Iris Jean Simmons Ambrose
Iris Jean Simmons Ambrose, 95, of Creswell, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family and friends on Wednesday, Septem ber 3, 2026.
Born on April 30, 1931, in Tyrrell County, she was the daughter of the late Linwood Simmons and Lucy Spruill Simmons.
She was preceded in death by her h sband, Delton Garfield Ambrose; son, Joseph Winston Ambrose; brothers, Arnold Simmons (Cora) and Glenn Simmons; sis ter, Marjorie Weatherly (Kenneth); and brother in-law, Van Vanmeter.
Iris was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and woman of faith whose life was centered around her family, her church, and hard work.
She was a longtime member of Mt. Tabor Free Will Baptist Church, where she dearly loved her church family. Throughout the years, she faithfully served her church in many ways. She played the piano, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, served with the Ladies Aid, and was a member of the hospitality committee. Her faith and church family remained an important part of her life.
Iris was the proud wife of a farmer and DOT bridge tender and was never one to sit around and be still. Whether she was working around the farm, tending to things at home, or cooking in the kitchen, she always seemed to have some thing that needed doing. Her home was often a gathering place for family and friends, and she could frequently be found in the kitchen preparing food for everyone. She also enjoyed working with her hands and spent many happy hours quilt ing, sewing, and knitting.
Above all, Iris loved her family. She was especially proud of her sons and deeply appreciated the love and care they gave her, particularly during the later years of her life. The home she created was one filled with family, food, faith, and many years of cher ished memories.
She is survived by her devoted son, Jess Ambrose of the home; sister, Linda Vanmeter of Bridgeport, West Virginia; one granddaughter; four great-granddaughters and many loving nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Tabor Free Will Baptist Church in Creswell. The family received friends from 1 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. in the church Fellowship Hall prior to the service. Burial followed at the Ambrose Family Ceme tery at 3099 Arnold Hill Rd. Creswell, NC.
Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, or Amedisys, 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.
Arrangements by Maitland Funeral Home, Creswell.
Sherry Rose McNair Moore
Sherry Rose McNair Moore, 66, of Plymouth, NC, passed away August 24, 2026, at home. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday Septem ber 8, 2026, at Toodle’s Funeral Home, with El der Silas Norman, offi ciating. Cremation will follow the service. Viewing will be 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday Sep tember 8, 2026.
Arrangements provided by Toodle’s Funeral Home.
Michael ‘Big Mike’ Todd Thomas
Mr. Michael “Big Mike” Todd Thomas 55, of Plymouth, NC peacefully transitioned from this earthly life into eternal rest on Tuesday , September 1, 2026.
Surround ed by the legacy of a life well lived, Mr. Thomas leaves behind cherished memo ries that will forever re main 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 will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 3 p.m. at the Washington County High School Gymnasium, lo cated at 3177 US Hwy 64 E., Plymouth, NC 27962. A walk-through viewing will take place one hour prior to the service.
Mr. Thomas will be laid to rest at Ellis Lee Cemetery located in Plymouth, NC, immediately following the Celebration of Life.
Professional services have been entrusted to the compassionate and dedicated staff of Paradise House of Funerals, Inc.