April 2025

James Alvin Stancil Jr., April 24, 2025

Oct. 14, 1946-April 24, 2025

James Alvin Stancil Jr. headshot
James Alvin Stancil Jr.
Contributed

James Alvin Stancil Jr., father of Tish Stancil Summerlin, husband Steve of the Arnettie Branch, died at 78 on April 28, 2025, in Wilson. He is the husband of Catherine Perry Stancil and father of Kelly Stancil Barnes, husband Billy; and Lee Anne Edwards, husband Justin. He was born October 14, 1946. He is the son of the late Alvin and Peggy Stancil; brother of the late Joan Thompson, Danny Stancil and Steve Stancil; and uncle of Alvin Thompson. He is the grandfather of Brooke Meador and Sage Meador. (Arnettie/Wilbert/Sharon/Steve)


June 2025

Debra Ann Hill Walston, June 21, 2025

Aug. 14, 1955-June 21, 2025

Debra Ann Hill Walston headshot
Debra Hill Walston
Contributed

Debra Hill Walston, of Wilson, died at 69 on June 21, 2025, while visiting Charleston, South Carolina. Debra and Donald celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on the day she passed away. Debra was co-owner of A-1 Mobile Home Parts and Service and was an active member at Tabernacle Baptist Church, and she loved spending time with her “Baby” miniature dachshund, Seth. Surviving is her husband, Donald R. Walston; daughter, Cindy Walston of Raleigh; son, Bobby Walston of the home; sisters, Linda White of Wilson, Karen Taylor of Wilson, Sharon Turnage (Carlton) of Elm City, Elizabeth Boyette (James Head) of Eureka, and Sandra Phillips of Hubert; special friend and beach buddy, Debbie Viverette (Roger) of Wilson; numerous nieces and nephews. Debra was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbert and Mayzell Boykin Hill of Johnston County; sisters, Marvelene Carico and Imogene Murphy; and brother, William Hill. The funeral was at 10 a.m. June 28 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, conducted by Pastor Joe Shakour. She is buried in Maplewood Cemetery in Wilson.

Michael "Troy" Willis, June 23, 2025

Dec. 1, 1968-June 23, 2025

Troy Willis headshot
Troy Willis
Contributed

Michael “Troy” Willis, son of Patricia Willis; brother of Laurie Willis Jordan, and her husband Howard; and Ryan Willis, and his husband Rodney Harkey; died at 56 on June 23, 2025. Troy was born Dec. 1, 1968. He is the son of the late Michael Jay Willis. Troy grew up in Virginia Beach and Currituck and then headed to UNC Chapel Hill, Atlanta ultimately returning to Virginia Beach. Troy was deeply devoted to giving back to those who experienced domestic abuse and older adults in nursing homes, which brought joy not only to his own life but to those around them. Troy was a beloved son, brother, grandson, cherished friend, and a bright light and large presence to this world in which he left too soon.

Thomas "Tommy" Arthur Hill, June 27, 2025

June 14, 1961-June 27, 2025

Thomas Arthur Hill headshot
Thomas Arthur Hill
Contributed

Thomas Arthur "Tommy" Hill, Tempy Ann Branch, brother of Gilda “Sis” Hill Cooke, died at 64 on June 27, 2025, at his home in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Tommy was born June 14, 1961, in Surry County. He is the son of the late George Leon and Violet Marie Thomas Hill; and brother of the late Tony Ray Hill and Albert Preston Hill. Tommy was no stranger, always making friends, he loved the lord, devoted Christian. He loved to go fishing and play golf.

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