Databases Have Updated

 The Briles Information Network Database has been updated to reflect the latest information received. 

Betty Louise Fosnough

Betty Louise Fosnough, 96, went to be with her Lord on Monday, February 27, 2023, at the hospice home in Fort Wayne. The family will receive visitors from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral and Cremation Service, North Chapel, Marion, IN.

Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Betty's life will begin at 3:00 pm with Fred Stayton officiating. Entombment will take place at Gardens of Memory.

Born in Rigdon, Indiana, daughter to Stella and Marion Briles.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, George; brothers, Maurice and Phil; and son-in-law, Stan Buck.

Survivors include her sisters, Janet (David) McCord and Evadene Turner; brother, Dick (Beverly) Briles; daughters, Karen (David) Leff of Fort Wayne, Kathy Buck of Fort Wayne, and Kim (Rob) Sellers of Tulsa; grandchildren, Jonathan Leff, James (Sarah) Leff, Jessica (Eric) Sussex, Stephanie (Kyle) Thomas, Ashley (Justin) Waterson, Brian (Rebekah) Sellers, and Blake (Madison) Sellers; and 19 great-grandchildren, whom she adored.

Peggy Joyce Kindley Smithwick

ASHEBORO- Peggy Joyce Kindley Smithwick, 85 of Asheboro, passed away Monday, December 5, 2022 at the Randolph Hospice House.

A memorial service will be held for Peggy on Friday December 16, 2022 at the Midstate Cremation & Funeral Service chapel. A time for the service will be announced next week. 

A native of Randolph County, Peggy was the daughter of the late Ora Mae Kindley.

Surviving, two sons, Jeffrey and Steven Craig Leonard, sisters, Francis Moody and Cecelia Redd, three grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Lawrence Edward Hoover

Lawrence Edward Hoover, 83, of Franklinville, died Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at Clapp's Convalescent Nursing Home in Asheboro.

Funeral Services: 1:30 PM, Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at Loflin Funeral Home Chapel, Ramseur, Officiating, Rev. Brian Pierce. Visitation: 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM, Wednesday, Loflin Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ramseur. Burial will be in the Randolph Memorial Park, Asheboro.

Lawrence was a native of Randolph County, he was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Hoover and Mary Brewer Hoover Barber, step son, Michael Lewis Spencer, and step father, Tommy Barber.

Survivors: wife, Mildred Cox Spencer Hoover, of the home, daughter, Penny Hoover, of Asheboro, stepson, Mitchell Alex Spencer, and wife, Sandra, of Asheboro, stepdaughter-in-law, Fay Spencer, of Randleman, grandchildren, Chris Spencer, and wife, Beth, of Trinity, Celeste Spencer Long, and husband, Josh, of Asheboro, Vivian Spencer Holt, and husband, Tony, of Aberdeen, great-grandchildren, Ali Spencer, Kayla Lett, both of Trinity, Lillian Henson, Kaynah Long, both of Asheboro.

Six generations back to Rachel Briles Whisenhunt

Lawrence Dee Briles, Jr.

Lawrence Dee Briles, Jr., age 90, of Bainbridge, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, August 10, 2022.

The memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at Tallahassee National Cemetery with Reverend Dewitt Phillips officiating.

Larry was born January 30, 1932 in Marion, Indiana the son of Lawrence D. Briles, Sr. and Virginia Ellen Briles.

Survivors include his wife, Dolores Briles; daughters, Julie Hawkins (Bill) of Mount Vernon, OH and Amy Briles of Tallahassee, FL; grandchildren, Michael Grosh and Danielle Wilkinson (Michael); great-grandson, Freddy; sister, Beverly Parks; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Elizabeth Briles.

Betty Jane Spencer Carter Dies

Mrs. Betty Jane Spencer Carter, 74, resident of Trinity, died May 25, 2022 at her home.

Betty was born April 4, 1948 in Guilford County, a daughter to Grayson L. and Arlene Brookshire Spencer. In 1996 she married Von Carter who survives of the residence. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and one brother.

Also surviving are two sons, Chuck Byrum and Michael Byrum both of Trinity; three step sons, Randy Carter (Destiny) of Liberty, Rodney Carter, and Jesse Carter (Sarah) of Trinity; a half-sister, Alice Lee; two grandsons, Joe and Jeffrey; and her former daughter-in-law, Joann Byrum of Greensboro.

Five generations back to Nancy Briles Kindley and seven to Mary Briles Pearce

Mt. Gilead Church Cemetery Updated!

The BIN has transcribed, photographed & uploaded Mt. Gilead Church Cemetery, formally UMC. Click on the link below to view cemetery listing and markers! Surnames of friends buried here are Briles, Welborn, Wall, Sawyer, Hill, Kinley, Crotts, Hoover, Hunt, Johnson, Skeen, and more. Make sure you click on the link inside of the transcription page to view the markers. Next up is Science Hill Friends Meeting Cemetery! Enjoy!

Poplar Ridge Friends Meeting Cemetery Ready!

 The Briles Information Network has completed transcribing & photographing Poplar Ridge Friends Meeting Cemetery. Surnames of friends buried here are Briles, Sawyer, Frazier, Rollins, Kinley, Hoover, Hunt, Spencer, Skeen, and more. Make sure you click on the link inside of the transcription page to view the markers. Enjoy!

Virgie Lee Parrish Kennedy

Virgie Lee Parrish Kennedy, age 85, of Thomasville, North Carolina passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2022. 

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 10am at Sechrest-Davis Funerals of Thomasville; Pastor Michael Bowers officiating. Visitation will take place 1 hour prior to services. Burial will follow at Holly Hill Memorial Park.

Virgie was born October 7, 1936 in Thomasville, NC to the late Howard and Bessie Cody Parrish.

Virgie is preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Albert Ephraim Hayes, Jr.; second husband, Lee Byrd Kennedy; her son, Ronnie Leon Hayes; three brothers, Alton, Austin and Bruce Parrish; and sister, Marie Embler.

Virgie is survived by her daughters, Carol Dianne Workman (Rickie) and Barbara Ann Kuykendall (Daniel); four grandchildren, Christopher Beal, Stacey Simmons, Shannon Hayes and Michelle Miller; eleven great grandchildren; sister, Lois Bailey (Oscar, Jr.); and her beloved animal companion, Beast.

Five generations back to Charity Briles Pierce

Policy Change for Our Database/Web Page/Social Media

Due to a clinch in the genealogy software we use, the BIN is forced to change it's policy regarding updating the database. Effective January 12, 2021:

It is the policy of the BIN to update the database at least twice a month (15th & 29th). 

The BIN is also exploring the idea of creating a database on the Family Search Web Site,  A service provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We welcome any comments or suggestions about Family Search and/or the Church. 

Web Page, BLOG & Social Media

The BIN will post death notices that affect the database(s) on the web page, BLOG and social media outlets if the deceased is:

• Is a Briles
• Married to a Briles
• Within six generations of the Briles Surname

Dorothy Miller Kindley

Dorothy Miller Kindley, 93, of Lexington passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at her home.

Mrs. Kindley will lie in state on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the J.C. Green and Sons funeral home in Thomasville. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery

Dorothy was born on March 13, 1927 to the late Franklin D. Miller and Gertie R. Barrett Miller in Randolph County. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Clemmon Kindley, Sr.; two sons, Albert Kindley, Jr., Darryl Kindley; two sisters, Maxine Gordon, Faye Miller; two brothers, Paul Miller, Junior Miller.

Surviving are seven children, Brenda Blanchard (Tommy), Barbara Riffe (Marcus), Sylvia York (Darrell), Irene Land (Kenny), Donna Tansey (Gerry), James Kindley, Elizabeth Lilly (Rodney); daughter-in-law, Linda Kindley; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Hazel Dickens (Carl), Jewell Dunn, Carol Briles; numerous nieces, and nephews.

Six generations back to Margaret Briles Kindley (Miller, Jane Kindley Miller, Jacob Kindley, William Kindley, Margaret Briles Kindley)

 

Robert Lee McDowell

DENTON - Robert Lee McDowell, 83 of  Denton, NC died Friday, Jan. 8, 2021 at Hinkle Hospice House in Lexington.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021 at Pleasant Union Community Church at 2635 Pleasant Union Road, Denton conducted by the Rev. Danny Miller and the Rev. Ricky Payne. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery. The family will see friends at Pleasant Union Community Church from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday prior to the service.

Mr. McDowell was born January 13, 1937 in Randolph County to Val McDowell and Lizzle Freedle McDowell. He was preceded in death by his parents and by a brother Waton McDowell and a sister Alice Hornady. 
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Klass McDowell of the home; a son, Gary McDowell and wife Joann of Thomasville; a grandson, Dustin McDowell and wife Ashley of Greensboro; great-granddaughter Bella; brother, Donald McDowell and wife Judy of Denton; sisters, Emma Payne, Lillie Buie and Becky Moore and husband Bill all of High Point, Margie Lail and Brenda Tucker and husband David all of Denton.

Six generations back to Rachel Briles Hoover.

Eunice Marie Trotter McElreath

Eunice Marie Trotter McElreath, 91, of Denton, died Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Mountain Vista Health Park in Denton.

Mrs. McElreath will lie in state from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at Ridge Funeral Home.Graveside services will be conducted 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 10, 2021, at Pleasant Union Community Church Cemetery, Denton, with Rev. Danny Miller officiating. 

Born in Randolph County, NC, on May 15, 1929, Mrs. McElreath was the daughter of the late Roby W. and Nellie Tysinger Trotter. 

In addition to her parents, Eunice is preceded in death by her husband, Lee McElreath; sister, Ida Kearns, Martha Swaney; and brother, George Trotter.

Mrs. McElreath is survived by her daughter, Pat King and husband Roger of Denton; sons, Jimmy McElreath and wife Pam of Boone, NC, John McElreath and wife Becky of Denton, Greg McElreath and wife Amanda of Denton; sister, Grace Smith of Denton; grandchildren, Jennifer Jordan and husband Andy, Annette Manns and husband Steve, Kevin King, Steven King and wife Ashlee, Jason McElreath, Lynnea Dunlap and husband Sean, Austin McElreath, Evan McElreath and wife Katie; and 11 great grandchildren.

Six generations back to Rachel Briles Hoover

Betty Louise Craven Watson-Robson

Betty Louise Craven Watson-Robson, age 77, of Asheboro passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at Randolph Hospice House. A celebration of Betty's life will be held at a later date.

Born in Randolph County on March 25, 1943 to Ira and Annie Hoover Craven. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her first husband, Jerry Giles Watson, Sr., her son, Jerry Giles Watson, Jr., and her sister, Clara Gatlin. Betty loved to cook, especially for other people, and put together two cookbooks. Betty had a good sense of humor. She is survived by her husband, Robert "Bob" Neal Robson; daughters, Robin Watson and Wendy Watson both of Asheboro; son, Rodney Todd of South Carolina; granddaughter, Alecia Benware and husband Brandon of Asheboro; great grandchildren, Asher and Hazel Benware; cousin, Larry Craven; niece, Susan Beasley, and nephew, Barry Gatlin.

Seven generations back to Rachel Briles Hoover.

Wilma Hoover Patterson, age 80, Dies

Wilma Hoover Patterson, age 80, of Asheboro passed away on Friday, October 23, 2020 at Randolph Hospice House. Mrs. Patterson's body will lie in repose on Monday, October 26, 2020 from 1:00-5:00 pm at Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro.

 A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery in Robbins, NC with Dr. J.F. Howard Sr. and Fred Huffstetler officiating.

Mrs. Patterson was born in Randolph County on December 23, 1939 to John Marmaduke "Duke" and Nora Mae Kinley Hoover. In addition to her parents, Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Patterson, and her siblings, Edith Loflin (Henry), Ben Hoover (Virginia), Wade Hoover (Ina), Joe Hoover (Nancy), Esther Shortsleeve (Jack), Stella Murray (H.B.), Bevilee Gallimore (Boyd), Clara Smith, and Maxine Hoover. She is survived by sons, Rodney Patterson (Mary Neal) of Asheboro and Chad Patterson (Annette) of Asheboro; grandchildren, Jack Patterson, Luke Patterson, Gray Patterson, and Jacob Patterson (Maggie); and brother-in-law, Marshall Smith. 

Mrs. Patterson's great grandmother is Nancy Briles Kindley. Also direct line to Rachel Briles Hoover (Paternal)

Dorothy Louise Hulin Floyd

Mrs. Dorothy Louise Hulin Floyd, 89, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2020 at the Hospice Home at High Point. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the J.C. Green & Sons Funeral Home Chapel in Thomasville with Mr. Larry Shaw officiating. Interment will follow in Pleasant Hill UMC Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday at the funeral home, one hour prior to the service from 1:00 – 2:00 PM. 

 Born on August 1, 1931 in Randolph County, NC to the late Jim Hulin and Nellie Mae Loflin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas Walter Floyd on November 29, 2010, whom she married on July 2, 1950: brothers, Bobby Hulin and James Hulin; and sister, Shirley Jester. 

Surviving are her children, Steve Floyd and wife Karen, Darrell Floyd and wife Shannon, Vickie Tharp and husband Doug, and Penny Harris, all of Thomasville; sister, Patsy Shaw and husband Larry of Randleman; grandchildren, Stephen Floyd, Sam Harris, Jed Harris, Lesley Hulin and husband Tim, and Jennifer Burrow; three great-grandchildren, Noah, Nick, and Haley; and great-great grandson, Elijah. 

Mrs. Floyd’s grandmother is Mamie Briles Loflin.

Are You "Lying in State" or "Lying in Repose"?

Since the passing of two congressmen, we have seen several death notices from funeral homes mentioning three, but vastly different events. We here at the BIN never judge a notice, but felt is was good to reflect on the events and help clear up any confusion, if such issue exist! 

Rep. Elijah Cummings who passed in 2019 and Rep. John Lewis, who passed this year received the high honor of being "laid in state". Rep. Cummings received this honor October 24, 2019 in National Statuary Hall and Rep. Lewis in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, on July 27-28, 2020. 12 US Presidents have "Laid in State". 

"Lying in State or Honor" is a formal honor, which is generally held at the principal government building of the deceased person's country and often accompanied by a guard of honor. A more direct explanation, "As a general rule, you can only lie in state if you’re due a state funeral. And you’re only due a state funeral if you’re the president, the president-elect, an ex-president, or someone specially designated by the president." This is done so people can pay their respects to the departed. When lying in state, five guards of honor, each representing the five branches of the Armed Forces, will periodically rotate and relieve the preceding set of guards of honor who watch over the remains.  If "Lying in Honor" the United States Capitol Police will act as civilian guards of honor. There are no rules, regulation,  or law that governs who may lie in state or honor, however the US House and Senate have a concurrent resolution over the use of the Capital Rotunda. Those who have "Laid in Honor" are U.S. Capitol Police Officer Jacob Chestnut and Detective John Gibson, killed on duty in 1998, Rosa Parks, civil rights activist in 2005 and Evangelist Rev. Billy Graham in 2018.

This brings us back to our, local funeral homes who use the above events and "Lying In Repose" interchangeably. When someone lies in repose, their casket, open or not,  is placed in a non-government building for public viewing. It was often used for those with a high social status. Repose in fact means "lie at rest".

Every funeral is important and our loved ones who have past on deserve a "send off" according to their wishes regardless of what phrase is used! 

Sources: The Slate News and Politics, WIKI, and US House and Senate web site. 

Good News! DCROD Vital Search is Back Online!

The Davidson County Register of Deeds Vital Records Search is back online and with a new look, policy changes. The old system, which allowed a registered user to view actual birth, death, and marriage record was taken down due to privacy concerns. According to the DCROD website, "This was necessary to protect the integrity of the data and to ensure that future data will not be at risk." 

The new system is the exact same online records system the Guilford County ROD uses, however a user is not required to have a login or password. The system allows a user to view an index of birth, death and marriage records to include dates, but the actual record is not viewable. 

You can still order a vital record through the DCROD online service for a nominal fee or visit their office at 203 W. 2nd Street in Lexington, NC. Access to public records in person are welcome. Due to COVID-19, we recommend you call the office to ensure walk-ins are welcome, call 336-242-2150. 

 Davidson County Register of Deeds Vital Records Search

"Just Google It"....NOT!

Yes, we completely understand why! EVERYONE, including us at the Briles Information Network perpetuates Goggle for search purposes...we get it! In fact we are using Google to spell check our words for this article we normally don't use! However the madness has to stop; BING, Yahoo, Duck Duck-GO, Wiki, Twitter, and 'Search Encrypt' search engines gets it why can't Google.

What are we blathering about you ask? Recently, and within the last few minutes of posting this article, the BIN has realized Google is stuck in the Coach Art Briles saga from his days at Baylor and the sexual assault cases he is tied to at the hip. Unless you have a common last name, most have googled their name or surname to see what pops up. When you search the Briles surname (using Briles only) in Google, unfortunately Art Briles riddles the first ten pages with NO others listed. The BIN has nothing against Coach Briles or his son Coach Kendall Briles of Florida State. The BIN has elected to stay out of reporting the events at Baylor due to the lack of knowledge and/or access to Coach Briles. We also respect the privacy of the victims!

We have no clue why Google chooses to do this...and it's not because Coach Briles is the "flavor" of the month! The other search engines above list other sites, including our site, the Briles Information Network on the front page. Author Dr. Judith Briles, the late MLB pitcher Nelson Briles, Medal of Honor Honoree, the late Herschel Briles, and former professional golfer Jill Briles-Hinton are all listed within the first two pages, but not on Google! 

The point of this article is purely for genealogical research purposes. We use a variety of search engines to search for death notices to post on the BIN, to provided our visitors with the best information available. We have found on numerous occasions death notices not appearing on Google, but rather on BING and Yahoo search engines. Google is a great tool, but explore other search engines if you are passionate about genealogy and research. It's the foundation of our mission: to promote genealogy research and the preservation of family history.

Mt. Gilead United Methodist Church Cemetery Updated!

Updated transcription of Mt. Gilead United Methodist Church Cemetery in Randolph County is complete!

The last time we surveyed this cemetery was back in 2011. Some of the Briles' buried here are John & Effie Welborn Briles, Winnie Briles Skeen, Marcus & Lottie Smith Briles, Leon Briles, and William Monroe Briles. 

There are 24 rows of markers with 27 new markers since the last survey! Click on this link to see the updated listing and photos of Mt. Gilead UMC Cemetery. We are taking a break for two weeks, but when we return, Pierce's Chapel Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery will be up next!