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Edward Best High School, 4011 NC 56 Highway E, Louisburg, NC (2026)

03/04/2026

JUDY GAYNELLE F. EASON
EBHS Eagle Class of 1952

April 27, 1934 – February 25, 2026

Judy Gaynelle Finch Eason, 91, of Raleigh, died Wednesday evening in Raleigh.

Gaynelle was a daughter of the late Otha and Onnie Smith Finch. She was preceded in death by her longtime partner, Eugene Hunter; sister, Murlene Haire; brothers, Ellis Finch, Graham Finch, Mack Finch, J.S. Finch and Hilton Finch.

Gaynelle graduated from Edward Best High School in 1952. She then went on to Hardbarger Business School in Raleigh. She worked for Westinghouse until her retirement. She was musically gifted she played the piano and sang. She loved poetry and fashion.

The family will receive friends 1 – 2 pm prior to the funeral service at 2:00 pm Thursday, March 5, at Maple Springs Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Gaynelle is survived by her daughter, Angela E. Eason of Kinston; brother, Clarence Finch; sisters, Rosa Lee Gupton and Gwen F. Wheeler all of Louisburg; grandsons, Stephen A. Cash, Luke W. Eason and Dillon P. Wicker; numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory

02/15/2026

Playing a little catch up on some Eagles that didn't get posted for whatever reason but are always remembered! I believe Marlow was Class of '72 and appreciate his brother, Lamont, for reminding me!

LOUISBURG - Funeral services for Marlow "Big Red" Richardson, 64, who died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, will be held Friday, Oct. 12, at 1 p.m. in the Richardson Funeral Home Chapel in Louisburg, with the Rev. Thomas Richardson officiating. Burial will follow in the Richardson family cemetery.

Surviving: wife, Deloris Richardson of the home; sons, Lamont and Chris Richardson, both of Louisburg; his mother, Nettie Richardson; sisters, Lorean Bobbitt, Bettie and Patricia Richardson; brothers, Stephen Richardson Jr. (Linda), Cofield, Louis and William Richardson, all of Louisburg; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Open visitation will be Thursday from 3 until 7 p.m. at Richardson Funeral Home in Louisburg.

Arrangements by Richardson Funeral Home, Louisburg.

02/14/2026

Happy Valentines Day Everybody! 💓💗💛💖💕♥️

02/13/2026

EBHS mourns the lost of Class of '77 Eagle
Condolences to his family, friends and FD community!

David Lyndell “Dale” Malone, 66, passed away on February 10, 2026, while serving his community with the White Level Fire Department. Dale was born on February 13, 1959, to the late Willie and Annie Collins Malone. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Eddie C. Malone.

Dale is survived by his wife, Sandra “Sandie” Malone; his sons, David Malone (Felecia) and Michael Malone (Heather); his stepdaughters, Crystal Williams (Jeff) and Joyce Epps (Derrick); and his grandchildren, Mackenzie, Chloe, Ayden, Levi, Jackson, Jaylyn (Matthew), Thomas, Isaac, Avaleah, and Felicity.

A devoted husband, grandfather, public servant, and friend to many, Dale dedicated his life to serving others. He proudly worked for the North Carolina Department of Transportation for 30 years, where he was known as a dependable and hardworking employee who took great pride in his work. Even more remarkable was his 47 years of faithful service to the White Level Fire Department. The fire department was more than a duty to Dale — it was a calling. He answered countless calls, gave up holidays and late nights, and was always ready to help anyone in need. His commitment, reliability, and willingness to serve his community left a lasting impact on fellow firefighters and the citizens he protected.

Outside of his service, Dale enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved hunting and fishing and treasured any opportunity to be outdoors. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his grandchildren, who brought a special light to his life.

Dale and his beloved wife, Sandie, were rarely seen apart; wherever he went, she was by his side.

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous heart, and lifelong dedication to his community, his family, and the fire department he so faithfully served. Dale leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and commitment that will not be forgotten.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Lancaster Memorial Park, with the Reverend Ted Jones officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dale’s memory to the White Level Fire Department.

02/10/2026

It was brought to my attention by Jean (Goolsby) Lord that Lisa also attended EBHS till the school closed and she finished elsewhere. She was sister to Edward Best Eagles Coach Butch Harris. Our thoughts are with her family and friends. Thanks Jean!

Lisa Jo Harris Byrd, 62, of Spring Hope passed amongst family and friends on January 22, 2026.

Lisa was born on December 27, 1963 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina to Charles and Cescile Harris.

She graduated from Campbell University, where she met the love of her life, John, to whom she wasmarried for 39 years. She and John returned to Franklin County where she deepened the strong rootsshe had in the community from her childhood in the area. They spent many years at Du ke Memorial Baptist Church and raised their daughters there. Lisa was well known for her servant leadership and hergenuine smile, and could hardly go to the store without running into someone thrilled to catch up with her.

Lisa was a member of Louisburg United Methodist Church where she devoted time to three handbell
choirs, youth group, the church’s AV team, and serving anywhere she could to spread the love of Christ.

She thoroughly enjoyed working each week at St. Paul Presbyterian Church with food distribution for
anyone in need.

During the last few years, Lisa served on Task Force Hope to organize, plan, and lead LUMC’s monthlyOpen Table and to coordinate food and communications for the White Flag Shelter, making anyone she could reach fed, warm, and welcomed. When she wasn’t serving the community at large, she spent her time conspiring against the deer eating her apple trees and trying to convince her grandchildren to nap.

Lisa was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Cescile Harris and her brother Charles “Butch”Harris, Jr.

Lisa is survived by her husband John Byrd; her daughters Erin (Brandon) Brown, Meredith (Besweri) Walujjo, and Sarah (Caleb) Roderick; her beloved canine companion, Bristol; her five grandchildren Ezra Brown (6), Isla Brown (3), Parker Walujjo (2), Cescile Walujjo (4 mos.), & Kay Walujjo (4 mos.); her sister Melody Harris, and her brother Mike (Dene) Harris. Additionally, she is survived by multiple nieces and nephews and other extended family. We miss her deeply.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at Louisburg United Methodist Church, 402 N Main St, Louisburg, NC 27549, Tuesday February 3, 2026 at 3:00pm. Following the service, a community Open Table will be held in the fellowship hall in Lisa’s honor.

In lieu of flowers, please donate as you’re able to Louisburg United Methodist Church’s Task Force Hope.

02/09/2026

I'm not sure if Donna graduated at EBHS ... but she attended till it closed and her family attended.
So please give condolences to the Matthews and Miller's and many others for their loss. RIP Eagle

Donna Matthews Miller, 64, of Spring Hope, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at her home. Donna was born on July 5, 1961, to Willis Warren and Esther Murray Matthews in Vance County, NC.

Donna is preceded in death by her father, Willis Warren Matthews.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 42 years, Dale Miller; her two daughters, Shannon Stephens (Cliff) and Jamie Narron (Brent); her mother, Esther Matthews; three grandchildren, Maggie Narron, Payton Stephens and Jason (Bubba) Narron as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Donna worked as an LPN with over 35 years of service. Over her career, she worked at Franklin Regional Medical Center, Franklin Family Medicine and Wake Forest Endoscopy. Donna never met a stranger and enjoyed being a nurse. She was a phenomenal caretaker. In her free time, she enjoyed camping and traveling. She enjoyed going to the beach and the lake. Donna was a faithful member of Duke Memorial Baptist Church. She enjoyed cooking and would cook a big family dinner every Wednesday night. She enjoyed making crafts for her family and spending time with her grandchildren. Donna had a true servant’s heart and was always encouraging and uplifting to others.

Family will receive friends and visitors on Sunday, February 15, 2026 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm at Duke Memorial Baptist Church, 3976 NC-581, Louisburg, NC 27549. Funeral Service will be held at 3:00pm. Burial to follow at the Duke Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery.

02/04/2026

Lost another Eagle - Patricia was Class of '74

Patricia Ann Branch, 70, passed away on February 03, 2026 at her home in Louisburg, NC. Patricia was born on December 30, 1955 to the late Maurice and Ruby Marshall Colbert. In addition to her parents, Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Wilson Branch

Patricia loved all children, but especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed relaxing at the beach. Patricia also enjoyed cooking for her family. She loved outings with her sisters and gatherings with her family.

Patricia is survived by her daughters, Melissa Sutton (Jimmy) and Michelle Colbert; her four grandchildren,Jyrazia Sutton, Jaylen Sutton, Jamia Sutton, and James Jones, Jr. ; and her siblings, Jerry Colbert (Donna), Donna Dancy (Fred), Joyce Pleasants (Johnnie), Pam Forsyth, and Freddie Colbert (Florence).

Services for Patricia will be private.

01/28/2026

Condolense to the family of BOBBY LEONARD MURPHY, April 30, 1938 – January 21, 2026
I'm guessing Bobby would have been Class of 1956, if anyone knows, I'll correct.

Bobby Leonard Murphy, 87, of Castalia, passed away Wednesday morning at Brekenridge Retirement Center in Rocky Mount.

Bobby was the son of the late Baldy Lee and Daphine Leonard Murphy. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia R. Murphy; and brother, Rex Murphy.

Bobby is survived by his son, Leonard Murphy and wife, Paula; brother, Jerry Murphy (Linda); sisters, Carolyn Cannady (Leonard), and Patty Rust; sister-in-law, Sandra Murphy; special friend Barbara Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held 2 pm Wednesday at Red Bud Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimers Association, P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-601; or to the Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg. www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

01/26/2026

Sad to hear the lost of 1959 EBHS Eagle
Our condolences to her family

Florine Swanson Gupton, 85, passed away on January 25, 2026. Florine spent many years working at Thompson Cadillac, but her greatest joy was found at Angier Baptist Daycare, where she cared for and loved the children as her own. Her heart for others extended beyond work - she was a devoted supporter of her family, often seen cheering loudly and proudly for Dan, Tony, and Scott wherever their sports journeys took them.

Later in life, Florine dedicated her time to volunteering at Angier Baptist Church, deepening her connection with her cherished church family. Her kindness, warmth, and unwavering faith touched countless lives.

Florine is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Dan Gupton; son, Scott Gupton and his wife Jeannie of Garner, NC; son, Tony Gupton and his wife Melody of Smithfield, NC, and granddaughter Ashton Anne. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom she treasured dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Rhiley Swanson, and her beloved brother, Robert Lee Swanson.

Florine's legacy of love, laughter, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Her visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 10:00 to 10:45 am in Angier Baptist Church,155 S Hickory St, Angier, NC.

Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 11:00 am in Angier Baptist Church. The graveside service will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 11:00 am in Maple Spring Baptist Church Cemetery, 1938 NC 56 Hwy E, Louisburg, NC.

A service of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home - Angier.

01/07/2026

Unfortunately late posting. James Larry Hicks, EBHS Class of '74 joined Donnie Hicks and Bobby Strickland for a game of basketball in Heven. Late posting but never forgotten... please see Bobby's obit below.

James Larry Hicks, age 67 of Rocky Mount, departed this earthly life on Sunday, August 13, 2023.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00PM, Friday, August 18, 2023 at William Toney's Funeral Home, Spring Hope. Interment will follow at Walnut Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Louisburg.

A viewing will be held from 11:00AM - 1:00PM, prior to the service.

A Service of Love and Dignity provided by William Toney's Funeral Home, Spring Hope.

01/07/2026

Just before Christmas, I stopped behind a stranded motorists in the middle of the road in Mapelville. It was Johnnie Strickland, wife of old class mate Bobby Strickland. I said I hadn't seen Bobby in probably 4 or 5 years, hows he doing? She said Bobby passed July 2021. I didn't know. She said Bobby loved his Edward Best buddies. I told her I was so sorry... I knew Donnie Hicks had passed but not Bobby! She said yeah, James Larry Hicks too! I said they starting to get a right good basketball team up there.

I'm sorry to post obituaries late... but late is better than never. Please advise me if I miss anyone... info is at top page. It certainly is not intentional.

James Larry will be publish above Bobby shortly.

Mr. Bobby Earl Strickland, age 65 of Louisburg departed this life on 7 28 2021. EBHS Class of '74

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday, August 2, 2021, at Oakwood Cemetery, Louisburg.

A visitation will be held from 3-6 PM, Sunday, August 1, 2021, at William Toney's Funeral Home, Spring Hope. The family will not be receiving guests at their residence, please sign the guestbook on his obituary, or at the visitation at the funeral home.

Bobby leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 42 years, Johnnie Dunn Strickland, his son, Derrick Devon Strickland of the home, grandchildren, Jasmine K. Dunston of Durham, North Carolina, Devonte L. Allen and Devanity R. Allen of Raleigh, North Carolina and Esau M. Strickland of Durham, North Carolina, sisters, Nina Strickland of Castalia, North Carolina, Dina Hunt (Ronnie) of Castalia, North Carolina, Teresa Strickland of Castalia, North Carolina, Jerkema Willams of Louisburg, North Carolina, brothers, Ronnie Strickland of Castalia, North Carolina, Thurman Strickland Jr. (Pamela) of Louisburg, North Carolina, Sam Strickland of Louisburg, North Carolina, Roy Davis (Katina) of Louisburg, North Carolina, Dondrell Alston (Whitney) of Rolesville, North Carolina along with a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A service of Love and Dignity provided by William Toney's Funeral Home in Spring Hope.

Edward Best High School

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