Car Wreck/Fire

Little Swift Creek VFD was called to a car wreck and fire on Hills Neck Road. The call came in on December 19 at about 4:30 a.m.
The car flipped and caught fire at Mr. Isaac's Curve (between McRay Whitford's home and Bill Robinson's home).
The driver of the black Ford Taurus could not be found.

Vernon E. Norman, 1926-2008

Vernon Elwood Norman, 82, of Ernul, died December 2, 2008, at Craven Regional Medical Center. Vernon was born April 7, 1926, to Joseph C. and Sarah Caton Norman.
He was a 21-year veteran of the US Air Force and a retired foreman with the NC Department of Transportation.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Delores T. Norman; son, Mark Norman of New Bern; two daughters, Julie Wright and Vickie Upton of New Bern; four brothers, Noah Norman of Greenville, Robert Norman of Florida, and Larry Norman and Milan Norman of Ernul; eight grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
Memorial services were December 3, 2008, at Cotten Funeral Home in New Bern.

Thompson-Whitford Wed

Kristy Hardee Thompson and Ira Clifton Whitford were united in the bonds of holy matrimony on Saturday, November 29, 2008, at New Haven Church in Caton with the Rev. Paul Jackson officiating.
The bride is the daughter of Wayland J. Hardee and the late Pansy Sue Hardee.
The bridegroom is the son of McRay and Charlotte Whitford.
The bride was given in marriage by her father. Nuptial music was provided by Christopher Smith on piano, and vocalists Dawn Briley, Delaina Davis, and Davey Toler.
Maid of Honor was Gretchen Thompson. Bridesmaids were Hope McLawhorn, Dawn Briley, Taylor McLawhorn, and Janna Briley. Flower girls were Rachel Thompson, daughter of the bride, and Nora Thompson.
Best man was McRay Whitford. Groomsmen were Keul Whitford, brother of the groom, Keith Fulcher, Adam Fulcher, and Jared Fulcher. Richard Franklin was the ring bearer.
Assisting with the wedding were Jennifer Franklin, Sharon Pomeroy, and Kim Blackburn.
A reception followed in the New Haven Activity Center.
The bride graduated from ECU and is employed by Aldridge and Southerland Realtors.
The groom graduated from West Craven High and attended Craven Community College. He is employed by Craven County Emergency Management.
They will live in Caton.

William Ronald Wetherington, 1923-2008

Mr. William Ronald Wetherington, 83, of Grantsboro, N.C. died on Friday, November 30, 2008, at Craven Regional Medical Center. Mr. Ronald was born on April 2, 1923, in the Caton Community, to Mack A. and Mary Knox Wetherington.
On January 5, 1946, he married Gracie Alene Harrington, who predeceased him on April 28, 1993. He married Carolyn Hill Brigman, who survives, on March 30, 1994.
In addition to his widow, survivors include three sons: Robert, Michael and Ronnie Wetherington; two daughters, Joan Miller and Rhonda Stilley; one brother, Joseph Wetherington; one sister, Jeanette Wilkinsonl; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by one stepson and two stepdaughters.