Oberia "Bee" Frances Carroll Vawter

Oberia "Bee" Frances Carroll Vawter, 88, passed away on Thursday, July 26, 2018. She was born on June 23, 1930, in Reidsville, North Carolina to Frank and Mabel Carroll. She graduated from Wentworth High School and attended Bob Jones University.

On March 31, 1950, Bee married Walter "Ray" Vawter, Jr., also of Reidsville. Together they would embark on life's journey that would take them from Reidsville to Greensboro, Lumberton, Havelock, Rockingham, Pulaski, Greensboro, Atlanta, Raleigh and New Bern. Without a doubt, Bee would say her greatest joy in life was her family. Ray and Bee celebrated 68 years of marriage this past spring. Together they had three precious daughters, welcomed son-in-laws with open arms, and happily greeted seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

As Ray's career with Sears flourished and moves ensued, Bee would organize the household relocation. She worked a variety of jobs, but by far her most favorite occupation was that of switchboard operator. Lasting friendships wherever they lived was without a doubt the blessing of moving on...Relationships built through the Church and alliances with fellow Civitans brought tremendous joy and companionship.

Bee is survived by her husband, Ray; daughter Judith Alexander (Win) of Greensboro and her children, Scott Kelly (Kathy), Kathryn McMillan (Patrick), Ashley Garcia (Rolando), Derek Kelly and girlfriend Katie Glester; daughter Cindy Sutherland (Terry) of Greensboro and their children, Wayne Sutherland (Kyndal), Candace Matthews (Derrick); and daughter Pam Price (Joe) of New Bern and their daughter Olivia Gill (Timothy). Great grandchildren include Kandis Grist, Nicholas Kelly, Colt Matthews, Connor Kelly, Graham Sutherland, Tyler Matthews, Tucker Sutherland, Daniel Garcia, Lachlan McMillan, Ella Garcia and Oberia "Obie" McMillan. Bee is also survived by her loving and devoted brother, Phillip Carroll and his partner, Gary Thrailkill of Concord and three nieces, Faith Billingsley and Brenda Williams of Reidsville, and Suzanne Carroll of Martinsville.

Bee is predeceased by her parents and siblings Norma Carroll Billingsley and J. Frank Carroll.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 11:00 at First Baptist Church, 239 Middle Street, New Bern, NC. The family will receive friends in the sanctuary following the service. On Sunday, August 5, 2018 at 3:00, there will be a Gathering of Friends for Visitation with Family at Reidsville Alliance Church, 1300 Freeway Drive, Reidsville, NC.

The family shows great appreciation for all of the caregivers involved in Bee's care over the past two years.

For those considering memorial donations the family suggests they be made to Craven County Hospice, 2818 Neuse Boulevard, New Bern, NC 28562 or Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina, PO Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450.

On-line condolences are welcomed at www.cottenfuneralhome.com