Nona MasonAugust 2, 2023Nona Malcom Mason died peacefully this week, following an extended season of declining health. Nona loved deeply and she got great joy out of life; she had a unique laugh that many will fondly remember. Please be in prayer for her husband, Woody, and her daughters in their grief.
A Celebration of Life will be held this Sunday, August 6th at 2pm at Few Interfaith Chapel at Croasdaile. You can lead more about Nona’s life in her obituary Even in our sorrows and struggles, we cling to the sure and certain hope we have in Jesus, of a life and love that will continue through God’s great mercy. |
Shirley JonesJune 27, 2023Shirley Jones, died on Tuesday, June 27th. Shirley’s husband, George, preceded her in death less than a year ago. Shirley was a loving mother and grandmother, a member of Open Door Sunday School class, a sassy dancer, and a woman of deep faith
One of the hymns that sung at Shirley’s memorial service was “His Eye is On the Sparrow” and the words of that chorus guide us to the peace that only God can give: “I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free; For God’s eye is on the sparrow, And I know God watches me.” Click here to view the recording of her funeral service. |
Edgar TomsJune 13, 2023We sadly share that Edgar Shelton Toms, Jr. died on Tuesday, June 13th. Edgar’s death follows a long season of declining health. He leaves behind a loving family, including his wife, Edith.
We mourn our earthly loss and cling to the hope-filled promise of Jesus that Edgar is now free from suffering and wrapped up in the beautiful love of God. If you would like to send cards of love, prayer, and support, Edith’s home address is: 45 Kimberly Dr Durham, NC 27707 A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at Duke Memorial United Methodist Church. Click here to view the funeral livestream. |
Jackie LinebergerJune 11, 2023Jackie Lineberger died peacefully on Sunday, June 11th. She was passionate about music and blessed us for a season of singing in the alto section of our Sanctuary Choir at Duke Memorial. You can read more about her wonderful life in her obituary.
Please hold her daughters, Sandra and Anne, and their families in your prayers. A Memorial Service will be held at Few Chapel at Croasdaile on Saturday, July 22 at 2:00pm. We grieve our earthly loss of Jackie, but rejoice that her voice is now part of the great chorus of saints, praising God forevermore! |
Carolyn HarrisMay 31, 2023We are sad to share that Carolyn Harris died on May 31st. Carolyn’s career was in toxicology and she enjoyed a season of singing in the choir here at DM, as well as serving on our Finance Team even through her final weeks of life. Carolyn leaves behind a loving family, including her husband of 25 years, Mike, and their sons Alex and Christopher. The family are still in the process of making plans, but a memorial service will likely be held in September of this year.
Even as we grapple with the sharp pain of our grief, we find our steady hope in the God whose love holds and treasures us, now and forever. Amen. |
Mary John CaldwellApril 11, 2023Mary John Best Caldwell passed away peacefully on April 11th in her Croasdaile Village United Methodist Church apartment in Durham, N.C. Mary John was with her sons Lee Wade Caldwell and James Best Caldwell. Mary John was a member of Duke Memorial United Methodist Church for over 50 years. As a teacher and librarian for 30 years with the state of North Carolina, she enjoyed enriching the lives of many young students in Durham. She also enjoyed Topsail Island and their quiet beaches. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Herschel Caldwell Jr. She is survived by her two sons, Lee & James, along with her sisters Debbie & Pat, her brother Gary, her sister in law Carol and many loving nieces and nephews.
In her honor, donations can be made to: Duke Hospice Duke Home Care Duke Memorial UMC 504 W Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701 c/o Elevator Fund Read her obituary here. |
Waylon Grimm, Sr.March 8, 2023Waylon Grimm died on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at the age of 87, following a brief period of decline. Waylon and his wife Nancy Cool Grimm were residents at Croasdaile and both also served regularly as greeters here at Duke Memorial before their health prevented their routine attendance. Waylon was an artist, projectionist, car enthusiast, digital trailblazer, friend, uncle, husband, and beloved child of God. Nancy died almost one year ago, and Waylon has missed her dearly ever since. We give thanks that he no longer suffers and is swept up, with Nancy, in the eternal promise of hope we have in Christ Jesus.
To read more about Waylon's life, please see his obituary here. A private family graveside will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023. |
Joe Kennedy, Jr.February 21, 2023We are sad to share the news that Joe Kennedy, Jr. died February 21st, 2023. Joe was born and raised at Duke Memorial by his parents (Joe “Everett” and Grace Kennedy), and then attended Parkwood UMC in Durham with his wife, Susan, while their children were growing up. Joe and Susan returned to us at Duke Memorial in 2012, and moved to Croasdaile during the pandemic.
To read more about Joe’s life in architectural design, volunteerism, devoted family life, and as a “true Southern gentleman” you can find his obituary here. Please reach out to Joe’s wife Susan (2600 Croasdaile Farm Parkway, The Orchard, Durham, NC, 27705) with cards of sympathy and support. |
Sheila VaughnJanuary 20, 2023We grieve the death of church member Sheila Vaughn on Friday, January 20th. Sheila died from complications due to health issues spanning several months. She was 75 years old.
We give thanks for the ways we, at Duke Memorial, got to know Sheila and experience the light and hope of Christ through her in Bible studies and in worship. We grieve her dying alongside her son, church member Tim Vaughn, his wife Alicia and their three children, Abbie, Andrew, and Aiden as well as Sheila's daughter, Tammy Vaughn. Tammy’s long-time friend and roommate, Dana Isles, was also a daughter to Sheila. Sheila lived most of her life in New Jersey. Her family will be hosting a service of death and resurrection on March 4th at the Elmer United Methodist Church, Elmer, NJ. We invite you to send your stories about Sheila and/or your words of love and support to Tim and his family at 1023 Valley Rose Way, Durham 27712. |
Al Buehler
January 5, 2023
With sorrow, we share the death of Duke Memorial member, Al Buehler, lovingly known as "Coach" by many. In the global community, Al is honored as an Olympic track coach who touched the lives of countless athletes. In Durham, he's a beloved former track and cross-country coach for Duke University, a champion for justice and equity, and the namesake of one of our community's beautiful walking trails. At Duke Memorial, Al served in many leadership roles and chaired numerous boards and committees since he and his wife Delaina joined in January of 1959. Surely, one of his lasting legacies at Duke Memorial will also be his love of and enthusiasm for playing our tower bells.
But above all these accolades and honors, Al Buehler is a beloved child of God whose earthly race has finished and who now dwells in the presence of our Creator, forevermore. A memorial service for Al will be held at Duke Memorial Saturday, January 28, 2:00 pm in the sanctuary. Click Here to view the service online. Please be in prayer for Al's wife, Delaina, their children, grandchildren, and extended family. Words of love and prayer can be mailed to Delaina, 2701 Pickett Rd, Apt 4004, Durham, NC 27705. Obituary |