NC Human Trafficking laws strengthened

By Loretta Cozart

Senator Ted Alexander introduced SB 626, “Modify Laws Relating to Human Trafficking”, that makes necessary and important improvements upon the laws punishing those who have taken part in this terrible practice, and expanding the ability to aid the survivors who were fortunate enough to get away.

“This is a small, but very crucial step towards eradicating this cancer from our great state, Senator Alexander said. “I also want to thank Melanie Jackson and Katherine Godwin from Compassion to Act, as well as Jim Quick from NC Institute Against

Human Trafficking, and Amy Auth from NC Human Trafficking Commission for members of the various other organizations that provided insight into how best fight Human Trafficking in North Carolina.”

Charles William Summers

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC

– Charles William Summers, 88, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on April 25, 2023 at his home.

He was born in Polk County, NC, son of the late William Pinkney and Lillian Wood Summers and was preceded in death by all 5 of his siblings.

Charles served his country honorably in the US Army and worked for Duke Power for more than 20 years. He was a longtime, devoted member of First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. Charles enjoyed spending time at the church and he loved his church family. He was always active in the community and was well known for his daily walks with his beloved canine companion, Buddy. Charles never met a stranger and enjoyed being out meeting new people. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His desire to be of service, leadership, and love will be missed greatly by everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his wife: Gloria Price Summers; son: Dale Summers, Hickory, NC; grandchildren: Renee Hughes (Keith), Kings Mountain, NC, Jessica Adkins and Adam Summers, both of Blacksburg, SC; great-grandchildren: Khloe Summers, Kyra Hughes, Dainan Hughes, and Payton Adkins

In lieu of a service, the family received friends on Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the home, 915 Sharon Drive, Kings Mountain, NC. Flowers may be delivered to the home.

Memorials in Charles’ memory may be made to First Baptist Church at 605 West King Street, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 or to a Veteran’s charity of the donor’s choice.

Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.

Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services , Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of

Thelma L. Sellers

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Thelma L. Sellers, 91, of 115 Ferguson Dr, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the Kings Mountain Care Center.

Born in Kings Mountain, she was the widow of Gene Milton Sellers and the daughter of the late Andrew Lee and Virginia Falls Burton. Thelma retired from Clevemont Mills in Kings Mountain and was a member of Eastside Baptist Church of Blacksburg.

Surviving Mrs. Sellers are two daughters, Linda Yarbrough and husband, Dwain, of Kings Mountain and Kathy Armstrong of Bessemer City; three sons, Gary Sellers and wife, Susie, Rev. Eric Sellers and wife, Shannon and Mike Sellers, all of Kings Mountain; a sister, Shirley Rucker and husband, Tommy, of Kings Mountain; a brother, Dean Burton, of Kings Mountain; eight grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband of 64 years and her parents, Mrs. Sellers was preceded in death by two sons, Ricky Chambers and Terry Sellers; two sisters, Avel Sellers and Ruby Warlick; three brothers, Dorse Burton, Clarence Burton, and Doyle Burton; and three grandsons, Aron Yarbrough, Casey Sellers, and Colt Sellers.

A funeral service was held on Monday, May 1st, 2023, at 2:00pm at Eastside Baptist Church of Blacksburg with her son, Rev. Eric Sellers, officiating. Interment followed in the Patterson Grove Church Cemetery (Kings Mountain, NC).

The family was at their respective homes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kings Mountain Care Center, 115 Fergusson Dr, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.

The Book of Memories is available at www.gordonmortuary.com.

The Blacksburg location of Gordon Mortuary is