We’re keeping the birthday love flowing for Cora Green Wellington Dawson, who turned 98 on February 28!
nonagenarian
Happy 99th birthday, Henrietta Hines McIntosh!
Black Wide-Awake joins her children and church family in wishing Henrietta Hines McIntosh a wonderful 99th birthday!
Figuring this family tree thing out.
Lane Street Project has enriched my life in many ways, among them introduction to wonderful people I would not otherwise have gotten to know. Portia Newman is one. Though we are both graduates of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and, it turns out, both among the unnumbered thousands of Adam T. Artis‘ descendants, more than two decades separate our paths through Wilson. Nonetheless, we share an unshakeable sense of family and place and a deep commitment to paying forward our gratitude for both. I was not surprised, then, to see this morning that Portia was giving us gifts on her birthday.
Here, in four parts and a dope video, are Portia Newman’s reflections on the importance of documenting family history and her plan for doing so. All of us can be, must be, preservationists. Save your stories.
And, here, listen to Portia’s grandfather, Donald Lee Woodard Sr. talk about his life in the Red Hill area near Stantonsburg. “You just got to live your life. By being 98*, I have seen a lot and been through a lot.” (Be sure to watch to the very end!)
Happy birthday, Portia!
Rest in peace, Arlean Lindsey Snead.
“Ms. Arlean Lindsey Sneed, 99, of Hampton, VA surrounded by family, departed her earthy life on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. She was one of nine children, born on March 10, 1926, in Wilson County, to Phil and Lugenia Lindsey who predeceased her. She was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ who constantly sought God through prayer. She is survived by her children: Henry (Carol) of Hampton, VA, James (Linda) of Jackson, MS, Marvin of Elm City, NC, Veretta S. White (predeceased), ten grandchildren, a host of great grandchildren, family, and friends. In addition to her deceased parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers and five sisters.
“Her Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 12:00 pm at Calvary Presbyterian Church, 209 Pender St., E., Wilson, NC. Reverend Henry Sneed will deliver the eulogy. Interment will follow in Williams Chapel Cemetery, Williams Chapel Church Road, Elm City NC.”
Calvary Presbyterian’s radiant queen mothers!
Calvary Presbyterian Church‘s recent 136th Homecoming celebration brought together these three vibrant nonagenarians!
Wilson County natives Henrietta Hines McIntosh, 98, and Arlean Lindsey Sneed, 99, stand behind Addie Scipio Hagans, 97, who taught English to generations of students at Darden and Fike High Schools.
Photo courtesy of Cassandra Wiggins.
In memoriam: Doris Vick Walker, age 98.
Wilson Daily Times, 6 May 2010.
The long marriage of John and Eula Mae Boykin Renfrow.
Wilson Daily Times, 31 May 2010.
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In the 1920 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer John Renfrow, 33; wife Mary, 31; and children Rennie, 12, Plummer, 10, Vernon, 9, John O., 5, and Burnice, 3.
In the 1920 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer William T. Boykin, 44; wife Sarah, 41; and children Elvira, 17, Katie, 15, Ida, 13, William T., 10, Ula M., 4, Lillian, 2, and Junius, 1.
In the 1930 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer John M. Renfrow, 41; wife Mary, 40; and children Vernon, 17, John O., 15, Bernice B., 13, David, 10, Minnie I., 4, and Myree, 1.
In the 1930 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer William T. Boykin, 54; wife Sarah, 52; and children Ida, 14, W. Howard, 20, Eula M., 14, Lillian, 13, and Jounious, 11.
On 15 May 1935, John Omes Renfrow, 20, of Kenly, son of Johnny and Mary Renfrow, married Eula May Boykin, 18, of Lucama, in Smithfield, Johnston County, N.C.
In the 1940 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer John Renfrow, 25; wife Eula Mae, 24; and children Louretha, 3, Edna Gray, 2, and Marie, 1.
In 1940, John Omes Renfrow registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 26 October 1914 in Wilson; lived at Route 3, Kenly, Wilson County; his contact was Eula Mae Renfrow; and he worked for George R. Hinton.
In the 1950 census of Springhill township, Wilson County: farmer John O. Renfrow, 35; wife Eula Mae, 34; children Retha, 13, Eula Gray, 12, Marie Van, 10, John Donald, 7, and Katrina, 3; and mother-in-law Sarah Boykin, 65, widow.
Rocky Mount Telegram, 5 September 2011.
Rocky Mount Telegram, 1 February 2014.
The obituary of Marjarena Bunn, age 98.
Journal and Guide (Norfolk, Va.,) 25 April 1942.
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In the 1870 census of Upper Town Creek township, Edgecombe County, N.C.: Margiana Smith, 12, domestic servant in the household of Benjamin Mills, 33, black.
On 28 October 1874, Amos Bunn, 22, married Morgann Gowins, 20, in Edgecombe County.
In the 1880 census of Upper Town Creek township, Edgecombe County, N.C.: blacksmith Amos Bunn, 26; wife Morgia, 23; children Matilda, 3, John Henry, 2, and Amos, 11 months; and servant Mary Sharp, 16.
In the 1900 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Amos Bunn, 51; wife Mojano, 40; children Tildy, 24, Amos, 21, William G., 19, Lewis B., 17, Genetta B., 14, Sallie B., 13, Jonas B., 10, Louisannie, 7, Eddie B., 3, and James W., 2; and mother Tobitha, 80, widow.
In the 1910 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: farmer Amos B. Bunn, 58; wife Margeanner, 45; and children Sudie, 23, Sam, 19, Lender, 17, and Ed Mc., 14.
In the 1920 census of Toisnot township, Wilson County: on Winstead Road, Amos Bunn, 65; wife Anna, 48; and sons Junie, 24, Lundie, 23; and Ed, 22.
Marganna Bunn died 8 April 1942 in Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 23 March 1853 in Thelma [sic], N.C.; was the widow of Amos Bunn; and was buried in Elm City Cemetery. Mitilda Clark, 1405 North 18th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was informant.
Sudie Bunn Johnson died 8 April 1947 in Elm City, Toisnot township, Wilson County. Per her death certificate, she was born 8 April 1888 in Wilson County to Amos Bunn of Wilson County and Margie Anna Jones of Halifax County; was married to Bennie Johnson; and was buried in Elm City Cemetery.
The obituary of Myrtie Ruth Jones Tabron, nonagenarian.
Courier-Post (Camden, N.J.), 24 September 2011.
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In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 808 East Nash, Butler Jones, 39, painter; wife Myrtle, 36; and children Gertrude, 12, Louise, 6, Joseph, 5, Ruth M., 3, and Willard, 3 months.
In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1011 East Nash, owned and valued at $2500, Butler Jones, 49, building painter; wife Myrtle, 46; and children Gertrude, 23, cook, Louise, 16, Joseph, 15, Myrtle, 11, William, 9, and John, 8.
On 21 April 1939, William Tabron, 24, of Wilson, N.C., janitor, son of Henry Tabron and Mattie Smith, married Myrtie Jones, 19, of Wilson, N.C., daughter of Butler Jones and Myrtie Johnson, in Emporia, Greensville County, Virginia.
In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 1011 East Nash, Butler Jones, 59, painter; wife Myrtie, 51; sons Joseph, 25, Willard, 20, and John, 19, all painters; and William Tabron, 26, janitor at Carolina Theatre, wife Myrtie Tabron, 21, and daughter Patsy, 3 months.
In 1940, William Lemon Tabron registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County. Per his registration card, he was born 29 September 1914 in Wilson; lived at 1011 East Nash Street; his contact was wife Mytie Ruth Tabron; and he worked for Lumberton Tobacco Company, Lumberton, N.C.
In the 1950 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Butler Jones, 69, painting houses for building construction company; wife Myrtie, 67; son John H., 27, painting houses; his wife Lizzie M., 28, domestic servant; son-in-law William L. Tabron, 30, painting houses; daughter Myrtie, 30, babysitting; and their daughters Patsy, 10, and Julia, 9.
William Lemon Tabron died 19 December 1966 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Per his death certificate, he was born 29 September 1914 in Wilson, N.C., to Mattie Belle Smith and Thomas Henry Tabron; lived in Camden, New Jersey; was married to Myrtie Tabron; worked as a painter; was a World War II veteran; and was buried in New Camden Cemetery.
Happy 97th birthday, Donald Lee Woodard Sr.!
Today we celebrate the 97th birthday of Donald Lee Woodard Sr.!
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In the 1930 census of Eureka township, Wayne County: farm laborer Marcelius Woodard, 36; wide Adlonia, 26, farm laborer; sons Andrew, 6, Roscoe, 5, Donie L., 3, and Kelvin [Calvin], 1; and boarders Leslie Malone, 30, farm laborer, and Nannie Hastings, 48.
In the 1940 census of Faison township, Duplin County, N.C.: farmer Marcellus Woodard, 46; wife Adlonia, 35; and children Andrew 17, Rosker, 15, Donie, 13, Calvin, 11, Rosevelt, 9, Mary, 7, Margree, 4, and Jessie James, 5 months.
In 1944, Donald Lee Woodard registered for the World War II draft in Wilson County.
On 28 December 1949, Donald Lee Woodard, 22, of Walstonsburg, married Hazel Artis, 20, of Stantonsburg in Wilson, Wilson County.
In the 1950 census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County: hired farm laborer Clinton Artis, 50; wife Mattie, 45; children Charles E., 19, lumber company laborer, Appie Louise, 17, cook, Constance B., 15, maid, William H., 13, Cleveland O., 10, Harley M., 7, Douglas, 5, Lois Jean, 3, and Carolyn E., 2; daughter Mary Hazel Woodard, 21; son-in-law Donald Woodard, 23, lumber company employee; and granddaughter Brenda Joyce Woodard, 1.
Many thanks to Portia Newman for sharing this joyful photo of her grandfather. We wish him so many more fantastic birthdays!