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| Anne's children with Billy Ray Howard |
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| Vicky Lynn Howard Bradley |
| Marsha Kay Howard Farrell |
Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive |
Charlotte Anne Pittman, the eighth of Fletcher and Gertrude Stancil Pittman's ten children, was born on August 30, 1938, in Kenly, North Carolina. Her large family included her siblings Gertie Mae Pittman Buchannan, Mable Irene Pittman Wallace, Arnold Webster Pittman, Ruth Elder Pittman Langston, Billy Royce Pittman, Thomas Rex Pittman, Harvey Alton Pittman, George "Mac" Pittman, and Jennifer Kaye Pittman.
Anne graduated in 1956. Soon after, on June 11, 1956, she married Billy Ray Howard. They moved to Virginia, where Billy began working in the shipyards. While in Virginia, Anne and Billy welcomed two daughters: Vicky Lynn Howard in 1957 and Marsha Kay Howard in 1961. The couple divorced in 1966. A short time later, Anne married William Jenning Ferrell on Jan. 12, 1968, but this marriage also ended in divorce in the early 1970s. Eventually, Anne would find her true love.
James Roger "J.R." Viverette, born on May 16, 1935, to Estell "Stella" Vick and Jimmie Melton Viverette in Nash County, North Carolina, would eventually move to Wilson in 1964. J.R. grew up in Rocky Mount, N.C., with his siblings Robert Earl Viverette, Franklin Roosevelt Viverette, Jimmy Viverette, Nancy Viverette, and Betty Viverette. His father, Jimmie, was a hardworking farm laborer, logging 60 hours per week in 1940. J.R. was the grandson of Sidney Thomas and Bessie Lee Narron Viverette, and Essie Mae and J. Henry Vick. He got his first paying job at 15 and worked steadily until early 2016.
In 1953, with the Korean War raging, J.R. enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving two years of active duty before joining the Army Reserves for eight years until 1964, receiving an honorable discharge. He was a proud veteran, honoring his years in the Army by flying the American Flag every day. After his return from the Army, J.R. moved to Wilson, where he initially worked as an auto mechanic before being hired by the engineering department at Wilson Medical Center. It was there that his life took a dramatic turn.
By 1975, Charlotte Anne Pittman Ferrell was a single mother of six years with two daughters, Vicky and Marsha, working at the Wilson Medical Center and holding a second job at the Wilson Country Club. Though she wasn't actively looking for a relationship, her colleagues in the office felt she needed a man in her life and convinced her to go on a blind date. They arranged it with James, who also worked at the Medical Center. On the day of their planned date, the Wilson Country Club called Anne into work, forcing her to cancel. However, James later called her, and Anne invited him to her home for dinner with her and Marsha. This casual dinner marked the beginning of many fun dates.
James quickly proved to be a true "jack-of-all-trades," and both Vicky and Marsha took to him. They dated for over 15 months, during which time James met Anne's mother, Gertrude, her siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom were fond of him. James possessed a friendly, magnetic personality that attracted lifelong friends. He was smart, a problem-solver with many skills, and his strong work ethic made him a favorite of every boss.
James and Anne's attraction and love deepened, leading them to marry at the Lighthouse Holiness Church in Wilson, NC, on November 20, 1976.
Over their nearly 40 years of marriage, J.R. was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He developed a close and loving relationship with Vicky and Marsha, and formed a special bond with Les and Abby. He loved the outdoors, hanging out by the pool in the summer, playing with his dog Maggie, and working in his wood shop.
J.R. was a great lover of Christmas, sharing his joy by decorating with lights. In 1978, he began putting up over 10,000 lights annually. The planning and hanging of lights across the front and back yards, on fences, and buildings would start in November. His magical creations were featured annually in the local newspaper, attracting hundreds of people who drove or walked by to enjoy his displays.
James was a meticulous planner and liked to organize each day. He was also incredibly generous, always keeping a Coke box full of 6 oz. or 8 oz. Coke bottles. He insisted that every guest who came to their house enjoy one of his Cokes with ice. He was truly a "Coke man!" An eighteen-wheeler would even deliver cases of Coke to James and Anne's house each month.
Both James and Anne enjoyed fixing things and got along wonderfully. They completed many remodeling projects together, including adding a front porch and a sunroom to their home. James enjoyed swimming several times a day and even decided to convert an above-ground pool into an in-ground pool. James and Anne dug the large hole themselves with pickaxes and shovels. James enjoyed this pool for years, and in 1990, he had a new pool installed.
He was also an expert woodworker. Gilda Grey Renfrow Six, of the George Branch, commissioned James to custom-make the large folding glass frame for the Four Generation Stancil Family Tree she created in 1976, which is proudly displayed at each Reunion.
James had a long and dedicated work career, overcoming many obstacles to continue. He had a heart attack and retired after 15 years with the Engineering Department at Wilson Medical Center.
James and Anne attended many Stancil Reunions together.
After recovering from his heart problems, James was eager to return to work and was hired by Computer Central. After seven years, he retired again for health reasons, but soon had successful heart bypass surgery. It wasn't long before he recovered and was ready to rejoin the workforce. ECP (Eastern Carolina Pathology) Lab hired him as their courier supervisor, putting him in charge of fire and safety training for employees. James also scheduled the couriers who traveled all over eastern Carolina picking up specimens for the lab.
For years, James and Anne looked forward to attending the North Carolina State Fair with Anne’s sister Irene and her husband, Ed Wallace, who lived in Virginia. James and Ed shared a close relationship, calling each other "Brother." One year, they dressed in bib overalls for the fair and had a photo taken, which started a fun tradition.
In 2011, Anne fell in the garden and broke both of her arms. She underwent surgery and spent weeks at WilMed Nursing Center Rehab Center recovering. James was a wonderful and loving caregiver during this time. Anne fully recovered and was able to continue most of her usual activities.
James was always busy and productive. It deeply worried him when his health declined, and he had to retire in 2016, after working nine years at ECP. James died unexpectedly at 81 on August 27, 2016, in Wilson, North Carolina, after suffering a heart attack while driving. Attempts to save him were unsuccessful. He is buried in Evergreen Memorial Park in Wilson.
His death was a shock to family and friends. After James’ death, Anne discovered a letter he had written in 2009. Anne was surprised to find it detailed his funeral arrangements, including an obituary he had written himself. He specified how he wanted his service conducted, the songs he wished to be sung ("One Day at a Time" and "I’ll Fly Away"), and even that the service should last no more than 15-20 minutes, as he felt anything longer would be excessive. Anne deeply appreciated James’ meticulous planning and organizing skills, recognizing that he was looking after her even in death.
In reflecting on James, Anne remarked, “I feel sure he is now Heaven’s Handyman!” "J.R." was loved by many and will be missed by all that knew him.
— Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil