07/26/06 — JAMES HORTON

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JAMES HORTON

JAMES HORTON

Aug. 9, 1924-July 21, 2006

In the midst of "Sunshine and Sorrow," on 21 July 2006, God called our dear loved one home.

James Anderson Horton was born in Wilson County, North Carolina, on August 9, 1924, to the late James Cleophus and Adora Effie Mae (Barnes) Horton.

He was the oldest child of 11 children. James attended the public schools of Wilson County, North Carolina. At the age of 19, he was drafted into the United States Army. As a World War II veteran, he received the Victory Medal, the Liberation Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Medal.

He served as Past Chairperson of Rocky Branch United Church of Christ (22 years), Pastor's Aid Board, The Bible Class, Prayer Group, as well as being a dedicated and faithful Conference Home Mission Worker, and in many other capacities as requested.

His great love for his church can't be stressed enough, for he gave of his talents and services so unselfishly. His love extended to his wife, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends who will emulate him in the years to come.

In 1943, James was joined in holy matrimony to Dewallis Mae Barnes. They have celebrated their 63rd anniversary and have lived an exemplary life of love, giving and sharing.

James was owner and operator of James Horton Seafood Market, serving the community in Goldsboro, North Carolina, for over twenty-five years, and was retired from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Civil Service.

James was one in a million; words are inadequate to express the extent of his total contribution to life. He never got tired of helping a person to build their dream.

He was loyal to every organization to which he belonged, including Rocky Blue Lodge 56, C.A. Whitehead Consistory 188, Shrine, and Mizpah Suliners Court #66.

He was preceded in death by his daughters, Odessa Horton and Cathrynn Lewis, and also by his three brothers, Linwood Horton, John Melvin Horton and William McKinley Horton.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory: His loving and devoted wife, Dewallis Mae Horton of the home; six daughters: Rose Carol (Leroy) Dreighton of Las Vegas, Nevada; Edna Earl (Willie) Jacobs of Upper Marlboro, Md.; Edith Elizabeth Cox of Columbia, S.C.; Mary Deloris Williams of Stafford, Va.; Deborah Ann Horton of Upper Marlboro, Md., and Johnnie Antoinette Horton of Goldsboro, N.C.; two brothers, Jessie Horton (Rachel) of Goldsboro, N.C., and Hayward Horton of Norfolk, Va.; four sisters, Ruth (Walter) Bond of Norfolk, Va.; Helen Steven of Virginia Beach, Va.; Shirley Horton of Chesapeake, Va.; and Eunice (Henry) Landers of Chesapeake, Va.; son-in-law, John Earl Lewis, and sister-in-law, Esther (David) Renfrow; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; a host of other relatives and friends; special nieces, Linda, Emma, Brenda and Lisa Horton; and a special nephew, Paul Horton.

The funeral will be held Friday at noon at Rocky Branch United Church of Christ in Kenly. The Rev. Douglas Wooten will officiate. Burial will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Wayne Memorial Park.

The viewing hours will be from 3 until 8 on Thursday evening at Hamilton Funeral Home and will include a wake service in the chapel from 7 until 8, at which time the family will be present.

(Written & Paid by the Family)

Published in Obituaries on July 26, 2006 2:00 PM