Obituaries
The following are from Edwards Funeral Home:
SAMUEL JASPER TURNER, 86, of Norwood, NC went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 15, 2025, after several years of declining health.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00PM on Friday, September 19, 2025 at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Rev. Jason Almond and Rev. Larry Coley will officiate and interment will follow in the church cemetery, with military honors and masonic rites. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the sanctuary.
Jasper was born March 7, 1939, in Anson County to the late Rosa Allen Turner and Kemp W. Turner. He graduated from Burnsville High School in 1957 and was drafted into the Army in 1959. After returning from the Army he worked for Stanly Knitting Mills and Union Power Company in Oakboro.
Jasper loved hunting, fishing and played church baseball for many years. He was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where he served as Choir Director and Sunday School Teacher. He was a former member of Rocky Mount Baptist Church in Anson County where he served as Deacon, Sunday School Director, Choir Director and RA leader.
Jasper had a passion for fraternal Free Masonary. He was an active and faithful member of Pee Dee Lodge #150 where he served as Master for two terms. He joined Norwood Chapter #164 Order of Eastern Star where he served as Worthy Patron and District Deputy Grand Patron along with his wife.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Melton Turner, wife Christine and Wallace Turner, wife Ruth. Jasper took great joy in his family and enjoyed his life as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and most importantly a child of Christ.
Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Vivian Howard Turner; daughter Mitzi Webb, whom he loved dearly as his own; granddaughter, Attorney Macey Webb, the brightest star in his life, wife Attorney Caroline Latimer; sister, Lilly Keeter of Monroe, precious niece Lisa Burns, his first love, husband Todd of Monroe; Nephew, Scott Keeter of Waxhaw, Nephew, David Melton, Jr; great nephew Nicholas Burns; great nieces' Sally and Kylie Keeter. Also included, lifelong friends and family, Irene Thomas (Doug deceased), Anita and Scotty Alexander, Marsha and Mike Weeks, Terri and Kirk Kettwich, Rachel Huneycutt, John Alexander (Melanie, Kenleigh, Paisley), Luke Alexander (Katie, Ella, Will), Brett Morton (Heather, Adlee, Mayzie, Anson), and Jordan Morton and Chad Taylor.
Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church, 32283 Bethlehem Church Road, Norwood, NC 28128 or Pee Dee Lodge #150, Norwood, NC 28128.
***
Walter Donnell Rushing, 67, was born to Dorethea and James Fletcher Rushing on June 28th,1958, in Albermarle, NC. He entered eternal rest on September 12th, 2025, at the Hospice House of Monroe, NC. He accepted Christ at an early age, at East Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Norwood, NC. Donnell received his formal education at Metro School, in Charlotte NC.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 20th at 1:00 PM; located at East Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Norwood. Rev. Joshua Gaddy will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
He was employed at Target and worked at several special needs work centers within the area. He enjoyed going to church, singing, meeting people, and completing puzzles. He was well known to everyone for his “Big Smile”.
Donnell was preceded in death by both parents, brothers Whon Walker, Flecther Eugene Rushing, and Gary Wayne Rushing. He leaves to cherish his memory, brother Larry Rushing of Charlotte NC (Connie). Sister-in-law Mary Rushing (Flecther) of Albermarle, NC. He also leaves nieces and nephews Shaketa Montgomery, Kelly Walker, Jovona Rushing, Mia Walker, and Shonda Rushing. Great nieces and nephews Aviana, Titionna, Prestyn, Shawn, Jaislyn, Ishmael, and Vani. Great-Great nephews Amari and Yovani. Aunts Emma Smith (Johnny) and Geneviene Myers (Nelrain). Donnell also leaves a host of other relatives, family, and friends.
Special Acknowledgements to Mr. Sammy of the Living Center of Concord, NC. He provided Donnell with friendship, care, and support throughout his time of need.
Donnell’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. We the family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Living Center of Concord and Hospice of Cabarrus and Union County. We would also like to send a special thank you of appreciation to all of those that touched our hearts, lifted our spirits, and uttered prayers throughout this time.
We would especially like to extend our gratitude to East Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church during this time of need. You are greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten.
***
David Keith Simpson, 63, of Charlotte, passed away Thursday, September 11th, 2025; at Atrium Health Main in Charlotte.
A funeral service was held at 2 P.M., on Sunday, September 14th, 2025 at Edwards Funeral Home in Norwood. Rev. JR Murr will officiate. The family received friends one hour prior to the service. Interment followed at Oakboro Cemetery.
David was born on December 14th, 1961 in Stanly County; to Billy Jake Sr and Mary Willene Simpson. Following graduation, David attended barber school and pursued a successful career in hairstyling– opening his own barber shop, ‘Tease Salon’, where he worked the remainder of his career.
David was preceded in death by his father, Billy Jake Simpson Sr, and nephew, Shea McSwain.
David was survived by his mother, Mary Willene Simpson; sister, Cynthia McSwain (Stephen); Brothers: Billy Jake Simpson Jr. (Vickie), and Jeff Simpson (Julie); and numerous nieces and nephews. David also had two very special fur babies, Coco and Gus, that will miss him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Leukemia Foundation, local ASPCA, or local Humane Society.