EASTERN
LIVING N O RT H
C A R O L I N A
Heroes among us
We Salute You
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FEATURES
48. ODMP
56. OCRACOKE
Learn more about the officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice
Ocracoke Island was full of heroes after Hurricane Dorian
ON THE C OV E R
Representing Our Heroes are Windsor Fire Chief Josh Kilpatrick, Bertie County EMT Sean Tripp and Windsor Police Officer Dennis Smith. Photo by Jim Green
VOL. 12, NO. 3 MAY 2020 STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS Publisher Kyle Stephens kstephens@ncweeklies.com
Staff Gene Metrick gmetrick@rmtelegram.com Sarah Hodges Stalls shstalls@ncweeklies.com
60. GRANDMA’S KITCHEN
64. BIOGRAPHY
Sylvia Hughes gives recipes for spoonbread and strawberry pie
Bertie County Sheriff John Holley has more than three decades in law enforcement
Editor
Miles Layton
Thadd White
mlayton@ncweeklies.com
twhite@ncweeklies.com
Deborah Griffin dgriffin@ncweeklies.com
Creative Services Director Michelle Leicester
Editorial Contributors Andre Alfred
mleicester@ncweeklies.com
Sandy Carawan
Photo Editor
Tom Harrison
Sarah Davis
Jim Green jgreen@ncweeklies.com
Sylvia Hughes Jenny White Gene Motley John Walker
Advertising Executives
Connie Leinbach
Lou Ann Van Landingham lavan@ncweeklies.com
68.
MARK IT!
The history of Charles Pettigrew
70. PARTING SHOTS Thadd White reflects on the heroes of this edition.
Jessica Mobley jmobley@ncweeklies.com
Eastern North Carolina Living Magazine P.O. Box 69, Windsor, NC 27983
Kelly Ayscue
252-794-3185
kayscue@rmtelegram.com
twhite@ncweeklies.com
Eastern North Carolina Living is published by APG Media Eastern NC, and is a subsidiary of the Bertie Ledger-Advance, Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald, Tarboro Weekly and Rocky Mount Telegram.
5
H ertford County
From guard on the court to guarding the nation Story by Sarah Davis Photos by Andre Alfred
I
n 2002, Shateisa Sharpe was a guard on
basketball team. Playing for Coach Joan Sharpe
opportunity for shots with less responsibility
the basketball court; fast forward 18 years
McCullough, she was moved from point guard
for other members of the team.
and reverse the digits - in 2020, she’s still a
to shooting guard, and the team “took off,”
guard, serving as a sergeant with the North
winning the conference championship and
knows
Carolina National Guard.
advancing to the second round of play-offs.
responsibility, seeing herself in whatever role
A citizen-soldier, Coach/Sergeant Sharpe
Similarly, in 2020, the HCHS women’s
is a teacher and coach at Hertford County
basketball team, under the leadership of
High School, teaching physical education
Coach Shateisa Sharpe, won the Northeastern
courses and coaching the women’s basketball
Coastal
team.
advanced to the second round of play-offs.
Conference
championship
and
As an HCHS student herself, she was
Of the switch from point guard to
an outstanding member of the women’s
shooting guard, she says it allowed her more
6
Anyone who knows Sharpe, however, that
she
never
accepts
less
she is playing as responsible for the welfare of all around her. Likewise, she discusses those persons, noting that to be a citizen-soldier, one has to surround him/herself with responsible people. In mid-March, Sharpe’s National Guard unit
S ergeant
was already on stand-by to be called
in the Division II CIAA Championship
into active duty to assist in some way
Tournament twice.
with the Covid19 outbreak in North
Graduating from ECSU in 2007, she
Carolina. Some units had already been
returned to Hertford County and HCPS,
activated.
first as a substitute teacher, computer
As she talked, she noted that the
lab facilitator, and junior varsity women’s
call was inevitable, probably sooner
basketball coach, then, beginning in
rather than later, focusing both on her
2011, as a physical education teacher
responsibility in the Guard and the
and varsity women’s head coach.
responsibility she had already assumed in making sure she was ready to go. As a citizen-soldier, she has the responsibility
not
only
of
being
As a high school student, she wanted to enter the military on graduation, but parental concern kept her from doing so.
prepared to answer the call to active
Later, she considered the same
duty when it comes but of having
decision when graduating from college;
prepared her colleagues, family, friends,
again, parental concern kept her from
and neighbors to take her place at home
doing so.
when she is absent.
Finally, at age 31, she presented her
When she has not been present
parents with the best of all possible
for the HCHS basketball team, the
worlds: the citizen-soldier option of
other coaches have stepped up and
enlisting in the North Carolina National
seamlessly continued the work she has
Guard while remaining in her “day job,”
begun on the court.
and they approved. Attaining the rank
Likewise, in her civilian life, her family,
of sergeant in one and a half years,
friends and neighbors are ready to take
she is often approached to consider
care of any responsibilities on the home front. She gives credit to all the persons who assist in her absence, but it is obvious that it is her preparation for the absence, her accepting responsibility for it, that allows them to do so. After graduating from HCHS in 2003,
Sharpe
attended
Elizabeth
City State University on a basketball scholarship, where she participated
her philosophy whether “ Perhaps in civilian or military life is best summed up in her statement that if you take care of people, they’ll take care of you.
”
7
leaving the enlisted side and accepting the
To date, she has influenced at least six of her
civilian or military life is best summed up in
responsibility of an officer. Acknowledging
students to make the same commitment she
her statement that if you take care of people,
she may someday do so, she says that now
has made.
they’ll take care of you.
she is happy with the role she is in, a role that
Both HCHS Teacher of the Year (2015-16)
Sarah Davis is a retired librarian and regular
allows her day-to-day activity and physical
and Soldier of the Year (2018-19), she is a hero
contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living and
contact with others. She prefers a more
among us. Perhaps her philosophy whether in
the Bertie Ledger-Advance.
hands-on approach than supervisory one. With training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, Ft. Lee, Virginia, Ft. Irwin, California and Camp Dodge, Iowa, she has experienced extremes in temperature from -31 degrees to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. A member of the 69th NCNG unit, headquartered in New Bern, her specialty is small arms repair. She explains that she must be sure weapons work correctly, citing the mantra known to all arms repair personnel: “If she does her job right, someone is going to die; if she does job wrong, someone is going to die;” she must be sure she does it right so our forces are prepared with the best equipment possible. She calls herself “the man behind the man behind the gun,” or, in this case, the woman behind the man or woman. In response to questions about gender and the military, Sharpe says it’s not men or women; it’s soldiers; she has never felt she had to prove herself as a woman. In her unit of approximately 100 people, 15 are female; in her section of 11, 3. The citizen-soldier role requires active duty one weekend per month and two weeks each summer in addition to being ready to deploy in emergencies such as hurricanes and health crises, often with no more than 24hour notice, but usually 72. Recalling
Hurricane
Florence,
Sharpe
explained that the National Guard was in New Bern three days before Florence, which would usually be the case with a hurricane; tornadoes do not offer the luxury of advance preparation. In the aftermath of Florence, she saw young soldiers overwhelmed when they experienced the gratitude afforded them for their role in stabilizing the community. It is that type experience that inspired Sharpe to enlist in the Guard and keeps her enlisted.
8
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To complete by phone, call 844-330-2020 (English) or 844-468-2020 (Spanish) To complete online, visit 2020Census.gov If you have received your 2020 Census questionnaire in the mail and wish to complete by mail, return the questionnaire in the envelope provided with the mailing. If you have lost your return envelope, please mail your completed questionnaire to:
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BERTIE COUNTY 9
Washington County
Firemen Never Know When The Call To Action May Come Story by Miles Layton Photos by Miles Layton & Contributed
V
olunteer fire departments are a critical
assured that if something happens, we will be
the PVFD will be there to serve them 24 hours
element
there to fight for them and their belongings.”
a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.
to
communities
across
eastern North Carolina.
Volunteer fire departments are not only
“There is never a time when we are not on
The best part about being a firefighter is
the first line of defense against fires and other
call. We also do public service presentations
making a difference to friends and neighbors
happenings, but they work around the clock to
and provide back up assistance at many
in small towns.
assist the county’s Emergency Medical Service
events countywide and beyond,” he added.
“Best part – the pride that is felt when we are able to help someone or keep a home or
and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in rescue operations.
A great fire department is a solid investment in the community – one the pays
business from burning down to a complete
“We do vehicle extrication and traffic
dividends not only in lives saved and reduced
loss,” Plymouth Fire Chief Timothy Miller said.
assistance at wrecks; we do search and rescue
property damaged, but the bottom line in
“Knowing that we make a difference in our
operations,” Miller said. “We provide our
terms of insurance costs.
community and that the residents can rest
residents with peace of mind, knowing that
10
“We save the town and county money by
F ireman being volunteers,” Miller said. “Paid fire departments are very expensive to start and maintain. Also, on a business end, the better we do, the lower our insurance rating is with the State of North Carolina. The lower our rating is, the lower the town and county’s homeowners and property insurance is. Without a good fire department, homes would not be protected and insurance rates would increase.” No matter whether it is three o’clock in the
work hard at scenes and “ We behind the scenes to keep the residents of the town of Plymouth and its surrounding areas safe. - Timothy Miller,
”
Plymouth Fire Chief
morning or noon, these volunteers are ready to serve. “We work hard at scenes and behind the scenes to keep the residents of the town of Plymouth and its surrounding areas safe,” Miller said. “We also work with neighboring fire departments to increase the area that is served to provide adequate coverage in case of fire or loss.” Born in Richmond, Virginia, when Miller was 5-years old, his family moved to Plymouth, where has lived ever since. An alumnus of Plymouth High School, Miller worked as an EMT for Washington County Hospital and served as a Plymouth Police officer. He is married to wife, Bonnie, and they’ve raised their three children. Miller has been a firefighter since 1988 and has held many positions of leadership within the department including 1st Assistant Chief, 2nd Assistant Chief and lieutenant. Lieutenant positions are appointed by the chief and all chief positions are voted on by the members of the fire department annually. “I
joined
the
Plymouth
Volunteer
Fire
Department because I wanted to give something back to the community,” said Miller, who has served
(Submitted photo) -No matter day or night, Plymouth’s fire department is on the call serving 24/7 -- 365 days a year. Plymouth VFD’s roster has at least 40 active members who tend to everything from house fires to vehicle accidents.
Timothy Miller
as chief since 2018. “I had some friends that were already fireman and watching them and hearing them talk about the fire department encouraged me to get involved.” Many firefighters spring from families with a long tradition of membership within the volunteer fire departments. Miller said while no one in his family had served as a firefighter before he heard the call 32 years ago, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree because his son T.J., 19, joined the fire department at age 14, graduated from the Fire Academy, and now serves alongside his dad. While Plymouth VFD has the good fortune of having 40 active members on its roster, not every fire department is so lucky as new recruits are becoming harder and harder to come by. Miller said though service is rewarding, it is not for the faint of
11
heart.
not knowing what to expect when we get to
“A lot of people want to join, but when they
our scene.”
see the amount of time and effort that goes into training and the work that goes with being
ones are the ones where there is a loss of life.” Fearless, firefighters are known to rush into
And just because the fire is out doesn’t mean the chief’s job is done.
a burning building time and time again. “We have pulled some bodies out of fires
a fireman, they shy away,” he said. “Some start
“There is a lot of paperwork that has to
that unfortunately were not living, but have
and then leave if they witness a bad event. We
be done after a call and a lot of clean up that
been to many, many calls that people were
depend on young men and women to apply
people don’t really think about,” Miller said.
able to get out safely before the fire was put
and train.
“There is also the business end of running
out and consumed the structure,” Miller said.
“Many that would be excellent firefighters
any department: budgeting, working on
Such scenes may test a firefighter’s faith,
are busy with extracurricular activities that
grants, keeping equipment current, providing
but never leaves any doubt as to the power
keep them from being able to devote their
information for the Office of the State Fire
of prayer.
after school time to the Fire Department,”
Marshall, and working with other departments.
he continued. “It is something that you have
There is a lot of behind the scenes work.”
to be interested in and is not for the faint of heart.”
“You don’t know when you go into a burning structure what is going to happen,”
Most fires and tragic events become
Miller said. “No matter how much you train
seared into any first responders’ memory.
with different scenarios and try to prepare,
Being a volunteer firefighter is not the type
While Miller can’t recall that one fire that he’ll
anything can happen. Every fire is different
of job where one can just turn off a pager and
never forget, he can recall scenes from three
and grimacing events can unfold right before
ignore the call for help when somebody is in
decades of service on the front lines, same as
your eyes.
trouble late at night because the volunteer
the band of brothers that he serves beside.
“I pray for strength and guidance to help
firefighter has to go to work the next morning.
“I can’t name one fire in particular,” he said.
save lives and property. I also pray for our own
And that’s not even the hardest part of the job.
“We have responded to so many calls over
safety, teamwork and that we make the best
“Leaving my family whenever the pager
the years. We have witnessed the loss of life
decisions possible,” he closed.
goes off – day or night – to go on calls,” said
and the loss of property. Each fire has its own
Miles Layton is Editor of the Perquimans
Miller, an evaporator operator at Domtar
outcome and each one hits home and is bad
Weekly and a regular contributor to Eastern
Paper Company, Plymouth Mill. “Leaving, and
in its own sort of way. Naturally, the worst
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13
H yde County
A True Hero with a Heartbeat of Love and Goodness Running Through Her Veins Story & Photos by Sandy Carawan
D
elia Mooney wakes at 5 a.m. in
Delia, age 74, has been committed to
have to face.
preparation for her 8 a.m. workday,
emergency situations for more than half her
“We never know what we’re going to have
which will jumpstart a continuous 48-hour
life not only working as an EMS Responder,
to do to before the day’s end. It can be an
shift, or possibly longer. When she’s not on
but also as a First Responder with the Fairfield
automobile accident or a broken hip,” Delia
shift, she’s on call.
Fire Department.
said.
While most people her age relish their
Of the three levels that make up an EMS
When she and Loftus receive a call they
days of retirement, Fairfield resident Delia
team, Paramedic, Intermediate and Basic,
discuss the situation to determine what
works as an Emergency Medical Service (EMS)
Delia works as a Basic EMS Responder. Her
equipment they will need so that they are
Responder for the Hyde County Emergency
two team members, Paramedic Chris Pereira
prepared when they first arrive on the scene.
Medical Services in Swan Quarter. And, if
and Intermediate Tommy Loftus, spend
In 1982, Delia recalls, Hyde County
there’s one thing Delia can boast about, it is
their days and nights together on shift never
stationed ambulances at homes in Engelhard
being the oldest member.
knowing what emergency situation they may
and Swan Quarter. If both ambulances were
14
EMS Responder out on calls and Fairfield or another
topics from head to toe, external and
community had an emergency, no
internal, such as airway respiratory,
ambulance was available.
bites, cardiac, drowning, frostbite,
“We’d had some tragic things happen. So we formed a group here
head
trauma,
stroke
and
toxic
ingestion.
in Fairfield and the first thing we had
To share her knowledge, she has
to do was get enough people to take
also worked as an EMS instructor
the Emergency Medical Technician
throughout eastern North Carolina
course,” she said.
mainly teaching and testing about
Over 18 months, Delia completed 180 hours of training, of which 48
blood pressure. Delia’s ability to save lives is also
hours were spent in the emergency
dependent
room
medical
knowledge and operation of the
procedures and assisting as she was
ambulance’s equipment that is used
allowed.
to care for adult and pediatric patients
watching
various
In 1984, she volunteered on the ambulance for one year to gain
upon
her
extensive
in different medical or traumatic situations.
experience. Shortly thereafter, she
“We
completed her Emergency Vehicle
ambulance
Operations (EVOC) course, which not
pressure reading every 15 minutes,
only trained her how to safely operate
and it continuously shows me what
the ambulance under extreme time
your heart is doing.” Delia adds, “The
restraints, but also ensure the safe
monitors tell me what your pulse is
transportation of both the patient
as well as the oxygen level in your
and the EMS team.
blood.”
Since the early 1980s, Delia’s job has changed because of the
have
monitors
that
takes
on a
our
blood
Delia and her team must be prepared for almost any situation.
evolving of new situations, medical
“Our main goal is to provide
knowledge and equipment, and she
service to the people and make sure
has adapted by continuing to learn.
they have the service they need,”
Even now, each emergency situation
Delia said.
presents a different nuance than
Because the team must face
the last and continuous training and
uncertain situations, Delia stresses
recertification are critical to her and
that teamwork is crucial in their ability
her team’s ability to save lives.
to save lives.
Delia is certified to perform in
“We have to work together as a
various emergency and hazardous
team,” she said. “We have to help
situations such as active shooter
each other out.”
attacks, water rescue, Airpack for fires,
Paramedic Chris Pereira, who
vehicle extrication, cardiopulmonary
credits his shift as having a lot of
resuscitation, and EVOC.
experience, reiterates, “Our work is a
Clocking countless hours in order to strengthen her skill set, Delia
team effort and we all have a part to play to make it work.”
said, “We are seeking every day for
With more than an hour travel
knowledge. We are reading. We are
time to a hospital east or west, Delia
viewing different films. I’m taking
and her team cover many miles
online classes. This has to be done
between Engelhard in the east and
because things are changing.”
Pungo Lake in the west with interior
She has an extensive treatment protocol book that she must read and understand regarding numerous
communities embedded along the winding back roads.
“ We are seeking every day for knowledge. We are reading. We are viewing different films. I’m taking online classes. This has to be done because things are changing.
“We get a lot of calls back-to-
15
”
back, sometimes even three calls. And round
pleasure but most for work. She also likes to
full of the moon, look out. It has a bad effect
sew.
on sickness, issues and everything,” she said. As Delia knows firsthand, emergencies are not time-bound. “The other night we had a house fire. The first truck was out with a patient. When there
Her partner of several years, Tommy Loftus, said, “She is dedicated, caring and
She is active at Fairfield Christian Church,
compassionate. She cares about the citizens
in which she maintains the fellowship hall,
in the county and how they are treated and
prepares communion, creates the weekly
cared for. She would give you anything if
church bulletin and attends when she is not
you are in need and if she can’t she will find
working.
someone that can.”
is a fire, we are automatically dispatched,”
As an EMS Responder and a First
she relayed. “I left home at 1:02 a.m. and not
Responder, Delia has committed more than
long after we were on the scene. We had to
half her life to serving her community. For
Delia’s continual devotion, self-sacrifice,
bring one fireman into the ambulance to
this reason, she gives God the praise and the
generosity and love not only toward her
bring him back up because he had gotten too
glory for allowing her to work to provide for
community, but also putting herself in danger
much smoke. I was on the scene until 3:45
the people of Hyde County for which she
to save the lives of others reflects great credit
a.m. Earlier I had been out at 11 p.m. because
expresses a true love.
upon herself, her team and the Hyde County
we’d had a call and I went to assist with that person.”
“I have a real feeling that I’m giving back
He adds, “The best thing I can say about Miss D is that she is a great friend.”
Emergency Medical Services.
to my county what a lot of people would look
She is a true hero with a heartbeat of love
In her free time, Delia and her husband
at as not important,” Delia said. “I’m excited
and goodness running through her veins for
of 57 years, Glenn, with whom she has three
when I go to work and I’m a very happy person
the people of Hyde County.
children, nine grandchildren and three great-
at work. And I’ve got such good coworkers that
grandchildren, manage a large garden of
help me so I can still perform and work.”
different vegetables that she cans, freezes
Delia wished to acknowledge and thank all of the First Responders who sacrifice their
Of course, her team speaks highly of her.
time and lives in order to save the lives of
and shares. She likes to cook, especially large
“Miss D is very involved with the
others.
amounts of food that she enjoys sharing with
community and with people. She cares about
Sandy Carawan is an English Language
others. She also delivers Meals on Wheels to
every person we go to. Miss D is gold.” Chris
Arts teacher at Mattamuskeet Early College
members of her community.
Pereira adds, laughing, “And she cooks steak
High School in Swan Quarter and a regular
and shrimp. She’s trying to fatten me up.”
contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.
She reads and studies a lot, some for
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T yrrell County
Reynolds Believes Some Can Go Home Again Story by Jim Green Photos by Jim Green & Contributed
R
oyce Reynolds realized his calling when he was a young man.
It was the same calling that led Reynolds to
As a young adult, Reynolds went to work for Weyerhaueser in Plymouth and stayed there for six years.
wanted to talk about,” he added. Reynolds learned two youth members of the church, ages 17 and 18, were planning on
move back to his hometown 21 years ago, and
He was actively involved with his church, but
to become the pastor for the church he grew up
then felt the call to preach in his early 20s, so he
“I had known them all my life,” he said. “The
in – Sound Side Free Will Baptist.
running away and going to Tennessee.
left his job to attend night school at Mount Olive
last night we were there having a service, and I
“I have always loved this church and the
College (now university) and held a daytime job
left and went to my hotel and prayed the Lord
people in this community,” Reynolds said. “They
in order to support his wife, Fleedie, and their
would come into their life on the last night we
have always had a strong youth program, and I
two children, then ages 5 and 1.
were there.”
was a part of it. I was one to the Lord through
Reynolds was attending Cragmont FWB
that program – they influenced me to come
Assembly Camp in Black Mountain in 1972
serve the Lord – and I have always had a place in
(which the church still supports today) when he
my heart for this place.”
felt the call.
Reynolds returned to the chapel and both youth were at the altar praying. One of them grew up to be the assistant superintendent of Tyrrell County Schools and is
Reynolds is proof that someone can go
“The call was certainly influenced by my
the chairman of Sound Side’s deacon board; the
home again – regardless of how long he or she
upbringing in the church,” he said. “My parents
other became a pastor who later served as the
has been away.
were not heavily involved, but my oldest sister
director for the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home
was.
for more than 20 years, and is now retired.
Born and raised in Columbia, Reynolds was raised about half a mile from the church he grew up in.
18
“I was at Cragmont with other young people,
“When I left the chapel, going down the
and a lot of them had things on their heart they
mountain I felt the Lord say to me, ‘You are going
P astor to be a preacher’,” Reynolds recalled. “I
involved in within their community –
questioned him and said, ‘Are you sure
building houses and repairing them for
you have the right one?’ I called my wife
those who couldn’t afford to have the
said I had something to tell her and she
work done.
said ‘I already know – you’re gonna be a
“I brought the idea before our deacons
preacher.’ We both felt like the Lord told
– why do we have to go to places like San
us at the same time.”
Antonio to do that kind of work when we Reynolds
could be doing that for people in our own
pastored at churches in Wayne County,
From
1973
to
1988,
county who need it?,” he said. “So as a
LaGrange, Pikeville and Pinetown. He left
result of that, we started a program called
Wayne County in 1988 and moved back
Backyard Missions.”
to Columbia, not knowing at the time what the future held. Malachi
Chapel
Backyard
Missions
undertakes
numerous projects throughout Tyrrell (located
County – from building handicap ramps
in Columbia) wanted Reynolds to
FWB
to repairing houses, floors, roofs, doors
pastor until they could find a full-time
and steps.
replacement. He ended up staying 11 years. Reynolds then returned to his home church as pastor in 1999 and has been there ever since.
“A lot of the work we do is for elderly people who cannot afford to hire someone to do the repairs,” Reynolds said. “We get a lot of referrals from social
“I was attending a revival service here
services,” he added. “We meet with them
and on the last night, the evangelist called
and ask how much they can afford to pay
people forward to pray for the Lord to
on it. If they can, they do. If they don’t, we
send a pastor to this church,” he said.
foot the bill.”
Sound Side has realized Reynolds’
To date, Backyard Missions has
main goal of more mission work the past
completed 32 or 33 ramps, some roofing,
two decades.
and replaced doors, steps and porches,
“I put a strong emphasis on mission work when I came back here,” he said.
among other projects. Reynolds
estimated
Backyard
Many youth and adults went on
Missions had invested upwards of
mission trips to Kentucky, Florida, Texas
$40,000 in these projects over the years.
and Illinois to name a few.
In addition, the church also supports
Reynolds then read about a church in
mission programs – including individuals.
Waco, Texas and the projects they were
Reynolds said one example of this
“ To date, Backyard
Missions has completed 32 or 33 ramps, some roofing, and replaced doors, steps and porches, among other projects.
”
19
outreach was a few months ago, when a woman from Plymouth needed $4,000 more to complete support for her four-to-five month trip to Africa in July. “This church ended up getting more than $4,000 in donations for (her trip),” Reynolds said. Sound Side has also met or surpassed its goal every year in the Original FWB Foreign Mission Telethon.
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“When I started in 1999, we were giving $100. I set a goal of $5,000 and they have met it every year,” Reynolds said. Sound Side has lost around 100 parishoners through death and many moving away since 1999. However, as of last October, it had gained 140 new members in that same time. “We are not setting the world on fire in terms of members, but the church has grown in other ways,” Reynolds said. “You wouldn’t believe how much this little congregation does,” he added. “We have around 75 members youth and adult, and we are a real close knit unit that supports one another and are the easiest people in the world to work with. It’s been a blessing. “I hear all the time about churches going through hard financial times right now, but our church has not had any problem,” he added. Why do this type of work? “The whole mission of the church is to reach people through Christ. You can reach them through preaching and teaching, but you can also be an influence by doing,” Reynolds said. “If you look at the ministry of Christ, everybody he came in contact with that had a need, he met that need. Now, we are his hands and his feet – it’s that simple.” Reynolds continued, “We feel the Lord has blessed our church financially because of what we are giving to others. We feel like we are doing what the Lord has assigned us to do, fulfilling what he would want the church to do. It’s not me, it’s us. No pastor can accomplish the things we’ve accomplished here by himself. People here have wanted to serve, and it’s tremendous.” Jim Green is Interim Editor of the Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald, and a Staff Writer for Eastern North Carolina Living.
20
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N ash County
Szczypkowski Builds Rapport With Her Patients Story by Jenny White Photos by Deborah Griffin
I
For 12 hours a day, seven days a week,
hospital rely on doctors from the community
medicine — when I was a nurse — I realized
every other week, Julie Szczypkowski is one of
to care for patients in the hospitals, it made
that by taking the time to build rapport and
16 hospitalists at Nash UNC Health Care who
more sense to have in-house medical
a relationship at the bedside, I could provide
take care of patients admitted for inpatient
professionals. So the role of hospitalists
better care,” Szczypkowski said. “Compassion,
care.
became the norm for inpatient care, instead
kindness and understanding a person’s story
Chances are, if you or a neighbor, a family
of each patient being followed by their
is an important part of achieving a positive
member, a co-worker or friend have been
primary care physician while in the hospital,”
medical outcome.”
hospitalized at Nash UNC in the last two
Szczypkowski said.
years, Szczypkowski may have had a hand in the care provided. Szczypkowski, a board certified nurse
Nurse Cathy Hecox said she can see the
Szczypkowski typically works on the third,
difference Szczypkowski’s commitment to
fourth and fifth floors, as well as in the step-
communication and compassion makes for
down cardiopulmonary surgical unit.
patients.
practitioner, works for SoundPhysicans, the
It’s been noted by many of Szczypkowski’s
“I have witnessed her with patients’ family
practitioner group that partners with Nash
coworkers that she works to heal patients not
members during very stressful and emotional
UNC Health Care to provide hospitalists.
only with medical procedures but also with
times and Julie is always understanding,
her interpersonal skills.
patient and respectful. She is who I would
Szczypkowski said for today’s community hospitals, hospitalists are the best choice for providing high-quality service to patients. “Starting in the early 2000s, hospitals realized that rather than have patients and the
22
Szczypkowski said finding a bond with her patients is an important facet of the health care she offers to her patients. “From the very beginning of my career in
choose to care for me or my own family,” Hecox said. Hecox added that it’s not just patients that Szczypkowski listens to — it’s everyone she
H ospitalist
works with as well. “Julie always makes extra rounds to check in and see if we need anything and always listens intently when we explain an issue we have with a patient,” Hecox said. “If she feels it’s warranted — or if we feel
“
I have witnessed her with patients’ family
members during very stressful and emotional
times and Julie is always understanding, patient
it’s warranted — she is always happy to make an extra
and respectful. She is who I would choose to care
trip up to the floor to lay eyes on the patient herself."
for me or my own family.
Another nurse, Sheri Orvis, agreed and said Szczypkowski is especially helpful when the patient and family are making hard decisions. “It’s very reassuring for the family and nursing staff to have Julie on the floor during a difficult time. As staff, we appreciate her taking time out to talk to the family while they are making difficult decisions,” Orvis said. Szczypkowski said of all the care she offers patients, having hard conversations with the patient and family at the end of life is the hardest, but the most important.
givers to provide the best end of life care is for the family to have these conversations before a patient is in the hospital. “I think these conversations are difficult, but very important for families to have. There are many different avenues for these discussions that fit different people better. I think having open conversations with one's primary care provider is a great place to start,” Szczypkowski said. Szczypkowski said overall, there is no real secret to how she relates to patients.
“I just really feel that everyone deserves a
“I think the foundation for all good health care is
peaceful death,” Szczypkowski said. “Helping a
compassion and kindness. Yes, you want someone
patient and family members come to terms with
who offers the very best in medical skills,” she said.
that and talk about it is a hard thing to do, but I’ve
“But for me, accompanying that knowledge and skill
seen it time and time again and there is so much
with encouraging a patient is what brings out the
more dignity and peace about it if everyone can be
best outcomes.”
on the same page and advocate for what the patient wants.” Szczypkowski said the best way for medical care
”
- Cathy Hecox, Nurse
Jenny White is a Staff Writer for the Rocky Mount Telegram and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.
23
M artin
County
911 Dispatch: Calm, Cool, Collected Story & Photos by Jim Green
S
ometimes you don’t know what kind of
produce business in Ahoskie when a friend
looked into law enforcement, but I was never
career you’re going to have until you get
(who now dispatches for Bertie County 911)
against the police or anything. I always had
recommended telecommunications as a
high respect for their career choice but I didn’t
possible career change.
know much about it.”
into it. For Zach Taylor, he found out his change in careers almost six years ago was a pretty good decision.
“I was looking for something a little more
Taylor’s job responsibilities are to oversee
stable and solid, and truthfully I didn’t know
dispatchers on the floor of the center’s new 5,000-square-foot facility.
Taylor is the assistant director for the Martin
what I was getting myself into when I started
County Regional Telecommunications Center
here,” Taylor said. “But I felt it was a good
“My job is to make sure we are all following
on Prison Camp Road in Williamston. Taylor
career to get into. Turns out I have a pretty
the proper protocols and providing good
oversees a staff of locally-sourced dispatchers
good knack for it, I guess.”
customer service to everybody in Martin
who are the front lines of communication when there is any type of emergency. “One of our goals is to put a face on 911
Taylor said his perception of the job
County, as well as getting new training
changed since his beginning in November
opportunities for our staff so we have new
2014.
ways of helping the community,” he said.
because, even myself when I started here,
“When I first started, like a lot of people,
On any day, any type of 911 phone call
I didn’t know much about it,” said Taylor, a
you think when you’re dialing 911 you’re getting
can come in to the center. Taylor said the
Colerain native. “You see the police or other
the nearest police officer or emergency
main thing is to be professional at all times
emergency response, but not many people
service,” he said. “When I was younger I may
and not be emotional, which can be difficult
know dispatchers even exist.”
have misdialed it a couple of times and got a
because oftentimes callers end up knowing
deputy showing up at the house. I never really
the dispatchers.
Taylor was the assistant manager of a
24
911 Dispatcher “You have to have the mindset
quickly as possible.
of this person on the line is
“The caller is not really thinking
having the worst day of their life,
(clearly) so you have to find that
whether it’s an emergency to
thing that breaks through to
you or not,” he said. “What I like
them,” Taylor said.
the woman through CPR and
Cooper (Williamston) and Timmie
they ended up saving the baby’s
Modlin (Jamesville).
life.
Modlin
“The child was not breathing
also
serves
as
addressing specialist.
but by the time Tobin was
Jason Steward of Williamston
to do – and how I have trained
The misconception is that
finished, he was breathing before
is the director of the Martin
the people with me – is to take
dispatchers are not sending help,
the EMS arrived on scene,” Taylor
County center.
yourself out of the equation and
Taylor said.
said. “We are all CPR trained, and
not get emotionally attached.
Recently, a call came in from
that lady’s willingness to follow
Focus on getting them help and
someone who said his mother
our instructions is what I think
remain calm.”
had passed out on the floor.
saved that child’s life.”
It can be challenging, Taylor
“I
walked
him
Steward has been pleased with Taylor’s work thus far. “I am so proud of Zach’s accomplishments
with
Martin
through
Regardless of the seriousness
says, because the dispatchers are
instructions on what to do while
of the call, the dispatcher has to
said. “He was promoted to
from Martin County (some were
Vickie
stay calm and professional.
assistant director March 1 after
born and raised here) and he said
someone
Taylor
“How important is ours as the
he has seen firsthand coworkers
said. “He keeps hearing me
first voice? If you’re at nine and
struggle to maintain composure
asking questions and is thinking
they’re at nine when they call in,
work and shown progress on
so they can help callers they
nothing’s happening, but I kept
nothing will get accomplished
several high priority projects
know (friends or family).
(Davis)
is
from
dispatching
EMS,”
County
Communications,”
he
serving as a shift leader. “Zach
has
already
began
calling him by name and letting
yelling back and forth,” Taylor
such as quality assurance and
The dispatchers’ job is to find
him know EMS was already on
stressed. “We have to maintain
performance auditing, which help
some way to break through to
the way and that us talking wasn’t
a calm demeanor. At times it’s
ensure every caller receives a
the caller to obtain information,
going to delay their response.
going to be like pulling teeth to
high level of professional service.
get the smallest bit of detail.”
His attention to detail and
which can be difficult. “Sometimes
them
“I am trying to help him help hearing
her until EMS got there. We are
Taylor’s co-workers include
commitment to high standards
their name is enough for them to
like first, first responders,” he
shift leaders Davis (Hamilton),
has and will continue that we
snap out of it and hear what you
added.
Phillip
provide quality service to all
Loftus
(Williamston),
have to say,” Taylor said. “You are
Taylor and the staff have
Keith Holliday (Farm Life/Griffins
the first voice they hear, and for
protocols for more than 100
Township) and Sherry Baker (Oak
some that’s hard to grasp.”
citizens of Martin County.” Jim Green is Interim Editor of
emergency situations that arise
City)
telecommunicators
the Martin County Enterprise &
The first thing a dispatcher
– everything from a cough to
Chelsea Dickerson (Jamesville),
Weekly Herald and a Staff Writer
tries to ascertain is the caller’s
locked keys in a car to a gunshot
Wright
for Eastern North Carolina Living.
address.
wound.
“If we don’t know where you
Taylor didn’t need long to
are, you can tell us everything
put his job into perspective. The
that went on from Monday to
worst call he has received came
Saturday and why you’re there
on Thanksgiving Day just three
and calling, but if we don’t have
weeks after he had started.
an address, we can’t help you,” Taylor said.
Grass),
Kirsten
A man called and said his wife “We
asked
him
what
out the caller’s chief complaint,
happened and he told us,” Taylor
and then he or she determines
said. “I consoled him and asked
whether the caller needs police,
him if there was anything I could
fire or EMS in their situation.
do and he said no. It really put
The
(Bear
was dead.
The dispatcher tries to find
center
(Computer
and
uses
Aided
a
CAD
Dispatch)
system to map out the best route to the caller. Dispatchers must remain calm in order to get the caller help as
my job into perspective as to what I’d gotten myself into.” A year and a half ago, a call came in that an infant had died. Taylor’s
shift
partner,
Tobin
Wright, took the call and walked
25
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E dgecombe
County
The very def inition of The Greatest Generation Story by John H. Walker
HERO.
the history of the world as we know it.
cleaning up,” he said. He remembered the 300-foot-long LST
Four letters.
Price went off to war at age 17, enlisting
Small word.
in the U.S. Navy on July 1, 1943, and being
After moving close to the beach, dropping
Huge meaning.
assigned to LST (Landing Ship Tank) 285,
its door and unloading its troops, the LST had
While each man would duck his respective
where he served as a helmsman — or the
to wait for a rise on the tide to head back out
person responsible for steering the vessel.
and pick up another load.
head in embarrassment at being called a hero, Edgecombe County is home to a couple of men who have been called just that.
On June 6, 1944, better known as D-Day,
as being open and the men as easy targets.
“There was no place to hide,” he recalled
he helped ferry troops and military equipment
In August 1945, after the Normandy
And they’ve earned it.
from troop and equipment ships to Omaha
invasion, he went on to take part in the
Both Irvin “Buck” Price of Tarboro and
Beach. In all, Price said he made three round
invasion of the southern coast of France,
trips that day.
which resulted in the Allies breaking the so-
Norfleet Lane “Fleet” Sugg of Pinetops are part of America’s “Greatest Generation” and
28
each took part in events that are seminal in
“We were busy loading and unloading and
called “Atlantic Wall,” an extensive system of
Now, with an estimated 250,000 “veterans still alive out of the more
V eterans
than 16 million who served in World War II, it is significant to have a veteran in your community. Edgecombe County has two.
”
coastal defense and fortifications built
on Sept. 18, 1945, following Japan’s
by Nazi Germany between 1942 and
surrender and the end of hostilities.
1944. Price was discharged on March 20, 1946, as a seaman first class. While he has played down his role in
Like Price, Sugg shuns the hero label. “It was what we were trained to do and told to do. That’s what you did,” he said.
the war, and despite his protestations,
Sugg often reflects on his service at
Price has been recognized for his
various veteran-related events, such as
efforts.
the monthly flag-raising ceremonies on
In commemoration of the 70th
the Town Common or at the reopening
Anniversary of D-Day in June 2014, he
of the Edgecombe County Veterans
was one of eight Americans chosen to
Military Museum.
re-live that battle on the beaches in Normandy. And on Feb. 8, 2017, French Consul General Louis de Corail presented the Legion of Honor medal to Price and two other World War II veterans during a ceremony at the State Capitol. The Legion of Honor is the highest honor that can be awarded by France. In August 2019, he and his son, Dean, were part of a group who was in Normandy for the 75th anniversary of the battle. In a story in Welcome to Tarboro
“There was no glory in it (service), and certainly not for those many who never came back," he said. Now, with an estimated 250,000 veterans still alive out of the more than 16 million who served in World War II, it is significant to have a veteran in your community. Edgecombe County has two. And yes, they are heroes. John H. Walker is a Staff Writer for the Rocky Mount Telegram and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.
magazine, Price said, “They (French) were so appreciative and gracious.” Sugg is a Navy veteran who served 22 months in the Pacific Theater during World War II, primarily on the USS Sabine, which was a heavily armed tanker. While his duty station was the engine room, he manned a 20mm anti-aircraft gun when the call to battle stations sounded. Sugg saw battle action in late 1944 with the Third Fleet in the Philippines, later participated in the invasion of Okinawa and anchored in Tokyo Bay
29
G ates
County
Boone Guides Children’s Lives Story by Gene Motley Contributed Photos
J
ust a country girl out to ‘make the best better.’
That’s what Keli Boone says of herself,
paying homage to her rural upbringing.
But the call to work in 4-H full-time was too great and with some mentoring and a bit of prodding from then-county Extension Director Reba Green, Boone went all-in.
first in the program, to becoming a program assistant, to now.” Hands on learning is a key component of the 4-H program. It builds confidence,
The Gates County product has been with
“I feel like I’ve grown as a person,” Boone
resilience, compassion and independence in
the North Carolina Cooperative Extension
said. “I feel like the program we have here in
its participants. Young 4-Hers learn to grow
Service for eight years as of this summer, the
Gates County has a strong foundation and the
from failure, express their ideas and use their
last five as the county’s 4-H Coordinator.
kids are getting the things they need to make
influence to drive positive outcomes.
Prior to serving full-time in Extension,
them the contributing citizens to our county
Boone is especially proud of the county’s
Boone split time between coaching her alma
they need to be. It feels good to come home
4-H embryology program, where youngsters
mater Gates County High School Lady Red
and give back.
learn to use an incubator with the goal of
Barons girl’s basketball team and her 4-H
“Reba pretty much bleeds green and white
successfully incubating avian, or chicken,
work. She was also one of the school’s athletic
(the 4-H colors),” Boone admits. “I learned
embryos (growing inside fertile eggs) through
trainers.
so many valuable lessons from when I was
the hatching process. This project can teach
30
M entor basic biology and life science to
service projects and I want the people
students.
to understand these kids enjoy giving
“I’ve got chickens running around in my back yard now,” she joked.
back; so, maybe we can get some more of our youth to come back or even stay
Food enrichment is another one of
here in the county. It’s nothing I started,
the projects Boone is proud on helping
but want to continue (Reba’s) tradition,
implement in the 4-H program. She
but put my own spin on things because
even found a way to combine the two,
these are great programs.”
and produced highly successful results. One of Boone’s students is Gates County High’s Ariana Matthews. The 16-year-old, who also plays on the basketball team and runs track, got introduced to 4-H through her brother. She attended a retreat and afterward wanted to become more involved. “She wanted to do more and she wanted to do better,” said Boone. “For me, seeing her wanting to press on inspired me to keep going.” So for her junior year of high school, Matthews learned to grill chicken, and after a few trial-and-error attempts, became so proficient as a gourmet chef, she won the state 4-H grilling competition. From there she went on to compete on the national level in 2018 where she placed fourth-best nationally among 4-Hers from all across America. “This project was about more than cooking and chickens,” said Boone. “It’s about
preparation,
decision-making
and the life skills you need to be a
Boone says everyone in the Gates Extension office is involved in some way with the 4-H program, and it’s also expanding. “The horticulture agent helps them learn about soil, gardening, and that sort of thing, and now through North Carolina A&T State University we’ve sent five kids from Gates County to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama; some who’d never been on a plane before, but they had an awesome time.” Because of social distancing brought on by the pandemic of COVID-19 this winter and spring, Boone has had to take a number of 4-H projects virtual. “Even though they’re not in school, they still need to have their minds working,” she noted. “We’re doing ‘Challenges’ they can compete online on Facebook to let them know we’re all adjusting but we’re still here.” Boone wants her 4-H legacy to be like the one she experienced: making it about the children.
contributing citizen in the community. I
“I want them to be learning, to be
want my kids to be seen, I want them
gaining, and knowing they can make
to know they’re here for the community,
an impact,” she said. “Let’s show what
and develop a passion for giving back.”
these kids here in Gates County have to
Boone says that spirit begins with
offer. It makes the county great, and it
teaching the kids about regard and
makes 4H great. After all, our motto is:
recognition of the contributions they
To make the best better.”
can make to their community. “We have some solid programs here,” she acknowledged. “I’m real big on
Gene Motley is a retired Sports Editor and Staff Writer and contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.
I want them to be learning, to be gaining, and “ knowing they can make an impact. Let’s show what these kids here in Gates County have to offer. It makes the county great, and it makes 4H great.
”
- Keli Boone
31
B eaufort
County
Heroes: Everyday People, Doing Ordinary Things, Extraordinarily Story by Deborah Griffin Contributed Photos
B
arbie Hagen is full of contrasts.
their highest potential possible.”
Delicate and demure, she packs a
“Barbie is the perfect blend of caring for
powerful punch - taking on the tall order of
her students, yet at the same time, holding
helping even toughest seventh-grader love
them to high standards,” added Hodges, who
math.
retired in 2015 after 32 years at the school, 20
“She is a tiny little woman, but she has a big presence,” said Pam Hodges, the retired Bath Middle School principal who hired her. Hagen loves her students, but doesn’t play favorites.
of them as principal. Hodges said Hagen is not all algorithms and formulas. “Her patience and willingness to listen, and offer advice, go well beyond the classroom.
“I have high academic expectations,” she
The students adore her. I don’t know if you
said. “I do my best to push students to reach
know anything about middle school kids - but
32
they typically do not like adults too much,” she added. At first glance, Hagen may seem far from home. “People first see my Asian features,” Hagen said. “The next thing they hear is my southern accent,” she added. “It’s amazing to see people’s expressions when they meet me for the first time.” Hagen, half Asian and half Caucasian, is right at home in eastern North Carolina.
T eacher She moved to Martin County with her sister and their parents, when she was 10 years old. Her father, a sergeant in the United States Army, wanted to be closer to his family. “My younger sister and I were the only Asian students in Jamesville,” she said. “Because the Army would relocate us often, I was used to moving to new areas
I want my students to “know that they are truly loved. All children deserve unconditional love. You never know what is going on in their lives.
”
- BARBIE HAGEN
and making new friends.” But it wasn’t always easy. “Did other students make fun of me because of my Asian decent? Absolutely – but, after they got to know me as a person, they just saw me as one of them,” she added. This may be one of the reasons for her unwavering compassion. “I
want
my
students
to
know that they are truly loved,” she said. “All children deserve unconditional love. You never know what is going on in their lives.” Hagen recalls receiving that kind of love from her teachers. She was born in Taegu (now known as Daegu), South Korea. She
attended
Kindergarten
through second-grade at an Army base in West Germany, then Jamesville schools from thirdgrade though high school, where she graduated as Valedictorian in 1987. “I
had
some
wonderful
teachers,” she said. “They helped mold me into the person I am today.” One of her favorites, was (retired) business and typing teacher Joyce Hardison. “What made her so special was she truly connected with her students,” Hagen said. “She made me realize you must first connect with students - then you can teach content.”
Yet, arithmetic is not Hagen’s highest priority. “I [first] teach students to be the best people they can be,” she said. “Then I start teaching math. Math is very important, but being a respectful, kind, caring and thoughtful citizen will carry you further in life.” Hagen met her husband of 28 years, Craig, while they were students at Jamesville High, but they did not date until after a year after they graduated. They have two boys, Blake and Brody. Blake
attends
Campbell
University and Brody, Northeast Regional School of Biotechnology and Agriscience (NERSBA) in Jamesville. Craig
is
currently
senior
minister at St. Clair’s Church of Christ in Bath. “Many of the children go to the same church where her husband preaches,” said Hodges. “Barbie is a Christian, and lives by Christian standards. They see her living out those Christian principals. They see a person that loves them yet expects a lot from them. They don’t want to disappoint her. She is just a treasure.” Hagen takes her teaching beyond simple instruction. “Students feel comfortable coming to me with their concerns.
33
I [hope to] guide them in the right direction,” she said. Hodges
each other.”
age group, so I can make a difference in the
She uses her gift of photography to make remembers
seeing
Hagen
transform students’ lives early on.
others feel special, according to Hodges. “Several
years
ago,
she
started
lives of our youth. “Teaching middle school can be tough at times and I think it takes a special person to
“I could immediately see what a fantastic
photographing school events for yearbook,”
teacher she was. Kids who never liked math -
said Hodges. “She shares her photos with
Her inspiration is otherworldly.
end up loving it because of her,” she said.
parents, and on Facebook and makes sure
“Jesus Christ is my hero,” she said. “I try
Hagen said she enjoys the process of watching students grasp abstraction.
they get in the annual. “Sometimes, the things you remember
“I love it when I have a student who
most about a teacher, are not necessarily
struggles with a concept, and all of a sudden
things she taught - but that they were at your
- their eyes light up and everything starts
football games, basketball games and softball
clicking and making sense – and they finally
games, cheering you on,” Hodges added.
piece everything together,” she said. “Then, I love it when those strugglers become tutors.” Hodges said it is not just children that love Hagen.
Hagen has been a teacher for 20 years, 12 at Bath Middle. Growing up she knew she wanted a job helping people.
connect with kids at that age,” she added.
my best to live a Christian life that is pleasing to Him. I pray that my students will see Him through my actions and words.” Her biggest frustration with teaching is standardized testing. “I would love to just teach my students. I know my kids know more than what one test shows at the end of the year,” she laments. “I love it when [former students] come back to give me a hug and let me know how
“She makes such a positive impression
“I will never forget when my guidance
they are doing. When students come back
on the students, parents and her coworkers,”
counselor, Ruby Modlin, encouraged me
and tell you they’ve missed you, and they
she said. “You take that with you at the end of
to apply for the N.C. Teaching Fellows,” she
have used what you taught them - it makes
school year and keep it with you throughout
said. “I was so excited when I received a full
your heart smile,” she said.
life.”
scholarship to become a teacher. Money was
Her goal, “Is to make a difference in the
tight in our family. Now, I [would have] a way
life of every student that walks into my
to get my college education.
classroom,” she continued.
Hagen said she does no more than her coworkers do. “We all work hard and do the best we
“I feel like this is what God has led me
Deborah Griffin is a Staff Writer for The
can daily,” she said. “We are a family at Bath
to do,” she added. “He gave me this gift of
Daily Reflector in Greenville and Eastern North
Elementary School. We support and help
teaching, and the ability to connect with this
Carolina Living.
34
35
B ertie
County
“A Pat On The Back For One Is A Pat On The Back For Many.” Story by Gene Motley Photos by Gene Motley & Contributed o Ann Jordan’s participation in Relay For
J
family,” she said. “My husband has gone out
Jordan is quick to point out this has been a
Life of Bertie County began around the
to cook a pig for our team. We had a Health
team effort ever since the late Artie Johnson –
time of the event’s beginnings and from there
Department team, then after I retired there
the unofficial ‘father of Bertie County Relay for
it became a family affair.
was the Friends of Relay team. My daughters
Life’ – assembled the first Relay committee.
“My daughter Heather was in middle
worked with college Relay teams at Chapel
“The committee that’s there now, most
school and she was on a fund-raising team,
Hill and UNC-Wilmington, my mother helps
of us have been there the entire time,” she
so I stayed out there and helped her,” Jordan
me out, and after my father’s diagnosis he
added. “There’s no one hero, the heroes are
recounted. “It was back during the nineties
took a lap every year for 10 years.”
the committee. It’s not just one person, but a
and I did small odd jobs like running errands and things of that sort.”
Now in it’s 27th year.
whole conglomerate of people.
Relay For Life of Bertie County has
“We’ve been doing it so long together
A retired health-care worker, Jordan
raised over $4 million in the fight against
and each person has their specific task and
saw that early participation then involved
cancer since it began in 1993. The small, but
the chairs of each committee – Survivors,
everyone in the Jordan clan. The family then
diligently working group is made up of staff
Luminaries, Kid’s Walk – we just have so many
heeded a call to pitch in and contribute.
and volunteers from all across the county. It is
people who have stepped up to the plate,” she
also recognized as one of the top fundraising
added.
“My younger daughter, Candace, has participated and since then it’s been the whole
36
events in the nation.
As chairperson of the Planning Committee,
V olunteer Jordan works with not only fund-raising
many folks have been affected by this
groups, but also businesses within the
disease in so many ways.” With all the uncertainty surrounding
county. have
COVID-19, there’s one big certainty
a lot of huge businesses,” Jordan
when Relay For Life takes place this fall:
noted. “Perdue (Farms of Lewiston-
everyone who participates from staff
Woodville, who have raised $150,000
to volunteers, to walkers, and everyone
to date) has been a strong point for
else making a contribution, they will be
us, and continues to do that; but, it’s
trying to win the fight.
“Bertie
County
doesn’t
our Mom-&-Pop businesses that keep
“I’m not naive to feel that we’re
us going. It’s the churches and schools
going to solve the world’s problems
also coming together.”
just looking at what’s going on right appears
now,” she acknowledged. “We have
before the Bertie County Board of
to just want to have our family and
Commissioners where annually she’s
friends and citizens to want to have a
Every
year
Jordan
presented an American Cancer Society Relay for Life Proclamation. In 2019 she shared a framed certificate of a national award for the 2018 Relay for Life of Bertie County for raising local contributions of $226,782 or roughly $10.66 per capita. For that year Bertie County was No. 1 in eastern North Carolina and No. 2 in the United States in fund-raising. “Usually
the
Commissioners
make a declaration for the month of May as ‘Relay For Life Month’ and give a donation to our Purple Ribbon
better quality of life. And if that means less suffering from cancer, then let’s try to find that cure or that medicine that’s going to help. “We need to remember that whatever little bit we can do financially to help them it’s going to come back two-fold to us because we’re trying to not be that one-in-five who has that diagnosis because we want them to all have the best quality of life possible.”
“ Relay For Life of Bertie County has raised over $4 million in the fight against cancer since it began in 1993. ”
campaign,” Jordan explained; though for this year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 event has been moved to October. “The town of Windsor has been there for us. The late mayor Bob Spivey was instrumental in getting us going when we had the bus
Jordan feels those who contribute
that came through and took a group to
to Relay for Life will continue to fight
Washington after the dedication of the
for cancer patients, especially those
new hospital.”
now the most at risk of serious illness
Despite its size, Jordan says Bertie
from the COVID-19 virus.
also does such an outstanding job in
“Even though we are postponing
fund-raising because of the ‘heart’ of
Relay For Life of Bertie County, let’s
those who contribute in every way for
show our unwavering support for the
the cause.
mission by continuing to participate
“That really says it: heart,” she
virtually – by fundraising and help bring
declared. “There’s just been so many
hope to those who need it most,” she
people who’ve been affected by cancer.
maintains.
It’s hard to meet anybody who hasn’t
Gene Motley is a retired Sports Editor
waited for that diagnosis, or been a
and Staff Writer and contributor to
caregiver to a relative or a friend. So
Eastern North Carolina Living.
37
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39
N orthampton County
Bryant Always Wanted To Help, Nursing Fit That Bill Perfectly Story by Thadd White Photos by Patrick Bryant
T
he exact career was in the air – but the
first earned her Certified Nursing Assistant
parts of every career, and nursing is no
sentiment was never in doubt.
certification and then returned to school to
different.
Jennafer Bryant knew at an early age
earn an Associate degree in nursing.
“The best part is knowing you are helping
what she wanted from a career – be that as a
She decided to earn her degree after
people,” she said. “When people say thank
teacher, pediatrician, nurse or any other career
working with great nurses during her time
you or you see a positive change in someone’s
She wanted to help people and use her life to
as a CNA. She credited Jamie Burns for
health, you know you are making a difference.
make the lives of others better.
encouraging her and set her on the way to
“When I was a child I thought I wanted to be a teacher or a pediatrician,” Bryant recalled. “I learned as I got older that wasn’t for me,
becoming a nurse. The pathway she followed has been one she has never regretted.
“We all have bad days, but one person saying thank you or one person making a change to better their health can make your day,” she added.
but the sentiment – always wanting to do
“I always wanted to help people and
something to help other people – was in line
nursing gives me the chance to do that,”
with nursing.”
Bryant said. “I feel like I’m a compassionate
“The worst part of it is when things happen
person and being a nurse gives me a sense of
that are out of your control no matter what
purpose.”
you do,” she said. “Sometimes you can’t
After
graduating
from
Northampton
County High School – East, Bryant went on to Roanoke-Chowan Community College. She
40
Bryant said there are good parts of tough
The flip side is when Bryant can’t do what she feels compelled to do – help.
change the outcome, but you can’t and you
have to learn how to handle that.” There are also some parts of the job that are just plain fun. During her time working at a wound care center, Bryant said she enjoyed
N urse at times – being a listening ear to those with whom she works. “You do all of that by relationship building,” she said.
treating the wounds and learning about their
Looking back, nursing has been a blessing,
treatment. It was also at that job she worked
but it has been somewhat different than
for the late Cindy Ertle, who she called one of
Bryant thought.
the inspirations in her nursing career.
“It is more difficult than I imagined in
She said another part of medicine she
the sense that you take care of people with
has enjoyed is her time in the emergency
a variety of personalities and backgrounds,”
department. During that time, Bryant said
she said. “All people don’t come in from the
she worked with “wonderful nurses” who
same place. Everyone isn’t educated about
helped shape her career.
their health at the same level. You have to
Bryant said the best part of emergency medicine was being able to take someone who is hurting or having a bad time and making a positive change for them. “Someone comes in and is not happy
learn to explain things differently to each person.” Bryant said she knew nurses were often considered everyday heroes, but shunned the label herself.
because they’re not feeling well or something
“I don’t feel like a hero,” she said. “I think
is wrong, and you see a change and know you
I’m just doing what I can to help people. I have
are helping,” she said.
worked with nurses – learned from nurses –
Bryant’s career in medicine has covered not only emergency medicine and wound healing, but also mental health. She is currently an Occupational Health Nurse at
who are heroes; who provide inspiration to others.” For herself, Bryant said she will continue to do her best to help others every day.
Nucor in neighboring Hertford County. She
She is married to Patrick Bryant, and the
began that job as a contract employee and
couple reside in Northampton County with
now works for Nucor.
their three children – Mackenzie, 11, Laura, 8,
Her daily work includes pre-employment
and Logan, 1.
physicals, worker’s compensation claims,
Thadd White is Editor of Eastern North
pulmonary function testing, hearing testing,
Carolina Living and the Bertie Ledger-Advance.
“ I feel like I’m a compassionate person and being a nurse gives me a sense of purpose. - Jennafer Bryant
vision screenings and first aid. “I basically take care of our employees from when they arrive and continue through their career,” Bryant said. She said her current job is a different type of nursing, but it is something she enjoys doing every day. “I’m a people person,” she said. “I feel where I work, we work as a team. We are heavily focuses on safety and occupational health. “The best part to me is keeping my teammates safe, and helping find better ways to manage health care by being proactive,” she added. Bryant said her job now involved being an educational nurse, doing research and –
41
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H alifax
County
Morris Finds Hometown Police Work Is Excellent Fit Story by Thadd White Photos by Thadd White & Contributed
M
arcus Morris is at home. In more ways than one.
The Scotland Neck Police Officer says he has found his niche, and found it at home – both in his hometown and at his hometown agency.
He took a job with the Halifax County
There was nothing that would deter him
Sheriff’s Office, and began attending Basic
on his second trip through school – including a
Law Enforcement Training at nearby Halifax
shoulder injury which he refused to let stop him
Community College.
from completing the course.
Unfortunately, the trip through BLET didn’t go as smoothly as Morris would have hoped.
“I was determined to go all the way,” he said. “This is what I want to do. It taught me I had a
Growing up in Halifax County, Morris said he
“I went through BLET twice,” he said. “The
drive I didn’t even know I had. When I tapped
knew as a child he was interested in becoming a
first time I was young and energetic, but I didn’t
into that drive, I moved from adolescent to
police officer, but had no idea it would actually
take it seriously.
adulthood.”
happen.
“When I actually had a set back and had
Morris credited both his mother and his
Fast forward past his graduation at
to do it again, it truly humbled me,” Morris
father for being key reasons for him completing
Southeast Halifax High School, and Morris was
continued. “It taught me that what you don’t
his work in BLET and becoming a police officer.
working for the department of corrections and
cherish – what you take for granted – can be
considering his future.
snatched as fast as you got it.”
44
His father, George Morris Jr., was a key reason he not only completed BLET, but is
P olice Officer currently continuing his education. “My father definitely had an impact,” he
laugh when they are together at the Halifax County Courthouse.
said. “My father’s final wish was for me to
In 2018, Morris made the decision to take a
complete my education. He felt that was what
job with the Scotland Neck Police Department
would get me further in life. He said it was
and began a new role in law enforcement. By
something no one could take away from you.”
last year, he had already been named Officer
Morris listened to his father’s advice and
of the Year.
completed BLET, but he didn’t stop there. In
The work of a deputy sheriff is quite
August, he will complete his Associate Degree
different than that of a police officer, Morris
in Criminal Justice at Halifax Community
said. When working for the sheriff’s office, he
College and will enroll soon after to begin work
was mostly involved in serving civil papers and
towards his bachelor’s degree.
making sure people were in court.
His mother, Bernice Morris, was also
That changed when he became a police
someone who pushed him to take education
officer and his duties include traffic and
seriously, and guided him toward church.
working narcotics.
“In high school, I wanted to hang out and
“Thanks to Chief (John Tippett) and the
party like everyone else,” he said. “Instead, I
community itself, I can be the police officer
was home reading books. When you’re a child
I always wanted to be. I can learn the things
it doesn’t feel good, but when you become an
to develop into the officer I want to become,”
adult you know it is for your good.”
Morris said.
Morris said he was thankful for his parents’ influence. “As an adult, I’m so grateful for the strictness they instilled in me,” he said. “I am grateful my parents did what they did. They kept me out of jail or a graveyard and I’m grateful.”
While admitting he enjoys all of his job, Morris said he really enjoys working traffic and narcotics. “Working traffic – that’s my baby,” he said. “That’s my pride and joy. I love it. “When I first got here, I didn’t know
Still, like most young people, Morris said
anything about traffic,” he added. “I didn’t even
he had a lot to learn when he began his career
know how to stop a car, and I was nervous
in law enforcement. He started at the Halifax
about it.”
County Sheriff’s Office in 2014, and said he
Morris said Scotland Neck Police Sgt.
was fortunate enough to quickly find a mentor.
Marvin Hilliard showed him the ropes in traffic
“When I started, I didn’t know anything,”
and it “took off from there.”
Morris mused. “I seriously didn’t know
He said narcotics was also something he
anything. Thankfully Deputy Charlie Copeland
enjoyed working, and something he hopes to
took me under his wing and taught me.”
get better at during his career.
Morris said he and Copeland still talk and
While those are the key elements of his job,
“ It’s about giving back to the community at the end of the day,. Many people, especially youth, see law enforcement in a negative way. I want to step up and show them a different side of law enforcement.
”
- Officer Marcus Morris 45
he also loves being involved in the community – and finds his work at the police department gives him ample opportunity to do just that. “Kids are my passion,” he said. “I love what I do with the kids.” Morris said he works often with the Scotland Neck Leadership Academy, something Chief Tippett has encouraged. “I’ve had success mentoring,” he said. In fact, the Scotland Neck Leadership Academy has honored him for his mentoring. But, Morris doesn’t do it for the accolades. “It’s about giving back to the community at the end of the day,” he said. “Many people, especially youth, see law enforcement in a negative way. I want to step up and show them a different side of law enforcement. I can’t do my job unless I know my community.” Morris also finds an outlet in painting, drawing and music. “They are a big escape for me,” he said. “I get
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outside of Officer Morris and just become Marcus.” While he knows how hard the work is, and the dedication required, Morris said he isn’t sure about the word hero. “Hero? That’s a strong word,” he said. “It means something to the individual who calls you that, and it is not something to take lightly or take for granted.” Morris said he felt it was important for a person to do all they can to meet the needs of citizens whether it may be great or small because it is
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important to those who call on you. “If someone considers you that, be the example of it,” he said. “Be what they’re looking up to you to be.” As he looks both back at what he’s accomplished and forward to his future, Morris said it he had one simple phrase that helped him: Walk by faith, not by sight. “That’s all I can do,” he said. “If I look at what I see around me, I could lose it. It’s a personal inspiration, that helps me keep my enthusiasm up. “Everyone is placed on Earth for a purpose,” he added. “I know mine is law enforcement. When you lay your head down at night, if you know you did everything you could to handle the situation in front of you, that’s all you can ask for.” Thadd White is Editor of Eastern North Carolina Living and the Bertie Ledger-Advance.
46
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O F F I C E R
D O W N
Story by Sarah Hodges Stalls
One definition of the word hero is one who shows great courage. Law enforcement officers exhibit indescribable amounts of courage every single day. What follows is our way of paying tribute to those in the Eastern Living region who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The Officer Down Memorial Page, www.odmp.org, memorializes officers from across the country and from all walks of law enforcement. Thanks to their efforts, these officers will forever be remembered.
Eastern Living magazine remembers each officer who has been lost in our region.
Beaufort County Chief Harvey Lee Dellinger Washington Police Department
Windsor Police Chief Patrick H. White End of Watch – Feb. 10, 1929
End of Watch – Sept. 25, 1926
White was shot and killed as he took a
Dellinger was shot at close range and
suspect to the police department after
killed after responding to a home on East
breaking up an illegal dice game. The
Second Street. Dellinger was survived by
“ringleader” of the game produced a gun
his wife and son.
Windsor Police Chief Mark A. Conner End of Watch – Oct. 24, 1910 Conner was killed by a teen he attempted to arrest. The shooting occurred at the suspects home near Sandy Point.
Deputy Sheriff Dewey L. Swain End of Watch – July 5, 1978
and fired – striking White in the chest.
Colerain Police Chief John Watson Brown End of Watch – Feb. 21, 1939 Brown was killed in an automobile crash just after a tornado came through a rural area near Green’s Crossroads. His car collided with a bus which had stopped for a downed tree. Deputy Sheriff Calvin Donald Cherry End of Watch – Aug. 2, 1979
Swain was shot and killed when he and another
Cherry was shot and killed while searching a
deputy attempted to serve commitment papers
home for an inmate who escaped from the
on a man in Colerain. He was struck by a shotgun blast as he got out of his patrol car.
48
Bertie County
local jail a day before.
Edgecombe County Deputy David Lee’Sean Manning End of Watch – March 11, 2018 Manning was killed in an automobile crash which occurred between Tarboro and Pinetops while Manning was in pursuit of a possible drunk driver.
Deputy Thomas Alan Cone End of Watch – Jan. 25, 1990 Cone was killed when his patrol car was hit head on by a drunk driver on U.S. 64 Alternate near Tarboro. The drunk driver also hit another officer ahead of Cone
Nash County Investigator Warren Basco “Sneak” Lewis, III, End of Watch – June 9, 2011 Lewis, who was also a sworn Deputy United States Marshall, was shot and killed while serving a murder warrant with the Eastern North Carolina Fugitive Task Force.
Deputy Sheriff Russell E. Gilliam End of Watch – Oct. 11, 1975 Gilliam was killed after beings struck by a dump truck while directing traffic on U.S. 264 for a Boy Scout Jamboree.
and a nurse behind him.
Tarboro Police Officers Matt Ransom Gwatney & Plummer Ray Riggan End of Watch – March 3, 1917 Officers Gwatney and Riggan were shot and killed while searching a house for illegal whiskey. The police chief was also wounded, but
Rocky Mount Senior Police Officer Christopher James Driver End of Watch – June 23, 2018 Driver was killed, while on duty, in a vehicle crash on South Church Street. Around 10:30 p.m., his vehicle struck a tree-trimming truck that was left parked in his travel lane.
survived, when the homeowner fired The officers are buried side by side at the
Rocky Mount Police Officer Alan Christopher Silver
Greenwood Cemetery in Tarboro.
End of Watch – May 2, 2007
upon the three.
Silver succumbed to injuries sustained in
Gates County
an automobile accident, which occurred during his response to a robbery call.
Deputy W. Vernon Eason End of Watch – May 5, 1925
Spring Hope Police Chief James Stallings
Eason was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest a man at a
Stallings died days after being shot while
dance hall on a minor offense. The suspect reportedly fled into
attempting to serve a warrant on a man for
the Great Dismal Swamp, pursued by more than 600 men. He
probation violations. He was taken home,
was captured the following day.
treated by a doctor and then driven to
End of Watch – Sept. 21, 1910
Richmond where he died.
49
Halifax County End of Watch – March 2, 1969
Roanoke Rapids Police Sgt. Calvin Edward Daniel
Goodwin was killed on duty when his
End of Watch – March 27, 1983
patrol car was struck by a train at a railroad
Daniel suffered a fatal heart attack while
crossing on a rural road near Halifax.
performing CPR on a man who had also
Deputy William McKinley Goodwin
suffered a heart attack.
Deputy Lofton Iry Floyd Floyd, along with the sheriff and another
Roanoke Rapids Police Lt. Willard Edward Vaughan
deputy, were trying to serve a warrant on a
End of Watch – May 9, 1977
mental patient. Floyd was fatally struck by a
Vaughan was shot and killed while
shotgun blast from the suspect’s home.
responding to a silent alarm at a
End of Watch – July 24, 1956
Deputy William Albert Pope End of Watch – April 3, 1940
convenient store. One of two suspects opened fire at close range.
Pope was shot and killed as he served a bench warrant on a suspect who reportedly fled from the Halifax County Recorder’s Office before paying a $25 fine.
Roanoke Rapids Police Patrolman Clifton L. Massey End of Watch – Nov. 21, 1946
Deputy James Edward Perry, Sr. End of Watch – Jan. 25, 1931 Perry was shot and killed while he and another deputy tried to serve a search
While on his dinner break, Massey was shot and killed after being attacked by two brothers in a pool hall. Massey was disarmed in the attack and would be shot with his own weapon.
warrant on a man they believed was making illegal whiskey.
Deputy Charlie Marion Hawkins End of Watch – Feb. 27, 1916
Scotland Neck Police Chief Andrew Paul Moore End of Watch – Feb. 16, 1936 A person who had been arrested multiple times on minor charges murdered Moore. The shooter reportedly had been drinking and told others he was going to murder Moore and the sheriff.
warrant on a man for attempting to leave the state without paying for his rooming. Armed with a shotgun, the suspect fired after telling Hawkins not to come closer, but Hawkins continued to approach.
Enfield Police Lieutenant Tonya Doreen Gillikin
Scotland Neck Police Chief Charles Wells Dunn
End of Watch – March 15, 1999
End of Watch – March 7, 1910
Gillikin, the first female law enforcement officer
Dunn was mortally wounded by a man
to be murdered in North Carolina, was shot and
who had just shot a state senator and state assemblyman on the town’s Main Street, reportedly over a letter the senator claimed he never received from the shooter.
50
Hawkins was killed while attempting to serve a
killed after she and another officer stopped a vehicle believed to have been used in a robbery in nearby Scotland Neck earlier that night.
Hertford County
Martin County Deputy Sheriff Charles Douglas “Charlie” Brown, Jr.
Deputy Paul Herman Futrell End of Watch – Sept. 18, 1992
End of Watch – Dec. 8, 2009
Futrell was shot and killed while
Brown and several other officers
attempting to resolve a domestic
responded to reports of a man walking
disturbance call involving a child.
down the street firing a long-gun. During a confrontation with the suspect, Brown was shot, one bullet hitting him under his arm where body armor did not protect.
Hyde County
Sheriff Jerry Vernon Beach End of Watch – Oct. 12, 1992 Beach, a trained hostage negotiator, was shot and killed while responding to an officer needs assistance call at
Deputy Dennis Simmons
a bank in Oak City. Beach was shot
End of Watch – March 16, 1975
after opening his coat to show the
Deputy Archie T. Wahab
suspect he was unarmed during an
End of Watch – April 16, 1975
attempt to get hostages released.
one terrible month in 1975, both to heart attacks in
Williamston Police Chief William R. White
the line of duty.
End of Watch – Aug. 15, 1911
Simmons suffered a fatal heart attack while struggling
White was ambushed, shot and killed
with a suspect on March 16. One month to the day
by a man he had arrested for selling
later, Wahab suffered a fatal heart attack while in the
liquor without a license weeks prior.
process of making an arrest.
He survived long enough to identify
Hyde County’s Sheriff’s Office lost two deputies in
the suspect, who was arrested by the county sheriff.
NC Department of Public Safety Prison Guard Ernest B. Hux End of Watch – Aug. 30, 1934 Hux was accidentally shot and killed by a fellow guard during an attempted break out by five convicts at Caledonia Prison Farm in Halifax County.
Sergeant Meggan Lee Callahan End of Watch – April 26, 2017 Callahan was killed after being assaulted at the Bertie
Prison Guard A.D. Spivey End of Watch – Aug. 20, 1928 Spivey was shot and killed during the escape of seven inmates from Caledonia Prison Farm in Halifax County.
Correctional Institution in Windsor, Bertie County.
51
Northampton County Rich Square Police Chief Joseph E. White End of Watch – July 16, 2000 White was shot and killed with his own service weapon while investigating a possible gas drive off at a local station. Three years later, a suspect was arrested in Louisiana for his murder.
NC Highway Patrol
North Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper Bobby Gene Demuth, Jr. End of Watch – Sept. 8, 2012 Demuth was struck and killed by a driver on U.S. 64 in the Nash County town of Spring Hope. He was attempting to deploy spike strips during a pursuit.
Patrolman Guy Thomas Davis, Jr. End of Watch – Sept. 2, 1975 Davis, a Bertie County-based trooper, was shot and killed in Williamston after stopping a vehicle he did not know had just robbed a bank in nearby Jamesville.
Patrolman Clyde Brown Avent End of Watch – Dec. 12, 1949 Avent was struck and killed while conducting a checkpoint near the intersection of North Church and Thomas streets in Rocky Mount.
Patrolman Ralph W. Arnold End of Watch – Sept. 17, 1936 Arnold, a charter member of the patrol, was killed in a motorcycle accident while on patrol near Roanoke Rapids in Halifax County.
Visit the Officer Down Memorial Page, www.odmp.org, to learn more about how to support their mission and read the stories of heroic men and women from all over the country.
52
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55
The Heroes of Ocracoke S tory & P hotos
56
by
C onnie L einbach
H
urricane Dorian may be the biggest
to visitors until Dec. 6 when a stretch of N.C.
life (and the Ocracoke ponies all survived), but
milestone in Ocracoke’s history at
12 at the north end of the island was washed
life on Ocracoke had been changed.
this point, bigger even than the demise of
away and was repaved.
The drinking water was shut off for two
Blackbeard in 1718, because the devastation
As Dorian’s eye brushed Ocracoke, around
days because water breached the water
Dorian wreaked caused a deep trauma —
7:45 a tsunami-like surge of Pamlico Sound
plant, which heretofore had never happened.
physical, mental and economic.
water engulfed the island, destroying or
Electricity was out from Thursday night until
damaging vehicles, homes and businesses.
Monday evening Sept. 9.
The storm brought the highest floodwaters in the island’s history - a 7.4-foot storm surge
Many older, historic buildings built low to
The island’s three electricians jumped into
as registered at the ferry terminal at 8:30 a.m.
the ground received unprecedented water
high gear checking every meter on the island
Friday, Sept. 6, 2019. The previous record was
and while houses built higher up fared better,
to see if the floodwaters had infiltrated. Those
Hurricane Matthew in 2016 with a storm surge
ground-floor closets were flooded. No one
damaged meters had to be pulled before the
of 4.7 feet.
was spared some kind of damage.
electricity was restored to prevent fires.
Before that, the storm of 1944, which,
Often after storms, the floodwaters come
Islanders,
while there’s no official record of the height,
back at high tide, but with Dorian once the
construction
“the water was over the lighthouse fence,” as
water receded, that was it.
organizations active in disasters have worked
was Dorian, says Ocracoke’s Fire chief Albert
Fortunately, there was no loss of human
electricians, companies
HVAC and
and
voluntary
nonstop ever since to rebuild the island.
O’Neal. Dorian officially made landfall at 8:35 a.m. in Hatteras as a category 1 hurricane, but Ocracoke reportedly sustained the most damage of any United States place in the massive storm’s path. From the resulting damage, the Hyde County Commissioners kept the island closed
Dozens of people from various state, federal and volunteer agencies descended on the island to help with this new scenario for which there was no playbook. 57
As Dorian slowly moved northeast that morning, as soon as they dared the stillwhipping winds, islanders ventured out into the floodwaters to rescue others. While his own home off Loop Road was flooded, O’Neal and his wife, Theresa, waded in chest-deep water to O’Neal’s parents’ home, which is in front of his.
mode, something he prepares for before
In the days after the event, stories of heroic
every hurricane.
rescues came to light.
Spencer has a beach towing business and
Dellanira Romero told how her stepdad,
the night before Dorian, he took his truck, boat
Elias, made three trips during the flooding with
and trailer to the firehouse in anticipation of
a kayak to pull his family to safety -herself and
making rescues the next day.
her two children, her sister and mom - to a
“People started calling me,” he said about
house across the street.
stranded folks that morning. He figures he
“He put on chest waders and just went out
Then O’Neal waded about a half mile
rescued about eight islanders, some of whom
into the water,” she said. “He said at one point
down Lighthouse Road to get his skiff at the
had scrambled into their attics to escape the
he felt his heart was beating so, so fast because
Island Inn.
water.
he was scared about the responsibility of
“I got momma and daddy, then Nicole
He and O’Neal brought several rescuees
(his niece) and her two kids and then (sister)
to the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department,
Islander Kelley Shinn stayed in touch with
Stephanie,” O’Neal related a few days later.
which became the command center for relief
Trudy Austin and Jude Wheeler, who lives on
efforts led by Hyde County.
Sunset Drive.
He took the group to the Ocracoke
taking care of us.”
Volunteer Fire Department on Irvin Garrish
Between working on their own houses,
“She told me the worst was coming.
Highway where they awaited the touchdown
islanders pitched in to help at the “fire mart,”
I noticed there was water all the way up,
of a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter to take
which soon filled with all manner of supplies
coming into my house, and within maybe 10
O’Neal’s parents off the island.
and comestibles donated from all over.
minutes, water was in my over my ankles,”
Then he and Brian Kissell went off in the boat to rescue others. “About 15 or 16 total,” O’Neal said. “I didn’t know a lot of them.” O’Neal was among several islanders in boats and kayaks rescuing people. Jesse Spencer was among those in rescue
58
Dozens of people from various state, federal and volunteer agencies descended on the island to help with this new scenario for which there was no playbook. All over the island that morning people posted messages, photos and videos of the flooding and islanders wading into the water.
Wheeler says, who was one of those islanders who scrambled into their attics. Then Shinn called again to say that someone was coming to rescue her, and Wheeler emerged to see Rob King, one of the island sheriff deputies, there with a kayak. “And he put me in the kayak. It was a two-
cottage right back.’” They grabbed keys, dry clothes and medicines. “You gotta remember, now, Trudy can’t swim,” Tolson said. “So, we kicked through the door and went down three steps and we were up to our necks. And she said, ‘I can’t swim, Tammy.’ “And I said, ‘Well, guess what? You will not die today on my watch if it’s the last thing.’ “So, I grabbed her shoulder, and I went going and she kept saying she couldn’t feel her feet a couple times. So, I just took her, and we just waded over, and we made it. person. And he was going to take me to the
Lighthouse Road to their rental cottage in
fire station. Well, the current was so intense
back.
he could hardly paddle.” King eventually got to the WOVV
As the water rose, Austin saw a new side to her sister.
community radio studio about a block up
Tolson said the rising water blocked the
the street where Wheeler got dried and later
doors from the outside. Tolson took charge
made it back to her house.
and relates the following:
Trudy Austin, who told her story to N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper who visited the island twice, said Shinn called her just before she and her sister, Tammy Tolson, both native islanders, made a fast getaway out of their house on
“We both looked at each other and said, ‘This isn’t good.’” They ran to the front door which had glass in the lower half. “I looked at it and said, ‘We’re going to our
“Trudy always said that she would never go down on the Titanic with me. After this, she said she would go anywhere with me,” she said. “She turned into Wonder Woman that day!” Trudy said afterwards. Connie Leinbach is the Editor and coPublisher with Peter Vankevich of the Ocracoke Observer, an award-winning publication online at www.ocracokeobserver.com where awardwinning coverage of Hurricane Dorian can be found.
800-776-8566 | www.visitmartincounty.com 59
Grandma’s
Kitchen Sylvia Hughes with her grandmother, Bertie Dameron.
This issue of Eastern Living is about heroes.
I think most men felt threatened by any woman
I guess we all have people in our lives that made
who had a brain.
a tremendous difference in the way we turned out.
Not so my dad. I remember him telling me, not
Our attitudes, thinking and general outlook on life
once but many, many times, “You are one of the
was changed because of them. We may have felt
smartest people I know. You can do anything you
gratitude for having those people in our lives but
set your mind to do. Never let anyone tell you that
never thought of them as heroes.
you can’t do something because you are a woman.
As I thought back over my life, I remembered many people who played important roles in my life. My dad was one of those people. I was born in 1940. During World War II, women played different roles than ever before. They worked outside the home by replacing the men who were called into service for their country. Other women were trained as pilots so they could deliver airplanes to the places they were needed for the war. Even though they were often better pilots than the men, they were not allowed to be part of the Air Force. It seems they were only tolerated to fill roles needed and when the war was over, their service
It is not true. Ignore them and do it anyway.” Because his words were ingrained, I have always ignored those who said, “you can’t” and kept on going. I have never turned down an opportunity to try a completely different career path, a new hobby or a new travel experience. Now that I am older, I still try new things. I am so grateful for a dad who was a so far ahead of his time. My life has been fuller because of him. Not only mine, but my mom’s was too. He encouraged her in anything she wanted to try. She was the first female to be head of a department at a very large plant near our home. He did as much
was simply dismissed. We seldom hear about the
of the housework and cooking as the two of us. He
part they played in the war.
set an example that is hard to beat.
As I grew into my teens, attitudes about women
My dad’s favorite things were my mom’s
had not changed much. Many had entered the work
homemade rolls and her homemade biscuits. I am
force, but not in management and certainly not at
not going to give you her yeast roll recipe because it
a decent salary. Most men considered themselves
is old and calls for letting the bread rise three times.
more intelligent than women and tended to laugh
Her biscuit recipe was in her head. So I am going to
them off if they attempted intelligent conversation.
give you a couple of other recipes my dad loved.
Sylvia Hughes is a retired newspaper editor and columnist residing in Windsor. In addition to three sons, she has a gaggle of grandchildren, many of whom love cooking with her just as she did with her mother and grandmother.
60
Mrs Lyle’s Spoonbread y) (This is good but recipe is funn
1 cup white cornmeal 2 cups boiling water ¾ teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons butter 4 eggs 1 cup whole milk es. Preheat oven to 400 degre wly, Pour the cornmeal slo o the stirring all the time, int thick boiling water until mixture is and and smooth. Add the salt re mo butter in chunks. Stir some
ck. In until it is smooth and sli d milk another bowl, beat eggs an until that mixture foams. at Butter large casserole, be until the two mixtures together into smooth and pour them casserole. 45 Bake between 30 and ed in minutes or until a knife insert and the middle comes out clean . the top is gorgeously brown
Shoney’s Strawberry Pie
add 3 Remove from stove and lo. Mix tablespoons strawberry jel well Bake pie shell and cool. in pie Put strawberries evenly es and pour liquid over berri ell sh d an ar Mix and boil until cle Chill until ready to serve. starch rn co d an r ga su r, te wa , thick 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 4 tablespoons cornstarch 1 pint strawberries, whole strawberry jello
61
62
63
biography
Story by Thadd White Photos by Thadd White & Contributed
Many people remember that day in elementary school when the teacher asked, “what do you want to be when you grow up.� For many, those career dreams as children faded as they went on to do many other things in life.
NOT SO FOR
64
John Holley
“I wanted to be a cop since I was in the first grade,” the Bertie County Sheriff said.
spent as the county’s sheriff. While counties
he
of the Bertie County Sheriff –
– serving as a patrol deputy,
rural
overseeing 911 Dispatch, Sheriff
narcotics officer, detective, chief
have
Holley said his job comes down
deputy and now sheriff.
admits
sometimes
And, now more than 30 years
struggles, the sheriff said he is
into that chosen profession, he
proud of his home county and
has never regretted his choice.
pleased to serve its citizens.
to something simple.
During his rise through the
“My role is to protect and
ranks, he met officers who he
serve the citizens of Bertie
believes helped him along the
County and to be there when
way. He credits retired Bertie
they call or need me,” he said.
County Sheriff J. Wallace Perry
“I love it. It’s the only thing
“The most rewarding part of
I know,” Sheriff Holley said. “I
being in law enforcement – and
love Bertie County. I still say it’s
in my time as sheriff - has been
Like most sheriffs, Holley’s
and former deputies Milton
the best county in the state. I’m
serving the citizens of Bertie
career began as a deputy. He has
Morris, Donald Cowan and Steve
not just saying that because I’m
County,” he said. “I have really
since worked through the ranks
Johnson for their tutelage.
supposed to; I believe it with all
enjoyed being the Sheriff of
my heart.”
Bertie County.”
In January, Holley celebrated
While the role of sheriff has
38 years in law enforcement, the
many duties, including managing
past decade of which has been
a large staff and – in the case
“
My role is to protect and serve the citizens of Bertie County and to be there when they call or need me. 65
under his watch. In addition to his duties, Sheriff
Holley finished Basic Law
Holley has been a fixture in the
Enforcement Training at Martin
community – serving with teen
Community College and attended
court, helping with Relay For Life
the Sheriff’s Leadership Academy
and attending most every major
upon being named Sheriff.
function in the county. He was
He is married to Floretta
also one of the people recognized
Holley, and the couple has two
by the Windsor/Bertie County
sons – Ron and John III – and two
Chamber of Commerce for his
grandchildren – Jailyn and Jalaya.
law enforcement service.
He lives in Merry Hill, where he
When he was appointed, He said their lessons include one he’s always remembered. “You may not always have
stepped down after announcing his plan not to seek re-election. Holley was then appointed to
everything you need, but you do do have,” he said. Sheriff Holley is the only active officer who was on duty when
the
infamous
Be-Lo
1993. He said the case still haunts him, and is one of many he will never be able to forget. Another
of
those
cases
involved a young man in Aulander killed in his car where he was asleep when a gun fight started. The third case he said stands being killed when he was asleep
fulfill that term, and sought
on the couch in the living room.
election later that year.
“I have many cases that will
“I was thankful for the support
always be with me,” he said.
the commissioners gave me in
“These are the first three that
appointing me,” he said. “The
come to mind.”
election was even better. I can’t
the ranks, Holley became Chief
say how much I appreciate the trust of our citizens.”
Deputy in Bertie County upon
In the decade-plus since his
the election of then-Sheriff Greg
elevation to sheriff, Holley said
Atkins. He said Atkins taught
he is proud to have seen the
him how to involve people in
crime rate decrease in Bertie
decision-making.
County, and is pleased with the
“He was never the kind to just
number of murder and breaking
make decisions without getting
and entering cases his office has
input,” Sheriff Holley said. “He
solved.
truly taught me how people should work together.” In
66
February
2010,
The county has also been recognized as one of the top 10
Atkins
career, Sheriff Holley said he is
County Sheriff. He admits it has
grateful for the opportunity to
presented unique challenges in
serve and proud of what he has accomplished. When
contemplating
the
word hero, he paused and gave it thought. “Hero? I think I would say yes. I view all of the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office as heroes. We have a lot of hard-working individuals who sometimes aren’t appreciated for what they do, but we keep working tirelessly.” It
is
the
same
tireless
dedication their leader has shown his entire career – and one he continues to model as he heads towards four decades of service.
out is a young man in Woodard
Working his way through
As he looks back over his
American to serve as Bertie
been recognized as one of the top 10 safest counties in North Carolina under his watch.
murders occurred in Windsor in
was born and raised.
Holley became the first African
“ The county has also
the best you can with what you
in Bertie County.
safest counties in North Carolina
his tenure, but said he believes
Thadd White is Editor of Eastern
all people can and will come
North Carolina Living and the Bertie
together for the good of citizens
Ledger-Advance.
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County: Washington Marker ID: B-29 Original Date Cast: 1951
MARKER TEXT CHARLES PETTIGREW First Bishop-elect of Episcopal Church in N.C., 1794. St. David’s Church, erected 1803 at his expense, and his home are 1/2 mile southeast.
MARK IT! Title To Begin Here
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Rabore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam Information courtesy of the voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no
harles Pettigrew,
remained in Granville County
one of the founders
where he became a student
of the Episcopal Diocese of
of Presbyterian minister
North Carolina, was born in
Henry Patillo. Five years later,
Pennsylvania in 1743. His
Pettigrew took a position
parents moved to Virginia,
as headmaster of Edenton
then North Carolina, and
Academy, a principally Anglican
eventually South Carolina
institution.
where Pettigrew’s father,
Pettigrew’s service at the
James, developed a medical
Edenton Academy had a
practice. Pettigrew himself
profound effect on his religious
N.C. 94 at St. David Road in Creswell REFERENCES Samuel A. Ashe, ed., Biographical History of North Carolina, VI (1907) Dictionary of American Biography, XIV, 515-516 Sarah M. Lemmon, “Genesis of the Protestant Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, 17011823,” North Carolina Historical Review (October 1951): 426-462 Sarah M. Lemmon, Parson Pettigrew of the “Old Church”, 1744-1807 (1970) Sarah M. Lemmon, ed., The Pettigrew Papers, 2 vols. (1971 and 1988) William S. Powell, ed., Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, V, 76-77—sketch by Sarah M. Lemmon
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convictions. Abandoning Presbyterianism, Pettigrew sailed in 1774 to England in order to study under the Anglican Bishop of London. He was ordained a priest under the Bishop of Rochester the following year and returned to North Carolina shortly before the outbreak of the American Revolution. Pettigrew then became rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Edenton. As an Anglican Pettigrew’s loyalties during the Revolution remain questionable. Although he delivered several patriotic sermons, the local citizenry evidently believed that he had Tory leanings. The Blount family managed to have him drafted into the militia despite a state law against the impressments of the clergy. Pettigrew served during the summer of 1780, but escaped fighting in the Battle of Camden that August after paying for a substitute, Zachariah Carter, to serve in his stead. After the war, Pettigrew was a member of the Episcopalian Church, the American form of Anglicanism. From 1790 to 1794 he helped develop the Episcopalian Diocese of North Carolina. At the first official convention held in Tarboro, the five Episcopalian ministers present elected Pettigrew bishop of the proposed diocese. However, Pettigrew, for reasons known only to him, did not attend the two consecutive meetings of the convention,
and thus was never consecrated into his position. Pettigrew dabbled in agriculture, education, and medicine in addition to his religious career. He owned two plantations in Tyrell County, and at the time of his death held thirty-four slaves. Pettigrew also aided his neighbor James Collins, Sr. in the Lake Company. Serving on the first board of trustees for the University of North Carolina, Pettigrew lectured against the absence of religious doctrine in the school’s curriculum. He also became known as a country physician, possibly having received some medical knowledge from his father. Burying whatever animosity existed with the Blount family, Pettigrew married Mary Polly Blount of Mulberry Hill in the late 1770s. Mary died in childbirth in 1786. Eight years later, he married Mary Lockhart. His first marriage produced two children, John and Ebenezer who were both among the inaugural class at the University of North Carolina. Pettigrew died on April 8, 1807, and was buried at Mulberry Hill Cemetery beside his first wife. In 1831, his son Ebenezer moved the remains to the family cemetery at Bonanza Plantation near Lake Phelps. Charles’s grandson, James Johnston Pettigrew served as a brigadier general in the Confederate army and was killed in July 1863 at Gettysburg.
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PARTING SHOTS Thadd White at Boone’s Mill in Northampton County
A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. - Joseph Campbell Veterans, nurses, teachers, police officers,
Nearly every person we interviewed
You’ll also meet some of the most heroic
EMTs, firemen… the list of everyday heroes in
shunned the label of hero personally, instead
folks from one of the state’s worst national
our communities goes on and on.
accepting that moniker on behalf to the
disasters. Connie Leinbach’s story of those
We – like you - are thankful for those
people they represent. They each wanted
on Ocracoke Island who risked everything
who give their all to save our lives, teach our
you – our readers – to know they didn’t think
to save others is heartwarming and, at
children and keep us safe. That’s why this
they were the hero, but just representatives of
times, overwhelming as you remember the
edition is a special one to us. We wanted to
many who do the same things every day.
devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian.
celebrate the unsung heroes in our 12 counties – and this is our attempt to do just that. We talked to people in all walks of life who have become everyday heroes in their communities. They give of their time, they risk their own lives and safety and they make the places we call home better.
it’s not false humbleness. They are truly just doing what they feel called to do – be that running into a burning building or facing a classroom full of youngsters. When we began doing our research, we wanted to include as many types of people as we could – showcasing heroes from every
They each wanted you
walk of life. We soon learned it couldn’t be
– our readers – to know
take the first step in recognizing the “Heroes
they
didn’t
think
they
done in one magazine, but we wanted to Among Us.”
We hope you enjoy the heroes you’ll learn about in this edition, and let us know some of your own for the next time we visit this theme – something we most certainly intend to do. When our next issue hits the street in two months, we’ll dip into our past as we use a former departmental idea – Our Town – as our theme. You’ll learn about individual towns in all 12 counties – their history, their lifestyle and their people. Until then, remember… all who wander
In addition to the 12 individuals you will
are not lost. Continue joining us as we
meet in this magazine, you will have the
wander through Beaufort, Bertie, Edgecombe,
opportunity to read about some of the many
Gates,
representatives of many
law enforcement officers who made the
Nash, Northampton, Tyrrell and Washington
ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe. We are
counties.
who do the same things
thankful to the Officer Down Memorial Page
Thadd White is Editor of Eastern Living
every day.
for allowing us to use their information and
Magazine, the Bertie Ledger-Advance and the
images to share information with you.
Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald.
were the hero, but just
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With these 12 people and so many more,
Halifax,
Hertford,
Hyde,
Martin,
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