Mildred Smith Swain
Mildred Smith Swain, a devout Christian woman of strong faith and love for the Lord, received her Angel Wings on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. She was 92 years old.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 24 years Robert (Bob) Swain; her parents William Andrew Smith Sr. and Nellie Brown Smith; and brothers William “Andy” Andrew Smith, Jr., Alfred Bradley Smith and Kirk Douglas Smith.
Mildred was born the first of five children to the late Willliam (Bill) Andrew Smith and the late Nellie Brown Smith in Richwood, WV November 23, 1933.
She moved from Richwood to Plymouth, NC in 1941 and attended school at Hampton Academy and Washington Street Elementary School. After graduating from high school, she attended Mc Cormick Business School in Joliet, IL. Following school, she worked at the Plymouth Clinic, Planters Bank, Weyerhaeuser and Swain, Inc.
Mildred married the love of her life, Robert Ward Swain in 1979. They operated Swain’s Arabians and Swain, Inc. before re tiring in 2000.
Throughout her life, Mildred was deeply involved in the United Methodist Church. She taught Sunday School when her children were young. She served as: President of UMW; President of the His torical Society for the Elizabeth City District; Historian for PUMC and Elizabeth City District; Chairperson of the Committee for Archives and History for the North Carolina Confer ence; delegate to annual conference several years; Chairperson for numerous ministries in the Methodist church; taught adult Sun day School classes; was a lay minister and was a member of Hebron UMC in Roper.
Mildred leaves behind to cherish her memory, four daughters: Elizabeth “Beth” Marie Ross (Jerry), Ann Winesett Vickers (Pat), Katherine “Kittie” Winesett Davis, Jo Wine sett Barber (Robbie); one sister Julia “Judy” Spruill; 9 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren (to whom she was loving known as “Grams”).
A celebration of Mildred’s life was held Thursday, September 24 at 2 p.m. in the Plymouth United Methodist Church, followed by a private buri al beside her beloved Bob.
The family received vis itors prior to the service at 1 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the church.
Arrangements are by Maitland Funeral Home, Plymouth.
By Mildred’s request memorials may be made to: The Methodist Home for Children, 1041 Washington Street, Raleigh, NC 27605-1259 or Mackey’s United Methodist Church, 17 Mackeys Ferry Road, Roper, NC 27970
Jacob ‘Jake’ Benjamin Spencer
Mr. Jacob “Jake” Benjamin Spencer, 78, of Plymouth NC, and formally of Columbia, NC, peaceful ly transitioned from this earthly life into eternal rest on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Sur rounded by the legacy of a life well lived, Mr . Spencer leaves behind cherished memories that will forever remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Celebration of Life service honoring his life and legacy was held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 3 p.m. at Paradise House of Funerals, located at 383 US 64 W., Plymouth, NC 27962. There was a public viewing one hour prior to the service.
This service was a time of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for the im pact he made throughout his life. Mr. Spencer will be laid to rest at Eastern Carolina Veterans Cemetery located in Goldsboro, NC, at a later date.
Professional services have been entrusted to the compassionate and dedicated staff of Paradise House of Funerals, Inc.
Cathy Jean (Spruill) Anthony
Ms. Cathy Jean (Spruill) Anthony, 47, of William ston NC, and formally of Plymouth, NC, peaceful ly transitioned from this earthly life into eternal rest on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Surrounded by the legacy of a life well-lived, Ms. Anthony leaves behind cherished memories that will forever remain in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A Celebration of Life service honoring her life and legacy will be held on Wednesday, Septem ber 30, 2026, at 12 p.m. at Paradise House of Funerals, located at 383 US Hwy 64 W., Plymouth, NC 27962.
There will be a public viewing one hour prior to the service.
This service will be a time of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for the im pact she made throughout her life.
Ms. Anthony will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery located in Williamston, NC immediately following the Celebration of Life. Professional services have been entrusted to the compassionate and ded icated staff of Paradise House of Funerals, Inc.
Lionel West
May 24, 1940 September 21, 2026
Lionel West of Jamesville peacefully passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026.
He was born in Rowan County, NC, on May 24, 1940, and was the son of the late D’Arcy and Percy Pickens “Ginn” West.
Lionel was a lifelong cartographer. His love of mapping began in 1962 while employed with Mecklenburg County, NC, in the Reevaluation Department. He then worked with the State of Tennes see, mapping and apprais ing real property for several counties. In 1971, he worked with the Carowinds Corporation doing design and layout for the development of the Carowinds Theme Park.
Later, he served as the Tax Assessor for Lancaster County in South Carolina and implemented the first countywide mapping and appraisal program for that state. After several other map ping positions, he became the Washington County, NC Director of Public Works and Planning in 1982. He later started from scratch the current Washington County, NC GIS Department and retired in the year 2000.
In 2001, he worked part-time as a licensed NC Real Estate Appraiser for several years.
Surviving are his wife, Cheryl Jethro West; sons, Brandon and Chad (Ali cia Robinson); a daughter, Pamela Collins (John); a granddaughter, Lindsey Dunning (Bret); sisters, Dora Sloop and Delores Russell; and several other extended family members.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Elwood West.
Per his wishes, there will be no funeral or me morial service.
Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service at Hampton Academy, Plymouth.