Berenice Small Artis
Arrangements for U. S. Army Veteran Bernice Small Artis, 69, were Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at Springfield Baptist Church, Sawyerville. Directed by Washington and Paige Mortuary, Greensboro. Bernice Small Artis peacefully transitioned from this life on May 23, 2026. A native of Greensboro, Bernice was born oon September 28, 1956, to the late Kilas (Emma) Rutley and Ethel Small. Bernice lived a life marked by strength, compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication. She was the kind of woman who left a lasting impression everywhere she went. Whether through her service, her wisdom, her laughter or simply her presence, she had a way of making people feel seen, love, and valued. She poured herself wholeheartedly into everything she did and cared deeply for the people around her. Shortly after graduating from Greensboro High School, Bernice answered the call to serve her country by joining the U. S. Army at only 17 years old. Through courage, discipline and perseverance, she honorably served for 20 years. Her military service reflected the strength and determination that defined her entire life. After retiring from the Army, Bernice continued building a meaningful legacy through various careers and accomplishments. She was a proud graduate of Faulkner University, where she earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and her Master’s degree in Justice. Education was important to her, and she believed in constantly striving to better herself and those around her. Above all else, Berenice was a loving mother, sister, aunt, family member, and friend. Her love was fierce, genuine, and unforgettable. She was devoted to her family and remained a steady source of wisdom, support, and encouragement throughout her life. Even through life’s disappointments and hardships, her faith in God never wavered. She leaves to cheris her precious memories: her beloved children Kimberly E. Artis, Kameron Kelsey Artis; siblings Lennard (Nita) Small, Le’Von Small, Helen Small, Sharon Dudley, Emma Jean and Kim; uncles Clevell (Jennie) Small of Greensboro, Joseph (Virgina) Small, James (Alma) Small, Rozell (Bridgette) Small, Clarence (Jimmie) Small of Cleveland, Ohio; a devoted nephew son Maurice (Joy) Small of Fayetteville, N. C.; a childhood friend and classmate Yolanda Kennedy; her cherished granddogs Major Artis and Duke Artis; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her love. Berenice carried herself with dignity, resilence, wisdom, and grace though every season of life. Her presence commanded respect, but her heart made people feel safe. She was fiercely loving, deeply protective of those she cared for, and the type of woman whose influence could never be forgotten. Whether family, friend, coworker, or stranger, people walked away from encounters with Berenice changed for the better. Bernice will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, service, strength, and faith will continue to live on in every heart she touched.
Curtis J. Green, Sr.
Funeral arrangements for Curtis J. Green, Sr. will be Saturday, June 6, 2026, at New Pentecostal Church, 708 Hobson St., Greensboro. Pastor Loretta Long will officate. Burial will be at the church cemetery on Hwy. 69 S. Public viewing will be Friday, June 5, 2026, 1-5 p.m. at Washington and Paige Mortuary, Greensboro.
Bernice Payne Morrison
Bernice Payne Morrison, 97, of Akron, passed away on May 25, 2026, at Forest Manor Health and Rehab. Services were held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Five Mile Primitive Baptist Church in Akron with Bro. Luke Laird and Bro. Jimmy Burkhalter officiating, and Magnolia Chapel South directing. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Visitation was held at the church one hour prior to the service. She is preceded in death by her husband James Edward Morrison and her son Jerry Morrison. Survivors include her daughters; Wanda Burkhalter (Jimmy), Patricia Grady (Ricky), son; Donald Morrison (Pam), sister; Barbara Gilley, brother Fred Payne and her grandchildren; Jerrold Morrison, Katrina Morrison, Jill Swindle, Jason Grady, Meagan Bott, and Ambuir Clary. Bernice was a faithful member of Five Mile Primitive Baptist Church for over 75 years until her illness, she loved singing and listening to the services and she always cooked when they had lunch after church or when there was a need for something going on at the church. Pallbearers will be Jerrold Morrison, Jason Grady, Anthony Swindle, Kyle Clary, Dan Bott, and Keith Burkhalter. Honorary pallbearers will be the staff of Forest Manor East Rehab, and special friends Denice Burns and Regina Tipton. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Five Mile Primitive Baptist Church Building Fund.
Tom A. Paige
Funeral arrangements for Tom A. Paige were Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Greenleaf Missionary Church, Greensboro. Pastor C. H. Agnew officiated. Washington and Paige Mortuary directing. Mr. Tom Anderson Paige was born March 23, 1956, in Greensboro, AL to the late William “Jip” Paige and Willie Mae Sanders Paige Dillard. He accepted Christ at an early age and joined Greenleaf Missionary Baptist Church where he was a faithful member and served on the Board of Trustees. He gained his heavenly wings on May 20, 2026. He graduated from Greensboro Public School East Campus with the Class of 1974. He was employed with Phifer, Incorporated as a truck driver for 30 years until his retirement on April 22, 2021. He was also the owner of Paige Vaults & Monuments, TA Rentals, and Paige Ice Cream. He was proceeded in death by his parents William “Jip” Paige and Willie Mae Sanders Paige Dillard; seven brothers, Lovell Taylor, James “Sivie” Paige, William “Bay” Paige, Jr., Johnnie “John” Paige, Sr., L.T. Paige, O. C. “Dad” Paige, and Arthur Lee “Maine” Paige; four sisters, Rebecca “Ruth” Paige, Gosia Paige, Josephine Paige Williams, and Viola “Tea” Paige Jeffries. He leaves to cherish his memories: three loving and devoted children, Cedric Williams of Greensboro, Aaron (Erin) Paige, Sr. of Tuscaloosa, Deidre (William) Paige-Carter of Greensboro; seven grandchildren, Miguel Shelton of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Cedric Williams, Jr. of Birmingham, Davion Hamilton of Greensboro, Cedarious Hamilton of Demopolis, Avery Paige of Tuscaloosa, Paige Carter of Greensboro, Aaron Paige, Jr. of Tuscaloosa; great grandchildren, Brooklyn and Sanvi Shelton of Fort Wayne, Ind.; devoted sister, Sarah P. Mauldin of Greensboro; devoted brother, Theodore Hill of Greensboro; devoted nephew, Derrick Paige of Greensboro; devoted friend, Viola Pullum Knott; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, other relatives. and friends.
Winston Rutley
Funeral services for Winston Rutley were Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Washington and Paige Mortuary, Greensboro. On May 21, 2026, God called him home. Winston leaves behind his daughters Dimetra Machelle Rollins (Christopher), Christy Lafaye Murphy (Marvin); cherished grandchildren Cameron Raeshawn Wiggins, C. J. Rollins, Kennedi Rollins, Khloe Rollins, Caleb Alexander Murphy; great grandson Cameron Raeshawn Wiggins, Jr.; sisters Johnnie Mae Branch, Marie Tinker Thomas, Diane “Cookie” Waller; brother Marvin (Rosie) Rutley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends whose lives were touched by his love, laughter, and kindness. His strength, laughter, and love will live on in their hearts. Mr. Winston Rutley was born February 6, 1953, the first born child of Mary Alice Rutley and Olee Chavers in Sawyerville. From the start, he carried a strong spirit and big heart that touched everyone he met. He confessed his faith in Christ early on and joined New First Baptist Church, Sawyerville, where his love for the Lord remained steady all his life. Winston earned his GED through Job Corps and became known for this strenght and reliability, first at Central Fountain, then at Deason Roofing. People respected him because he showed up, did the work, and did it right. But Winston’s real passion was living. He loved cars, love spending time with family and friends, and loved to laugh. He was the kind of man who brought joy into a room by just being there. His generosity was real. He’d help you without you having to ask twice. What mattered most to him was the people he loved and the memories they made together.
William Larry Thomas
Funeral service for William Larry Thomas was Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Washington and Paige Mortuary, Greensboro. Pastor Cazzie Roberts officiated. Mr. William Larry Thomas was born on December 9, 1953, to Edna Bell Gaitwood and Henry Johnson. He confessed to Christ at an early age. William really enjoyed people and making them smile. William departed his earthly life on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. His parents preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memories: his daughter Nae Nae Thomas; brothers Levi (Sarah) Thomas of Cleveland, Ohio, James “Jim” (Willie B.) Thomas of Greensboro, Lawrence Gaitwood of Tuscaloosa; aunts Phyllis McLaughlin of Cleveland, Ohio, Otlee Banks of Nashville, Tenn., Mary Bell and Mozella Thomas of Cleveland, Ohio; uncle Eddie Jo (Shirley) Thomas of Tuscaloosa; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Melvin Lee Webster
Services for Melvin Lee Webster, known to loved ones as “Poodie” will be Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 11 a.m. Rev. Dr. Bryan McCullough will be the officiating pastor. Washington and Paige Mortuary, Greensboro, directing.