Karen Zimmerman Bleadingheiser
Former Washington County resident Karen Zimmerman Bleadingheiser, 76, of Perrysville, Ohio, passed away peacefully after a brief battle with cancer on June 29, 2025, at the Medina County Hospice House. She was surrounded by family and dear friends who were singing one of her favorite hymns when she entered into the presence of the Lord.
Karen was the oldest child of Willard and Ester Zimmerman. She was born in Winchester, Indiana, on March 13, 1949.
She graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in 1971 and married James (Jim) Jay Bleadingheiser on July 9, 1977.
She grew up in Indiana, lived in Illinois for college and then moved to North Carolina. There, Karen met and married Jim and welcomed two children Ray and Beth into their family. Eastern North Carolina was home for Jim and Karen until they moved to Perrysville, Ohio in 2022.
Karen was a dedicated and loving servant of Jesus, her family and the church. She was proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild.
Karen was a quiet, loyal, faithful servant of God. Karen was an active member of any church she was a part of. She also played the piano and organ for the churches she was involved in. Most recently, the Loudonville Church of the Nazarene.
Karen loved baking, sewing, doing cross-stitch and visiting lighthouses. Karen was an elementary school teacher and held various other staff positions in education.
After she retired from teaching, she found a new role as switchboard operator at Coastal Eye Clinic in New Bern.
Karen is survived by her loving husband, James (Jim); son, James Ray Bleadingheiser of Creswell; daughter, Beth (Joe) Heath of Loudonville, Ohio; grandchildren, Taylor, Kelsey and Ema Bleadingheiser and Peter and Jacob Heath; great-grandson, Klayton; a brother Phillip (Barbara) Zimmerman; brother-in-law, Dennis; nieces, Rachel Zimmerman and Denise (Eric) Hershberger; and nephews, David (Amy) Zimmerman and Jeremy (Heather) Knee.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Esther Zimmerman, and her sister, Rachel Knee.
The family received friends at Loudonville Church of the Nazarene in Loudonville, Ohio, on Saturday, July 5, followed by a memorial service
A celebration of life barbeque will be held at Plymouth Church of the Nazarene on August 9. Time will be determined later.
For those friends and family opting to donate in her memory, donations may be made to Team Peter to find a cure for Batten Disease, which their grandson Peter has, by visiting https://p2p.charityengine.net/FamFunds/Fundraising/individual/teampeterheath.
Paid obituary
William Henry Slocumb Jr.
William "Henry" Slocumb Jr., 84, of Belhaven, passed away at his home on the Pungo River Saturday, June 28, 2025, with his loving wife, Teresa Modlin Slocumb, by his side.
Born in Raleigh on December 23, 1940, Henry was the son of the late William Henry Slocumb Sr. and Laura Willard Allen.
Henry began his college education at N.C. State University, later transferring to Gaston Technical College, where he found his path in mechanical engineering and laid the foundation for a long and successful career.
He served as President of Plymouth Garment Company for over 30 years, where he was known for his innovation, generosity and holiday spirit, hosting festive Christmas lunches and delighting employees with door prizes and awards. He always kept a red Santa bag well stocked throughout December with holiday treats to share at work and in the community.
After retiring, Henry brought joy to children and families as Belhaven’s beloved Santa, appearing in parades, parties and wherever he was invited in eastern North Carolina. With his long white beard, twinkling blue eyes, and warm smile, he was often spotted by children who were certain they had seen the real Santa. He never missed a chance to make their eyes light up.
Henry was an early member of the Emerald City Big Band and a founding member of the Tar River Community Band, playing saxophone and electric bass guitar for over 30 years at Greenville’s Sunday in the Park, Independence Day celebrations and Christmas concerts at nursing homes, elementary schools and even local malls.
Henry is survived by his wife, Teresa; his three children, Patrick, Kathryn, and Andrew; Teresa’s daughter Tara; his grandchildren, Anna, Will, Garrett, Shaun, Sydney, Lily and Grace; and step-grandson Bryson.
Henry was preceded in death by Ann Slocumb, the mother of his children, and his brother, John Allen Slocumb.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 26, at Hope Free Will Baptist Church in Plymouth.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope Free Will Baptist Church, 156 Roxie Reese Road, Plymouth, NC 27962.
Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com
Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Slocumb family.
Paid obituary
Carlie Ray Swain
Carlie Ray Swain, 78, of Roper, died Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at his home.
Pastor Ronald Spruill officiated a service Saturday, July 5, at Toodle’s Chapel, in Plymouth. Burial followed in Toodle’s Cemetery.
The family received friends prior to the service at the funeral home.
Toodle’s Funeral Home, Washington Street, Plymouth, was in charge of arrangements.