Frances S. Decker

BROWNS MILLS, N.J. n Frances Susan Decker, 78, of Toms River, New Jersey, died Monday, December 4, 2006 at Deborah Hospital here.

Decker was born in South Orange, New Jersey on July 8, 1928 and spent her childhood in Maplewood.

She graduated from Essex County Vocational School in 1947. She worked for Bamberger’s, Newark and was a volunteer participant in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parades. She also worked as an usherette for Lowes Theater, Newark.

She attended the nursing program at Newark City Hospital working as an LPA at NJ Orthopedic Hospital, East Orange Hospital, Beth Israel, Riverview Hospital and the Atlantic Highlands and Regency Park Nursing Homes. She then worked for Lily Tulip Paper Co. and was a crossing guard in Middletown Tsp. for several years.

She was the devoted wife of Clayton for over 51 years.

Survivors include six daughters, Cynthia Susan Decker, Martha Lee Phillips of Manchester, Michelle Kathleen Murphy of Lansdale, Pa., Sharon Ann and Borusewicz of Browns Summitt, Virginia Naomi Decker of Norfolk, Va., and Jennifer Aileen Decker of Neptune; one son, David Decker of Jackson.

She is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 8 at Scott & Kedz Home for Funerals in Belford, New Jersey with Deacon George Spears officiating. Internment will follow at Bayview Cemetery.

John L. Wilson

DURHAM n John Lee Wilson, 54, died at Duke Medical Center here Saturday, December 2, 2006.

Wilson was a farmer who was born in Bertie County.

Survivors include a son, Cardell Wilson of Killeen, Texas; three brothers, William Wilson of Colerain and Claudie Wilson and Tracy Wilson of Powellsville; eight sisters, Lucille Wilson of Aulander, Sinder Wilson of Greensboro, Flora Wilson, Sylvia Wilson, Gladys Moore, Patsy Moore and Patricia Watford, all of Powellsville; five grandchildren and three God children.

A funeral will be conducted at 12 noon Saturday, December 10 at Greater Wynn’s Grove Baptist Church in Colerain.

Wilder’s Funeral Home of Aulander is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Archer

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. n Mary Archer, 84, died at Sentara Bayside Hospital Tuesday, December 5, 2006.

She is survived by her husband, Warren Archer of Winton; three daughters, Clemmie Moore, Avis Annette Archer, both of Winton and Donna Tutt of Columbus, Ohio; four sisters, Martha Flood of Raleigh, Lillian Walker of Wilson, Nellie Fountain of Winston-Salem and Marion Roddy of Baton Rouge, LA; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 9, 2006 at Phillipi Baptist Church with the Rev. Robert L. Horton officiating.

Burial will follow at First Baptist Winton Cemetery.

Services of comfort are entrusted to Hertford County Undertakers.

Catherine Lassiter

AHOSKIE – Catherine Lassiter, 80, of Ahoskie died Tuesday, December 5, 2006 at Roanoke Chowan Hospital.

She was born on January 6, 1926 in Bertie County to the late William and Arena Bond Simpson.

She was a member of Elm Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Aulander.

Survivors include two sons, James Lassiter of Lewiston and the Rev. Vernon Lassiter of Powellsville;

two daughters, Sylvia Melton of Winton and Janice Raynor of Powellsville; one sister, Vernice Slade of Hampton, VA; 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Services will be held on Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 1 p.m. at Elm Grove Missionary Baptist Church by the Rev. Anthony Ward.

Burial will be held in the church cemetery.

Hunter’s Funeral Home, Inc. n Ahoskie is handling services.

Ralph Deloatch

ROANOKE RAPIDS – Ralph Deloatch, 84, of Woodland died Saturday, December 2, 2006 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

He was born on January 24, 1922 in Northampton County to the late Cleveland V. and Willie C. Joyner Deloatch.

He was a member of St. John AME Zion Church, Conway.

Survivors include one sister, Bernice Mae Powell of Charlotte.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2006 at 1 p.m. at St. John AME Zion Church.

Burial will be held in the Deloatch Family Cemetery, Conway.

Hunter’s Funeral Home, Inc. n Ahoskie is handling services.