds.

Claire’s life was marked by her devotion to family and her boundless love for children. She shared many meaningful years with her beloved husband, Stephen Jenkins. Together, they found great fulfillment teaching the toddler Sunday School class at their church, a role that brought them both immense joy and allowed Claire to share her warmth and love of Jesus Christ with the youngest members of their community.

She was a gifted artist whose talents spanned drawing, painting, and crafting. Her home was filled with color and imagination, and many friends and family members treasure the handmade pieces she lovingly created over the years. Claire’s artistic spirit was not just a hobby but an extension of her generous heart—each creation a reflection of her love for others.

Claire’s laugh was unmistakable—loud, joyful, and full of life. It could be heard across any room and brought smiles to those around her. She loved fiercely and stood unwaveringly for what she believed was best for her children. Her strength as a mother was evident in every decision she made and every challenge she faced.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 27 years Stephen Jenkins; daughters Suzanne Cresswell (Sean) and Emma Jenkins; sons Mathew and Mason Jenkins, brother Christopher Chapman and many cherished friends and family. Claire also carried in her heart the memory of those who preceded her in death: her mother Nolia Chapman; father John Chapman; son Craig Drapala; first husband Joseph Cresswell; and mother-in-law Rebecca Jenkins.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 2:00-4:00PM at Massey Funeral Home at 913 Arendell Ave in Zebulon.

Claire’s legacy lives on through the lives she touched—with every child she taught, every piece of art she shared, and every moment of laughter that echoed through gatherings of friends and family.

May Claire’s memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.

03/04/2025

Rev. Johnny J. Smith
March 7, 1932 – February 24, 2025

Reverend Johnny J. Smith, 92, went to his heavenly home on February 24, 2025, in Zebulon,
North Carolina. He was born on March 7, 1932, in Franklin, North Carolina, to Sanford J. and
Pearl E. Smith.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wake Forest College, Johnny pursued his passion
for faith and ministry by earning a Bachelor of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological
Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He was deeply committed to furthering the Gospel of
Jesus Christ throughout his life. He served as a Southern Baptist minister for over 50 years.
Beyond his devotion to ministry and the love of his family, Johnny also had a love for country
and gospel music. A self-taught musician, he skillfully played both the guitar and mandolin. He
also found great joy in spending time with his family and grandchildren. In addition, he loved the
mountains, fishing, sports (basketball, baseball and football) and working outdoors.
Johnny is remembered fondly by those who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to all who
were touched by his life and ministry.
In addition to his parents and brother Roy, Johnny was preceded in death by his devoted wife of
65 years, Guinehl. He is survived by two sons: Doug (Wendy) Smith, and Eddie (Carol) Smith;
sisters: Lib Pierce and Peggy (Clinton) Clevenger; and four grandchildren; Kenny (Melanie)
Smith, Will (Christine) Smith, Emily (Jay) Moore and Lee (Kate) Smith as well as ten greatgrandchildren and many nephews and nieces.
Services will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church,
1581 Bethlehem Church Road, Youngsville, North Carolina, 27596 with interment immediately
following the service.
The family invites everyone to join them for lunch in the Church Fellowship Hall, after the
interment service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials or tributes may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church, 1581
Bethlehem Church Road, Youngsville, NC 27596 or to Baptist Children's Homes of North
Carolina, PO Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361 (https://www.bchfamily.org/donate) or to
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research at 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601
(https://www.alz.org/research)

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