James Carey Graham Jr.

James Carey Graham Jr., of Roper, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Carey Graham Sr. and Mavis Faulk Graham, and his sisters, Brenda Graham Dowling, Janet Graham Poteat and Jean Graham Anderson. 

He is survived by his son, James Carey Graha, III of Mount Holly; daughters, Mandy Owens of Hampton, VA and Kelli Owens of Culpeper, VA; two grandsons, James Carey Graham IV and Caleb Graham Mayer; five great-grandsons; and sister, Kay Graham Key.

James was a raconteur, jokester, jack-of-all-trades and an all-around good guy. He loved cheap bourbon, Wake Forest sports and jokes. If you knew James, you probably recall a joke he told you.

James traveled extensively and lived life on his own terms. His family and friends will dearly miss him.

James wasn’t a traditional man, so there will not be a conventional service. Instead, we ask you to celebrate his life as he lived it, with a good (or bad) joke, a finger of bourbon, or an act of kindness for someone who needs it.

Paid obituary

Amy Bowen Phelps

Former Plymouth resident Amy Bowen Phelps died Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at her home in Creswell.

Reverend Vickie Woolard officiated a service Sunday, August 17, at Maitland Funeral Home, Plymouth.

The family received friends following the service at the funeral home and other times at the residence.

Arrangements are by Maitland Funeral Home, Plymouth.

Henry Norman Wrighton

Roper resident Henry Norman Wrighton, 77, died Friday, August 8, 2025, at his home.

Funeral services were held Saturday August 16, at Toodle's Chapel, with burial in the Wrighton Family Cemetery, Roper.

The family received friends for one hour prior to the service.

Toodle’s Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Obituary Policy

The Roanoke Beacon includes free obituaries for current residents or those with connections to Washington County. That information includes date of death, connection, service and memorial details. Families wishing to publish more complete information will be billed at the regular advertising rate. Deadline for Wednesday publication is 5 p.m., Fridays, however, obituaries will be accepted beyond that as time and space allows. Only information submitted by a funeral home or crematorium will be accepted.