They Left Us Too Soon...

Paul Martin Layne, the only child of the late Martin Layne and Lucille Davis was born February 25, 1937, in Brookly, New York at Kings County Hospital. He passed on March 6, 2025. He was educated in the Catholic schools, elementary and junior high school. He graduated from Haaren High School that was located in mid-town Manhattan, New York. He matriculated at City College of New York (CUNY), with an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering. He continued his studies and earned a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering, also City College of New York. Paul began his career with the New York City Transit Authority, as an engineer and remained in this position for 15 years. Due to his proficiency and expertise in engineering, he was selected to serve the United States government within the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). His career expanded to 23 years’ service with the CIA. He traveled throughout the United States and the world, with assignments in Asia, Canada, Europe, South America, and Africa. Paul's parents predeceased him. He is survived by his wife Iris, stepmother Hazel Layne, family, and many friends. In lieu of flowers please make your donations to The Kappas of Durham Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 21162 Durham, NC 27703 in the name of Paul M. Layne. Click on the Add Comments Line below to leave a message for the Layne Family Funeral Arrangements: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Antioch Baptist Church 1415 Holloway Street Durham, NC 27703. Visitation period from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm., with funeral services beginning at 1:00 pm. Guest Book

Sharon Lovane Hinton peacefully departed this world at her home on Thursday, February 27, 2025. Sharon was the daughter of Frank Sanders and Annie Wiggins Sanders. She was born December 19, 1953, in Johnston County, NC. To know Sharon was to love her; she had an incredible gift of kindness that touched everyone around her. Sharon was cherished in the community and found joy in her faith as a prominent member of Juniper Grove Church in Four Oaks, NC under the leadership of Bishop Charles Williams. Sharon was preceded in death by her loving parents, Frank and Annie Doris Wiggins Sanders, and her beloved husband, Louis Hinton, Sr., two brothers, Ronnie Sanders, Fredrick Sanders, two sisters, Rebecca Proctor, and Wanda Paul. Left to mourn her loss are six wonderful children; Selena Sanders, Rhonda McRae, Arthur McRae, Debrah McRae, Jessica McRae, Louis Hinton, Jr., 23 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, who will carry her legacy forward. Also, two sisters Regina Sanders, and Doris Ford and a host of other relatives and friends. Viewing: Monday March 10, 2025, at Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremations Chapel 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd. Smithfield, NC., from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm. Funeral Services: Tuesday March 11, 2025, at Juniper Grove Disciples Church 5350 U.S. Hwy 301 S. Four Oaks, NC., viewing 11:00 am until 12:00 noon Funeral Service starting at 12:00 noon. Services will stream live on our Facebook page starting at 11:55am Click on The Add Comments Line Below to leave a message for the Family of Sharon L. Hinton. Guest Book Family or Deceased Name: Mrs. Hinton Your Name: Silky Email: eboniyarn@yahoo.comp Message: R.I.P! MRS SHARON! YOU were truly a beautiful person, and you were always nice to me Arthur, Rhonda K,etc ... Stay up! Got nothing but love for yall we grew up together would love to see yall! Respect! Date: 030625

It is with heartbreaking sadness to announce that Maria Elaine Grzech, 63 has been summoned by singing angels to meet our Lord, Jesus Christ. She passed on Friday, February 28th in Smithfield, NC at SECU Hospice House. Maria had a successful and award-winning graphic design business, Projects by Design Corp., for over 35 years. She was raised in Dickson City, PA by her parents Ed and Mary Ann Paczkowski. She graduated from Bishop O'Hara High School and received her B.A. in Communications from Marywood University in PA. Maria leaves behind her loving and devoted husband of 40 years Albert Grzech. She also survived by her 2 children; Shelby and Luke. Her children were her pride and joy. She volunteered to foster and adopt over 50 dogs; Maria had a special fondness for Greyhounds. She loved to golf, travel. play the guitar and go to the beach. Myrtle Beach was her favorite. Thanks for the prayers and support from Ann Marie, Kandi, Jennifer, Megan, Myrna, Michelle and also her siblings. Special thanks to all her caregivers, and a very special thank you for the support from Jose, Tammi, and Lance. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local dog rescue shelter in the name of Maria E. Grzech. No visitation will be planned. Click on the Add Comments Line Below to leave a message for the family of Maria E. Grzech. Guest Book Family or Deceased Name: Maria Grzesch Your Name: Shanyn Kramersmeier Email: shanynk@mchsi.com Message: I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Maria. I met Maria through our son’s competitive sports. She was such a large presence, and you could always count on her to be there cheering the loudest and supporting Luke and Shelby in whatever they were doing. She will truly be missed!💔 Date: 030325 Family or Deceased Name: Maria Grezch Your Name: Nancy Cherkas Email: nancy@iowagop.org Message: God Speed my dear friend. Loved watching the boys play sports together - lots of hours on the bleachers having an amazing time. Evening "catch up "sessions at Johnny's and so many more great times. Love and miss you! You are an amazing Lady! Date: 5157078345 Family or Deceased Name: Maria Grezch Your Name: Susan Geller Email: susankgeller@yahoo.com Message: I have such fond memories of Maria. She has a heart full of gold. Very loving and generous heart. Rest in Peace, my friend. Date: 03-01-2025

Mr. Lee Everett “Rudy” Liles, of Smithfield, NC passed away quietly at his residence on Saturday February 22, 2025. Mr. Liles was born January 8, 1947, in Johnston, County, NC. He was the son of the late Lee C. “Toby” and Virginia “Jenny” Liles. . Lee attended public schools in Johnston County and attended Fayetteville State University. For many years Lee dedicated his life to serving the community in Johnston County. He was a member of St. Mark AME Church in Smithfield, where he held various positions most importantly the Board of Trustees. Although Lee started his career teaching Middle School Science and Math in Virginia, he returned to North Carolina where he served for over 25 years and retired as Director of Adult Education at JCC. For many years he served his community as a member of the Rotary Club. He also dedicated endless hours serving actively with a powerful voice on the Housing Authority Board. Lee leaves one son, Daron who retired after 23 years from the U.S. Military as a Master Sergeant, grandchildren, Leiland Xzayvier Liles, Christiana McLean, Chloe Williams, Eric Daniels, bonus daughters, Christie Williams, Kimi Williams, sister, Barbara Liles Monk (Harvey), brother, Donald Liles and a host of other relatives and friends. Viewing/Funeral Services: Saturday March 1, 2025. Viewing from 10:00 am until 11:00 am with funeral services beginning at 11:00 am at St. Mark AME Church 409 Bridge St., Smithfield, NC. Click on the Add Comments Line below to leave a message for the family. Guest Book Family or Deceased Name: Lee "Rudy" Liles Your Name: Pamela J White Email: pjwhite3@comcast.net Message: Dear Cousins Barb, Donald, and DeRon and Leiland: I will truly miss Cousin Rudy. He had such a fun and loving sense of humor. May our Heavenly Father bring all of you comfort during this very difficult time. Please know that I am praying for all of you. Love you guys. Cousin Pamela J. White Date: 4135372756 Family or Deceased Name: Lee Liles Your Name: Charles Joyner Email: cjoyner@ncsu.edu Message: Barbara, Donald, and the Liles family; I am deeply saddened by the news of Lee’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you navigate these difficult times. May God bless and keep you. Date: 919-348-0999 Family or Deceased Name: Liles Family Your Name: Rev. Dr. Robert O'Neal Jr. Email: roneal@liberty.edu Message: We at The Tabernacle can only imagine the grief and sorrow that you bear. May you find comfort during this time as God strengthens your heart with His love and peace. With caring thoughts and prayers from Rev. Dr. Robert O’Neal, Senior Pastor and the church family of O’Neal Revival Tabernacle, 500 Richardson Rd, Zebulon NC. Date: 919-375-4275 Family or Deceased Name: Lee Liles Your Name: Glenn Holder Email: gholder67@hotmail.com Message: Condolences to the family on your loss Date: 02282025 Family or Deceased Name: Lee E Liles Your Name: Monie Watson Pinder Email: mwpinder@hotmail.com Message: Barbara and family. I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your brother and my classmate. Although I was only at JCTS for a year and a half, Lee was one of the most memorable class mates because he was so friendly and had such a great since of humor. I hope that you will cherish all of the great memories of your brother and may those memories make you smile and bring some peace to you and your family during this trying time in your life. Date: 3017758903 Family or Deceased Name: Mr. Lee Liles Your Name: Edward White Email: edwardwhite5011@gmail.com Message: Sorry For Your Loss An Prays Goes Up To The Family Date: 919-920-9719 Family or Deceased Name: Lee Liles Your Name: Johnston County NAACP Email: president.joco5408@gmail.com Message: On behalf of the Johnston County NAACP, we send our prayers and condolences to the family. We also want to thank "Mr. Rudy" for his contributions and advocacy efforts through the years. He was a pillar in our community and will be sorely missed. To the Monk Family; we are with you in this time of uncertainty and pray that the peace of God will comfort you in the days to come. With Love, Rev. Dr. Christopher Kornegay Branch President- JoCo NAACP Date: 2-26-2025 Family or Deceased Name: Lee Everett "Rudy" Liles Your Name: Elizabeth Anne Temple Email: etemple92@yahoo.com Message: Losing many good people in Johnston County, N.C. Praying for you and your family. Date: 919-909-2556 Family or Deceased Name: Lee Liles Your Name: Doris Wallace Email: dwcsw610@yahoo.com Message: I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your brother. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I can't imagine the pain and loss you're feeling right now, but I want you to know that you're not alone my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With deepest Sympathy Doris Wallace Date: 2-26-2025 Family or Deceased Name: Rudy Liles Your Name: Debra A Johnson Email: debranne.emba@gmail.com Message: My condolences go out to you Barbara and Donald. Rudy was the jokester among us. I will miss him dearly. We may not see each other often but we would have fun conversations over the phone. My dear cousins, your brother is in a much better place. God bless the family as we mourn our brother Rudy. He sorely will be missed. I'm still in shock. Date: 713-503-0218 Family or Deceased Name: Lee Liles Your Name: Carolyn Davis Clark Email: carolynjclark245@gmail.comMy Message: My sincere prayers and condolences to the Liles family. RIP Classmate Date: 312-856-7502 Family or Deceased Name: Lee Rudy Liles Your Name: Lenora Morris Email: morrislenora@aol.com Message: The Liles family is in my thoughts and prayers. I am a friend of his cousin Saranda McNeill Woods. May God continue to give the family strength in days to come. Date: 9198036042 Family or Deceased Name: Lee Liles Your Name: Jean Archibald Email: sue4u@windstream.net Message: I will miss Lee. He was a good friend and co-worker at JCC for many years. Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time. In deepest sympathy, Jean Archibald Date: 02-25-2025 Family or Deceased Name: Lee Liles Your Name: Patricia Green Email: pd2gr@yahoo.com Message: My condolences to Barbara and the family. I got to know Lee as a fellow Bronco and his sister, Barbara. May cherished memories give you peace. Date: 2-25-2025 Family or Deceased Name: Lee Liles Your Name: Hope Drayton, Class of 1965 Email: hsdrayton123@gmail.com Message: How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity and love! Lee helped us to promote love and unity in our class. Lee was a well-loved member of the class of ’65 of JCTS. When we heard of his home going;we immediately thought of the void that it leaves in our lives and our ascwell as our hearts. Some of us were just with him planning our 60th class reunion. He was our rock in many ways- always there, always willing to listen or to help in any way that he could, just so friendly and caring. We wonder how we can go on.Yet we know that Lee would have wanted us to go on. Our hearts are heavy with grief, but we thank God for the 78 years that he gave him to us. We will go on, but we will always remember him with love and often smile when we think of him. The Class of ’65 of JCTS Date: 2-25-25