WILLIE S. KEARNEY


FRANKLINTON - Willie Salathel Kearney, 73, died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008 at his home in Franklinton. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, Jan. 5, at New Liberty Missionary Baptist Church, Louisburg, with the Rev. Jamil Crosson officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

He graduated from Franklin County Training School in Louisburg and served three years in the U.S. Army, receiving an honorable discharge. He was employed with Otis Elevator Company in Yonkers, N. Y., for many years. After retirement, he returned to his hometown of Franklinton.

Two sons, Arthur Charles Kearney and Barry Parker, and six siblings, Lorina, Wynona, Clara, Recie, William and John Earl preceded him in death.

Surviving: his wife, Ruby; daughters, Karen K. Pierce and Donna K. Claggett (Karl) of Winston-Salem; one son, Chester Maurice Kearney of Brooklyn, N.Y.; three stepchildren, Ann Major (Wayne) of White Plains, N.Y., Donna Epps (Charles) of Yonkers, N. Y., and Jerry (Shenitra) of Ratchford, S. C.; sister, Marie Clifton of Queens, N. Y.; brother, James Kearney (Hazel) of Warrenton; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; seven step-grandchilden; and five step-great-grandchildren.

Arrangements by Cutchins Funeral Home, Franklinton.