Gregory Alan Downing
(12/22/1961 - 4/14/2026)
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 8 a.m., Gregory Alan Downing passed away after a 6 year-long battle with cancer in Eureka, CA.
Greg is the middle son of Thomas Eugene Downing, formally of Roper, NC and Joyce Jefferson Downing, formally of Plymouth, NC, grandson of Helen Powell Downing Clark (deceased) of Roper, NC and Minerva Spruill Howcutt Jefferson (deceased) of Plymouth, NC.
Greg moved to Eureka, Humboldt County, CA in 1989 to play basketball at College of the Redwoods. He remained in Northern California and was a passionate community activist in the cities of Eureka and Arcata, CA for the homeless and mentally ill. He will be remembered by many as a local writer and poet, as well as his passion for basketball and music.
An abundance of gratitude and thanks to the staff of St. Joseph's Providence Hospital Eureka, CA, UCSF Hospital Staff San Francisco, CA, the Palliative Care and Hospice House of Humboldt Eureka, CA, and Ayers Family Cremation Eureka, CA for their loving kindness and compassion while caring for Greg; and to Pastor Harold K. Webber Living Way Christian Fellowship, Moreno Valley, CA and Cousin Pastor Thomas Rich River of Life Christian Center, Upper Marlboro, MD for all of the life giving and deep biblical conversations that Greg so loved and looked forward to.
Greg leaves behind his beloved wife, Heather Williams of Eureka, CA; his in-laws Jack and Peggy Williams of Sparks, NV; his parents Thomas and Joyce Downing of Moreno Valley, CA; his brother Thomas Downing Jr. (Marie) of Hesperia, CA; his sister Sherri Downing Saucedo (Dio) of Riverside, CA; his brother Carlton Downing of Farmington, NM; nieces Verena DeGeorge, Ariel Roth, Alisia Downing, Lakin Saucedo and Bryanna Downing; nephews Alonzo Saucedo, Luc Saucedo, and Cobe Downing; Aunts Hilda Prudhomme of Windsor, VA and Clarice Hunter of Winston-Salem, NC; Uncles Gregory Downing of Tallahassee, FL and Keith Downing of Norfolk, VA; a host of grand nephews and nieces, great aunts and uncles, cousins and close friends.
Greg's Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Living Way Christian Fellowship, Moreno Valley, CA. The service will be live on the church's Facebook and Youtube pages.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of Humboldt 2010 Myrtle Avenue Eureka, CA 95501 and/or Food for People 307 W. 14th St, Eureka, CA 95501 PO Box 4922 Eureka, CA 95502.
Danielle Nicole Hortelano
William Danielle Nicole Hortelano, 41 of Hendersonville, formerly of Plymouth, passed away unexpectedly on April 15, 2026. Danielle was born on June 9, 1984. She attended and graduated from Plymouth High School. She attended Roanoke Bible College, now known as MACU.
Upon graduation, Danielle served as a missionary traveling oversea to share God’s word with the less fortunate. She was an active member of Chrysalis and Emmaus of the Albemarle until she moved to Western North Carolina. She was a member of the Emmaus Community there, where she served in the capacity of Spiritual Director. With her love for youth and teaching them the word of God she served as a youth minister at Mills River United Methodist Church.
Danielle continued her education obtaining her master’s degree in counseling from Liberty University. She served as a therapist at a drug rehab center in Asheville.
Danielle is survived by her beloved mother, Minnie Respass Hortelano. Danielle also leaves behind to cherish her memory, an aunt, Deanie Respass Styons (Glen) and an uncle, Rodrigo Arellano (Kristen) and several cousins. Danielle’s memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.
Danielle is preceded in death by her father, Jose Hortelano; her maternal grandparents Minnie Arellano and Clinton Respass; her paternal grandmother, Eutiquria Hortelano and her Aunt Margaret Respass Styons.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Plymouth Church of Christ Family Life Center with Jay Hardison officiating. Family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service.
The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and many acts of kindness shown during this tragic loss. They ask that you continue to pray for them during the days, weeks and months ahead.
Granville “Wayne” Simmons
September 27, 1951 – April 17, 2026
Granville Wayne Simmons, 74, of Columbia, passed away peacefully at his residence, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, April 17, 2026. Wayne was born in Norfolk, VA, on September 27, 1951, to the late Eldon B. and Irene Spruill Simmons. He was happily married to the former Pamela Snell for 51 years, who survives.
In addition to his wife surviving, is a son, Kyle Simmons (Brandy) of Columbia; four grandchildren, Evan, Rylan, Emmie, Timberly; a sister, Teresa S. Davenport (Jimmy) of Chesapeake, VA., an aunt, Jean Gasaway of Loganville, GA, as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Granville Wayne “JR” Simmons, Jr., and his cousin/older brother, Dallas Simmons. Wayne was a dedicated Weyerhaeuser employee for over 40 years when he retired in 2013. During his retirement he enjoyed hunting, fishing and vacationing in Ocracoke, NC. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Wayne’s favorite tradition was the evening rides with Pam around his beloved Frying Pan, NC.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Sound Side Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 2607 Sound Side Rd. Columbia, NC 27925. Jason Smith will officiate.
The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall and at other times at their residence. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Sound Side Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery Fund c/o Dr. Allen Brickhouse, 422 Bridge Path Road, Columbia, NC 27925.
Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Columbia.
Paid Obituary
Wanda Williams
Wanda Hassell Williams, 77, of Plymouth, died Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 24, 1948, in Washington County, she was the daughter of the late Raymond Leroy Hassell and Olive Respess Hassell.
Wanda had a heart for leadership and service. She helped start the Washington County Relay for Life, worked as a secretary at the Washington County Agricultural Extension Office, served as a Cub Scout leader, coached Packers cheerleading, and was an active member of the Plymouth Country Club women’s golf committee.
Wanda is survived by her loving husband, Dennis Williams of Plymouth; her son, Keith Williams (Sherry) of Wilmington; daughters, Buffy Edwards (Cee) of Wilmington and Hollie Everhart (Phil) of Carolina Beach; sister, Greta H. Barber and husband Bobby of Plymouth; brothers, Gene R. Hassell and wife Linda of Columbia, and Gary L. Hassell and wife Susan of Raleigh; grandchildren, Bailey Fornes (Jaylen), Jenson Edwards, Reece Edwards, Kenan Everhart, Palyn Everhart, and Fisher Williams; and great-grandchild, Phoenix Fornes.
A memorial service was held Friday, April 24, at Plymouth Church of Christ.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Patient Nursing Home Auxiliary, Attn: Greta Barber, 111 Hilly Circle, Plymouth, NC 27962.
Arrangements are by Maitland Funeral Home, Plymouth.
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