Goldsboro Daily News

Determination Leads Grice to Degree from WCC

Amy Roux — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 01:09:03 +0000

GOLDSBORO, N.C. – Thirty-year-old Kenneth Grice graduated with an associate degree from Wayne Community College’s Simulation and Game Development program in December of 2025 after seven years of studies. As a neurodivergent student, Grice overcame many obstacles to earn his college degree, so his graduation day was especially rewarding.

“At my old school, they said I would never graduate. I proved them wrong,” Grice said.

When Grice did not receive adequate support in school, his parents and others opened a private K–12 school for neurodivergent students called New Independence Academy. Grice and another student were the first to graduate from the school in 2016.

After graduating from high school, Grice’s parents encouraged him to think about what he wanted his next step to be. When Grice considered attending college, he discovered that WCC’s Simulation and Game Development program could allow him to pursue his interests in gaming and design.

WCC’s newly renamed Game Art and Simulation Design program provides students with hands-on training in 3D modeling, animation, audio/video production, graphic design, programming, and quality assurance to create simulations and video games. The program offers an Associate in Applied Science degree and three certificates.

Grice enjoyed creating games in his classes, learning how original developers create games from scratch, and gaining knowledge through the expertise of WCC’s faculty. “They helped me out a lot,” he said about his instructors.

WCC Simulation and Game Development Instructor Cheyenne Prybylinski said it was a wonderful experience teaching Grice in the program. “Kenneth was good about asking questions when he needed help,” she said. “He even took multiple projects home and worked on them there. He took extra time out of his day to complete work, and he was a great student in the classroom.”

After seven years of hard work and determination, Grice earned his associate degree in 2025, achieving a significant goal he had set for himself.

Throughout his time at WCC, Grice gained confidence and enjoyed being a college student. He plans to continue his journey in WCC’s Cybersecurity program in the fall.

Grice’s parents shared how proud they are of their son for graduating and persisting in his academic endeavors at WCC.

“They never thought he would graduate from high school, and look at him now—he has graduated from high school and college and is working toward a second degree,” Grice’s father said.

“When he was younger, they never thought he would even be able to communicate,” added Grice’s mother. “To know all he has accomplished to get to this point, to see him fulfilling his dreams—there’s no other word but proud.”

Goldsboro Police Urge Caution When Using Facebook Marketplace

Amy Roux — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 01:01:22 +0000

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — The Goldsboro Police Department is reminding residents to take extra precautions when buying or selling items through Facebook Marketplace and other online marketplaces as scammers continue to target unsuspecting users.

In a recent public service announcement, police emphasized that while many online transactions are legitimate, criminals frequently use fake profiles, stolen photographs, and unrealistically low prices to lure victims into scams.

Officials encourage residents to thoroughly review seller profiles, ask detailed questions about listed items, and be cautious when dealing with newly created accounts or listings that appear too good to be true.

The department also shared several safety tips for online marketplace users, including avoiding deals that are significantly below market value, verifying the identity of buyers and sellers whenever possible, and never sending money before receiving an item. Residents are also urged not to share personal or financial information with unknown individuals.

“Trust your instincts,” the department advised. “If something feels suspicious, don’t meet.”

To further reduce risk, the Goldsboro Police Department recommends conducting transactions in well-lit public locations and bringing a friend or family member whenever possible. Buyers and sellers should avoid meeting alone and remain aware of their surroundings during exchanges.

Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a scam or criminal activity related to an online marketplace transaction is encouraged to contact the Goldsboro Police Department or call 911 immediately.

Law enforcement officials hope the reminder will help residents stay safe while taking advantage of the convenience offered by online buying and selling platforms.

Jeffery F. Ward

Shaun Johnson — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:22:00 +0000

June 8, 2026, 60, Wilson – It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mr . Jeffery F. Ward, age 60, who was called home on Monday, June 8, 2026, at UNC Health Lenoir in Kinston , North Carolina.

The arrangements are currently incomplete.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Ward Family and please continue to keep his family in your prayers during their time of bereavement.

Tanijah Kiera Cobb

Shaun Johnson — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:20:23 +0000

June 7, 2026, 23, Goldsboro – Ms. Tanijah Kiera Cobb, 23, completed her earthly journey and transitioned from labor to reward, Sunday, June 7, 2026 in Nash County.

The arrangements are currently incomplete.

Please remember her family in prayer as they navigate through their time of bereavement.

Johnny L. Little

Shaun Johnson — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:18:51 +0000

June 5, 2026, 76, Goldsboro – With humble acceptance of God’s will, we announce the passing of Mr. Johnny L. Little, age 76, left the cares of this world on Friday, June 5, 2026 at Eagle’s Point Nursing Home in Goldsboro, North Carolina surrounded by his loving family.

The arrangements are currently incomplete.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Little Family and continue to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during their time of bereavement.

Charles Edward Lane

Shaun Johnson — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:14:55 +0000

June 1, 2026, 78, Goldsboro – Coach Charles Edward Lane, 78, completed his earthly journey and transitioned from labor to reward, Monday, June 1, 2026 at UNC Rex Hospital, Raleigh, NC, surrounded by his loving family.

The Celebration of Life will be Saturday, June 13,2026 at 12:00 PM at Goldsboro Raleigh District Assembly,211 W> Hooks River Road, Goldsboro, North Carolina 27530. There will be a Chapel Viewing, Friday, June 12, 2026 from 3:00-6:00 PM at J.B. Rhodes Jr. Funeral Home & Cremations , 1701 Wayne Memorial Drive 27534.

He will be laid to rest at Wayne Memorial Park 2925 US Hwy 117, Dudley, NC 28333.

Please remember his family in prayer as they navigate through this time of bereavement.

Reverend Gregory “Greg” Floars

Shaun Johnson — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:09:29 +0000

June 5, 2026, Goldsboro – Reverend Gregory “Greg” Floars received his ultimate healing Friday morning, June 5, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Throughout his life, he ministered to churches and served as Home Missionary and will be deeply missed by those he touched, ministered to and led to the Lord.

Arrangements are incomplete and in the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day.

Goldsboro Police Investigating Attempted Armed Robbery at Dollar General

Amy Roux — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 23:17:20 +0000

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — The Goldsboro Police Department is investigating an attempted armed robbery that occurred Saturday morning at a local Dollar General store.

According to police, officers responded to a reported attempted robbery at the Dollar General located at 2107 N. William Street on June 6, 2026, at approximately 11:17 a.m.

An employee at the store told responding officers that two men attempted to rob the business and that one of the suspects was armed with a firearm.

The Goldsboro Police Department’s Investigative Services Bureau was notified and responded to the scene to begin a criminal investigation. Authorities have not released any suspect descriptions or additional details as the investigation remains ongoing.

Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying those responsible.

Anyone with information about this incident, or any other crime in Wayne County, is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers by calling or texting 919-735-2255 or by submitting a tip online through p3tips.com. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards of up to $500 for information leading to misdemeanor arrests involving the recovery of drugs, firearms, property, or fugitive apprehensions, and up to $1,500 for information resulting in felony arrests.

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to come forward as investigators continue working to identify and locate the suspects.

Ray Allen Evans Sr.

Shaun Johnson — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 13:25:57 +0000

June 4, 2026, 81, Goldsboro – Ray Allen Evans Sr., 81, of Goldsboro, passed away Thursday, June 4, 2026 at UNC Health Wayne in Goldsboro surrounded by his family.

A graveside service will be held Monday, June 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Wayne Memorial Park in Dudley. A time of visitation will follow the service at the cemetery.

Mr. Evans was born in Wayne County on May 4, 1945 to the late A.J. Evans and Alice Malpass Evans. He is retired from Tyndall Electric.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Gloria Strickland Evans; one sister, Faye Merlin; three special godchildren, Aurora Hogue, Emma Crosby and Kamryn Strickland; three brothers-in-law, Dwight Strickland and wife, Norma, Wallace Strickland and wife, Kathy and Gerald Strickland and one sister-in-law, Gretel Ward and husband, William.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Ray Allen Evans Jr.; three brothers, David, Cecil and Ricky Evans; two sisters, Ann Pospichel and Linda Robinson; one brother-in-law, William Glenn Strickland and one sister-in-law, Laverne Strickland.

The family is in the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.

Carstella Johnson

Shaun Johnson — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 13:20:04 +0000

May 30, 2026, 75, Wilson – Carstella Johnson, 75, beloved wife, mother, sister, and faithful servant of God, peacefully transitioned to eternal rest on May 30, 2026.

Born on November 25, 1950, in Stantonsburg, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Emma and Lonnie Ward. After high school, she moved to New Jersey, where she began a lifelong career in childcare. There she met and married Billy Ray Johnson, and together they built a loving family while traveling throughout the world during his military career, including assignments in Germany, Alaska, Texas, and California, before eventually returning to North Carolina.

A woman of strong faith, determination, and compassion, Carstella devoted more than 50 years to caring for children. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and concluded her distinguished career as a Program Coordinator with Bright Horizons in Cary, North Carolina.

In 1999, she courageously battled breast cancer while faithfully caring for her husband during his illness until his passing in 2001. Following her retirement in 2016, she lovingly cared for her grandchildren and aging mother. Later diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia, she faced her health challenges with grace and remained surrounded by the love and care of her family, especially her daughter, Iris. Throughout her journey, her warm smile, gentle spirit, and unwavering kindness never faded.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Ray Johnson; her parents, Lonnie and Emma Ward; her brothers, Alfred and Willard Exum, Darrell Ward, and Lonnie Ward; and her in-laws, Betty Exum, Judy and Charles Herring, and Earnest Lee and Marvin Johnson.

Those left to cherish her memories are her children: Decoris and Kristen Ward, Monquitta Dixon, and Da-mon and Iris Dames; grandchildren: William Ward Jr., Isaiah Ward, Angelique Robinson, Joey Knight, Shauntessa Johnson, Yamisa Hill, Devin Dames, Julius Dames, and Trenton Johnson; sisters: Sandra Uzell, Rachel Cain, and Patricia Morton; brothers-in-law: Daniel Jr. (Gilda) Johnson, Leroy (Marie) Johnson, Jonah (Renee) Johnson, Ben Cain and Irious Morton; along with a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Carstella will be remembered for her selfless heart, quiet strength, enduring faith, and the countless lives she touched through her love and service. Her legacy will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.

A Celebration of Life honoring her memory will be held Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 12 Noon at LN Forbes Original FWB Tabernacle, Wilson with Bishop Arinzor Blue officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Cemetery.

“May the work I’ve done, speak for me… May the life I’ve lived, speak for me…” Carstella Johnson

Professional and compassionate services entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc.