Mary Brickhouse Ambrose

Mary Brickhouse Ambrose, age 74, of Creswell, passed away at her home on Tuesday morning, April 22, 2025.

Mary was born in Tyrrell County on April 1, 1951, and grew up in Columbia. A graduate of Columbia High School, she retired as CFO of Washington County Hospital.

Mary was a faithful member of Mount Hermon Methodist Church. She loved the Lord and served him in previous years by singing in the choir. She enjoyed reading her Bible and daily devotions. 

She loved doting on her grandchildren and was affectionately called "Greatmama".

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Lehman Penn Ambrose Jr. 

She is survived by their two daughters, Melissa Rose and husband, Johnny, of Greenville, and Lynn Knapp and husband, Billy, of Jacksonville; four grandchildren, Cody Ambrose, Madison Rose, Kyler Holmes and Emma Rose; one great grandson, Jase Ambrose; a sister, Alicia Davenport (husband Greg); a brother, David Brickhouse (wife Julie); brothers-in-law, Ronald Ambrose (wife Janet) and Michael Ambrose (wife Kay); and sister-in-law, Yvonne Ambrose, all of Creswell; brother-in-law, Mike Bowen of Elizabeth City; and many nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Learolean Brickhouse; brothers, Gaius Brickhouse and Edward Brickhouse; sister, Wanda Phelps; in-laws, Lehman Penn Ambrose Sr. and Caddie Comstock Ambrose Lilley Capps; brother-in-law, Bobby Ambrose; and sister-in-law, Alice Bowen.

Reverend Lee Wise officiated a service Friday, April 25, at Mount Hermon Methodist Church, Creswell. A graveside service followed at the church cemetery.

The family received friends prior to the service Friday at the church and other times at the family residence.

Arrangements are by Maitland Memorial Chapel, Creswell.

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James Hugh Frashure

September 26, 1940 – April 15, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of James H. Frashure Sr., who died peacefully after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 84 years old.

Jim was born on September 26, 1940, on Morgans Run in Doddridge County, West Virginia, to the late Clyde and Mamie Frashure.

In 1958, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a jet engine mechanic, proudly serving his country for 23 years. His distinguished military career took him across the globe, with assignments in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States.

While stationed in Italy in 1963, Jim met and married the love of his life, Maria Marin. Their marriage of over 60 years was a testament to enduring love, commitment, and partnership.

Throughout his service, Jim received numerous commendations, including the Air Force Longevity Service Award with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with ten Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Vietnam Service Medal, recognizing his faithful and honorable service around the world and during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.

Following his military career, Jim worked for General Electric for 15 years before retiring to Plymouth, North Carolina, where he embraced the peace and simplicity of a quieter life.

Jim was a man of many passions. He loved family vacations to North Carolina’s Outer Banks, gardening, hunting in West Virginia, barbecuing, and playing cards and board games.

He was a dedicated parishioner and volunteer at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Plymouth and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Known for his sharp wit, hearty laugh, and a signature sense of humor, Jim also had a deep respect for order and fairness — he was a stickler for the rules, and you always knew where he stood.

Above all, Jim cherished his family.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Maria Frashure; his children, James Frashure Jr. and his wife, Kim, of Gloucester, Massachusetts, Thomas Frashure and his wife, Jennifer, of Hayes, Virginia and Lucy Pizzimenti and her husband, Joseph, of Cary. He was a proud grandfather to Derek Frashure, Thomas Frashure Jr., Amber Banks, Danielle Frashure, Kamryn Frashure, Anna Pizzimenti and Ava Pizzimenti. Jim was also blessed with nine beloved great-grandchildren, through whom his legacy will live on.

He is also survived by his siblings: Clyde Ryan Frashure and his wife, Kathleen, of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, Stanley Frashure and his wife, Judy, of Palmyra, Virginia and Virginia Merritt of West Union, West Virginia; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved him dearly.

Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Marjory June Mullens of West Union, West Virginia.

Jim’s legacy is one of strength, humor, devotion, and service. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jim’s memory to a Catholic charitable organization, the Parkinson’s Foundation, or a veterans’ organization of your choice.

Apex Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Diane Spruill Twiddy

Diane Spruill Twiddy, 81, of Creswell, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, April 18, 2025, in Chowan River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Edenton.

Mrs. Twiddy was born in Currituck County on November 29, 1943, and was the daughter of the late Elbert Duard and Beedie Ambrose Spruill.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Pat Tyson, and brothers, Don, Jay and Ken Spruill.

She was a homemaker, best cook ever, retired farmer (the Cotton Queen) and poultry grower for Perdue.

In years past, Diane enjoyed the fellowship of Mt. Tabor Original Free Will Baptist Church in Creswell.

She served for many years as a Hospice volunteer and enjoyed being a secret Santa to several children in the community over the years. She especially cherished caring for senior citizens in the community.

Diane loved cooking more than was needed for her family and sending plates all over the county to anyone she thought might enjoy a home-cooked meal. If there was a need in the community, she quietly helped.

She instilled in her children and grandchildren to work hard and that they could do anything if they set their minds to it.

She adored the 16 years of retirement spent with her husband and grandchildren at the "beach box" in Buxton. The ocean became her favorite "music". 

Surviving is her husband of 64 years, Ben "Frank" Twiddy Jr.; her daughter, Cindy Twiddy Pope (husband, Andy) of Belhaven; a son, Ben Twiddy (wife, Sarah) of Edenton; three sisters, Brenda Williams of Creswell, Cheryl Williams of Edenton and Kathy Biggs of Moncure; a brother, Jeff Spruill of Columbia; five grandchildren, Dallas "D.J." Hufton II, Frankie Gray Small, and Jacob, Joshua and Elizabeth "Tabby" Twiddy; a great-granddaughter, Addison Hufton; and a multitude of extended members of both the Spruill and Twiddy families.

In accordance with her wishes, private services will be held.

The family will greet visitors at her home, 3275 Davenport Forks Road, Creswell, NC.

Flowers are welcomed or memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Tabor Church, in care of Joey Reynolds, 470 Breezy Banks Road, Roper, NC 27970.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the loving care given to Diane by the staff of Davita in Edenton, who became family to her, and to the wonderful caregivers at Chowan River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Miller and Van Essendelft Funeral Home and Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.

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