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graniteswhump · 5 years

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The Exorcism of Nicky Hemmick

The Foxes decide to go on a month long trip to a beautiful secluded rental cabin before the new year starts. Unfortunately for them, their’s a demon residing in the place and it’s decided that it would take Nicky as it’s own.

So here’s a part of a Conjuring/All for the Game fanfic that I will never finish. I have a few other parts written if ya’ll are interested. Warnings for possession and mention of a seizure.

Mr. Warren and his assistant set up the recorder and cameras as Nicky tried to get comfortable on the couch. The rest of the foxes gathered on the other couch and chairs brought in from the kitchen.

“Are you ready Nicky,” he asked.

Nicky smiled shakily, “I feel like I’m about to take a math test.” There were some pity laughs but for the most part, it was a nerve-wracking silence. Mrs. Warren went to comfort Nicky but stopped when Andrew left his seat to stand by his cousin. Instead, she told him, “I know this is frightening and you have every right to be scared, but you can trust us. We will not let you get taken by this, as long as you keep fighting we’ll keep fighting.”

There were confirming noises form everyone in the room which did a little to boost Nicky’s confidence. “Ok,” he said, “let’s get this over with.” Though Nicky looked a little better than earlier, this simple and not exaggerated statement did little to ease the fears in the other foxes.

Mr. Warren started the recorder, “Today I am sitting with Nicholas Hemmick, currently staying at the Well’s House. I will be putting Nicky under hypnosis in hope to reach whatever is possessing this house” He proceeded to put Nicky into a trance. “I have put the person into a trance and will now ask questions to confirm truthfulness. Nicky can you hear me?”

His voice sounded thick and sleepy when he responded, “Yes.”

“Good, can you tell me your full name?”

“Nicholas Esteban Hemmick.”

“How old are you?”

“Twenty three”

“What are the names of your cousins?”

“Andrew Joseph Minyard and Aaron Michael Minyard.”

“Thank you Nicky, now can you now tell me how many people are in the room?”

Nicky took a moment to respond, “fourteen.”

There were a few moments of confusion as everyone recounted to make sure there were thirteen people in the room. Aaron scoffed, “Nicky you dumbass there are only thirteen people.”

“There are fourteen people here,” Nicky responded in his dead hypnotized voice.

Mr. Warren looked at his wife who gave him a nervous nod. “Nicky can you name all the people in this room?”

“Nicholas Esteban Hemmick, Ed Warren, Lorraine Warren, cute cameraman,” there were a few chuckles, “Mr. Policeman, Andrew Joseph Minyard, Aaron Michael Minyard, Kevin Day, Neil Josten, Daniel Wilds, Matthew Boyd, Renee Walker, Allison Jamaica Reynolds, Caine.”

The Wilkins shared the look again, “Nicky where is Caine?”

“Behind me”

“Does Caine talk to you?”

“Yes.”

“What does Caine say?”

“That he wants to hurt us. To get inside me and hurt me.”

“Can Caine hear us?”

“Yes.”

“Nicky, we would like to communicate with Caine through you, will you let us do that?” The foxes looked at Mr. Wilkins like he was crazy.

“No.”

“Why not Nicky?”

“I’m afraid.”

“Why are you afraid?”

“I don’t want him inside me.”

“He won’t be inside you, just talking through you.”

Andrew spoke before Nicky could respond, “He said no.”

The Warrens’ assistants looked appalled at Andrew’s audacity to interrupt the session. Mr. Warren looked mildly annoyed, “I know this is hard, but to have approval for an exorcism we need proof.”

Andrew looked uncaring about the statement, “He said no, get your proof someplace else.”

Mrs. Warren went to say something but was interrupted by a low growl. Everyone’s attention snapped back to Nicky who had slumped forward. The growling came from him and momentarily increase in volume.

Mr. Warren leaned forward, “I am now speaking to the spirit in this house, you are also hypnotized and must truthfully answer my questions, do you understand.”

“Yes” Nicky said, but it wasn’t Nicky. It had undertones of his voice, but it was impossibly deep and gravely. It seemed to echo from Nicky rather than be spoken by him.

“Why are you here.”

“Why do you think.”

“Maybe you're stuck, unable to move on to someplace better.”

A sound like dogs growling came from Nicky. It was laughing. “Everything is so divine with you Eddy Boy, is that why your dad left hmmm? Too many dreamers in the house?”

Everyone looked at Mr. Warren who flinched, but continued on, “If not that why are you here?”

“For some fun.”

“You think tormenting these people is fun?”

“You think I’m tormenting them?” the voice sounded almost apologetic except that a broad mockery of a grin stretched across Nicky's face.

“What else would you call this?”

“Having fun,” Nicky’s lips didn’t move as the voice said this. Renee started praying and Kevin drinking.

“Take note that Nicky’s lips were not moving with his last statement. Why do you want Nicky?”

“Hmmm, I would have taken any of these broken cunts. But Nicky, ooh Nicky, was the sweetest. So lonely, so lost, no one to hold him after nightmares. And oh, what terrible nightmares I can inflict on him.” The painful smile was still on his face as he twitched violently.

“So you…” Mr. Warren couldn’t finish the next question as Nicky fell over in a seizure.

Andrew and Mrs. Warren sprang forward to hold Nicky down as Mr. Warren shouted, “Nicky, NICKY, On three you will wake up: one, tWO, THREE!” With a gasp Nicky stopped seizing and jerked upright. After a getting his bearings he choked out “oh God, oh mY GOD.” He looked and sounded like himself again but he was now sitting on the floor sobbing in distress.

After a moment of shocked silence, Renee was the first to move. She got up and went over to Nicky, after looking at Andrew for permission she knelt down and wrapped her arms around Nicky. This spurred the rest of the foxes into action. They all got up to be close to Nicky to assure him that he was theirs, he was a fox, he wasn’t alone in this.

As the Warrens took down their equipment Andrew indicated that they should follow him. Once out of the room Andrew asked, “Do you have your evidence now?”

“This along with our recommendation should be enough to get someone here.” “When.”

The Wilkins shared a look, “Well, it’ll depend on . . .”

“No, no.” Andrew waved a hand in their face, “No half truths, you see this thing has tormented Nicky long enough and we are scheduled to leave in a week. See we have a busy summer lined up.”

“Now you listen here. . .”

“Ed, stop” Mrs. Warren interrupted. She looked at Andrew, “We’ve done what we can here and we will convince the church to do something.”

“When.”

“We’ll leave in the morning.”

“No,” the Warrens looked confused, “you will leave now. You heard it, it wants to be inside him.” He spoke as if he was talking to children, “Do you think it’s going to wait for the church to make up its mind? You will leave now and get help.”

“Don’t patronize us,” Ed snapped his temper getting the better of him, “we know how this works, we’ve done this before, we are much more experienced than you …”

“-ED-” Mrs. Warren interrupted again. She shooed him away to pack up and they heard him explain that they were leaving tonight for the closest church.

Mrs. Warren then stopped Andrew from leaving, “Look …” she said before Andrew shoved past back to the living room and to his cousin.

#All for the Game #The Conjuring #crossover #lorraine warren #nicky hemmick #andrew minyard #aaron minyard #neil josten #renee walker #allison reynolds #dan wilds #matthew boyd #possession #seizure #the foxhole court

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kevin-coleman · 3 years

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Shadow

Prompt #4. You are walking downtown when you realize you are being followed.

I was on my lunch hour when I noticed my shadow. First in the bahn mi shop a block from my office, then later in the bank. A man, the same man, in both places.

On the surface he appeared average in every way: white, medium height, bland features, bland hair, bland eyes. You wouldn't look twice at him if he passed you on the street but he was out of place in the background of my daily life. I guess that's what made me notice him.

Every day as you move through this huge city, you are surrounded by a greater number of strangers than people you know, but are they really strangers? You see most of them every day as you walk down the street, ride to work on the subway or in buses, cabs. You don't know them but they are familiar to the point of invisibility. Their faces blend into the background in the same way cars of every shape and colour merge into the blur of traffic. Those passing faces are so familiar you don't even notice them, until someone unfamiliar moves against the background.

In the bahn mi shop I saw him from the counter where I was reading the morning edition while tucking into a masterpiece of pork, lemongrass, pickled carrot and daikon. I heard a noise, a cough or maybe a sharp laugh, and glanced around. The tiny shop was packed like always, everyone with a fat sandwich in their paws, talking, laughing together as they feasted. Everyone except my shadow.

I caught him staring at me, his brow corrugated into a frown. He was alone in a booth in the rear corner with a full cup of steaming coffee in a saucer on the table above the newspaper, but no sandwich. Not even an empty plate. I found it curious. Who comes to a bahn mi shop for coffee? We locked eyes for a second then he returned his gaze to the newspaper spread across the table in front of him. I didn't think much of it at the time and went back to my meal.

I didn't see him follow me out of the shop, but at the time I didn't realize I was the target of surveillance.

At the bank I took my place in line behind an elderly lady leaning heavily on a walker. She smiled up at me and I smiled back. The wickets were all open and occupied by tellers and customers and things seemed to be moving along smoothly. I felt good about the prospect of getting out quickly and returning to the office on time, but those good feelings evaporated like a cloud of smoke when I glanced back at the glass doors through which I had entered.

There he was again, the same tan coat, the same salted brown hair, the same unsettling frown. He was next to a kiosk full of pamphlets, pretending to read a brochure on first time home buying, but he wasn't interested in a mortgage or interest rates. His interest was fixed squarely and unapologetically on me. Unnerved and annoyed, I returned his stare but this time he didn't flinch. Instead he tossed the brochure in the trash, buttoned up his coat and made his way toward the door. With his hand closed around the chromium handle, he gave me a last dark stare before shoving his way through.

"You know that guy?" the man behind me asked.

"No," I said.

"He wants to know you."

"I guess."

"Creepy."

You said it. Creepy.

Flustered and anxious, I did my business with the teller and quickly left the bank, but through the side door into the lobby of the office tower, not the street doors. At the elevators I merged with a cluster of office workers and expensively tailored executives. My shadow was nowhere in sight. I risked a glance through the glass doors toward the street. Pedestrians crisscrossed in front of the glass, each one on their way someplace important or mundane. It didn't matter. I couldn't see the man from the bank. When the brushed steel doors opened I was the first into the car and stabbed "B". A well-dressed woman with perfect hair and makeup sighed loudly, frustrated that I had inconvenienced her with a pointless ride to the underground garage. I ignored her.

When the doors opened, I stepped off the car into the gloomy claustrophobia of the parking garage. The smell of damp concrete and stale exhaust made the garage stuffy, polluted, and I walked quickly along rows of cars toward the south east corner of the building. My foot falls echoed off the walls and I listened underneath them for a tell-tale second set following me, but heard nothing as I passed slot after slot of Toyotas, Hondas, Fords, a silver Mercedes. I was alone.

The fire door guarding the stairwell to the street was a weathered slab of metal with a narrow slit of a window. Brown paint had flaked off around the crash bar revealing bare grey metal underneath. I quickened my pace but before I reached the door, a shadow passed behind the window and the door swung violently inward. I skidded to a stop. It was him. I jumped backward.

"Why are you following me?" I barked, startled and angry.

My shadow hesitated a fraction of a second, assessing my potential for violence. Seeing none, he smiled and advanced on me, the snout of a pistol pointing at my gut.

"You're a slippery character, Mr. Jones," he said. "Rather like a mouse when the kitchen light flicks on."

Photo by Rene Böhmer on Unsplash

#writers on tumblr #writing prompt #my writing

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lawful-evil-novelist · 6 years

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APPARENTLY, THE CRYPTID CLUB IS DECENTLY POPULAR

Anyway, the Cryptid Club. Founded by Drury Walker and Kirk Langstrom it’s something of a Rent-A-Rogue in lawfulverse. Pretty much every member of the club is or has been a Tenant, though membership in the club bars you from being a Tenant, members of the Cryptid Club are under the employ of Black Mask and therefore still get the benefits of being a Tenant, except with a wider range of places to live. As an aside, a Tenant is essentially a rogue that does mercenary work for Penguin in exchange for a free apartment in Penguin’s territory, a semi-regular salary, and access to Penguins stocks of chemicals, tech, and weaponry. The Cryptid Club works the same way, but you make more, have a wider territory, actually get paid per job on top of your weekly allowance, and higher quality equipment.

Anyway, members are as follows:

Drury Walker AKA Killer Moth-Founder, regularly mistaken for Mothman or is called Mothman because apparently “Killer Moth” doesn’t make sense.

Kirk Langstrom AKA ManBat-Founder, turns into a large bat-human hybrid.

Jonathan Crane AKA The Scarecrow-Can, in situations of high stress, turn into a monster called Scarebeast.

Waylon Jones AKA Killer Croc-Literally a giant alligator man that lives in the sewers.

Angelo Sanchez AKA Bane-Almost no one has seen him without his mask.

Lonnie Machin AKA Anarky-Almost no one has seen him without his mask.

Zachariah Bloom AKA Mr. Bloom-Almost no one has seen him without his mask and furthermore, he’s regularly mistaken for Slenderman for some reason.

Roman Sionis AKA Black Mask-Almost no one knows Roman Sionis and Black Mask are the same person.

Solomon Grundy-People aren’t actually sure he exists.

Basil Karlo AKA Clayface-Can shapeshift and also turn into a giant mud monster.

Slade Wilson AKA Deathstroke-Almost no one has seen his face.

Peter Merkel AKA Ragdoll-Often mistaken for Scarecrow.

Pamela Isley AKA Poison Ivy-Literally a plant woman

Sandra Woosan AKA Lady Shiva-LBRH she’s totally a Cryptid as far as most people are concerned.

As an added note, the Cryptid Club is currently being heavily monitored by both Questions, Vic Sage and Renee Montoya, as well as Huntress, Helena Bertinelli, but this is mostly concerned with their clients. The Club is aware of the monitoring and really doesn’t care, hell, Crane, Walker, and Shiva all give them information on the regular.

Mafia groups avoid hiring out the Club because of its alignment with Black Mask’s syndicate and Bane’s cartel, and also because members have a shaky loyalty to their clientele, almost all of them will bail from a job if they see no benefit/think fighting with the other side would be a good plan/fun. Considering that most of the members are also well-known for having personal agendas and at least half openly attack trafficking operations, they’re not often sought after by mafia groups. Other Rogues, military regimes, dictators, and large organizations tend to be the Club’s most common clientele. They’ve also been hired out by the government and the League of Assassins, but only as their very last resort. The League is fully aware of how sporadic their work can be, and the government can’t kill members of the Club without repercussions like they can with the Suicide Squad.

#batman #gotham rogues #long post #lawfulverse #lawful-verse #the cryptid club

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hiddenwashington · 5 years

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Current most wanted/needed characters for plotting reasons? Pretty much any fandom except GOT, Percy Jackson, or vid games. No bad reason I'm just not versed in them lol

we’d love to see anyone from adventure time, george weasley, fred weasley ii, louis weasley, draco malfoy, lucius malfoy, andromeda black, angelina johnson, neville longbottom, frank longbottom, bellatrix lestrange from harry potter, aang, sokka, korra, asami from avatar/legened of korra, gil, doug, chad from descendents, anyone from sailor moon, francis valois, greer kinross, lola narcisse, stehane narcisse, catherine de medeci from reign, elizabeth james, nick parker, chessy, meredith blake from the parent trap, jonathan byers, barb holland, billy hargrove from stranger things, joseph kavinsky, barrington whelks, henry cheng from the raven cycle, renee walker, allison reynolds, dan wilds, matthew boyd, nicky hemmick from the foxhole court, elliot alderson from mr. robot, edward nygma from gotham/dc, shrek, bill tench and wendy carr from mindhunter!

#Anonymous #most wanted #mw

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the-record-obituaries · 5 years

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June 12, 2019: Obituaries

Eric John Sloop, 62

Mr. Eric John Sloop, age 62 passed away peacefully in his home in Wilkesboro North Carolina on Saturday, June 8, 2019 surrounded by family. Eric was ill for only three weeks.

Memorial services will be held 2:00 PM, Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at Scenic Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel with Rev. Alfred E. Andrews, Jr., officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Eric was born January 15, 1957 in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, the third of four children to John Ralph Sloop (deceased) and Ruth Perry Sloop. Eric began his career at Statesville Pallet Company as a partner in 1991 and then became owner in 2001 at the death of his father, John Sloop. The company has grown exponentially under Eric's leadership and co-worker Regina Pierce his sister. His son, Dylan Sloop joined the family business in 2013 and it continues to thrive.

Eric loved God and his family, the foundations of his life. He enjoyed time with his wife Michelle, hunting adventures with his sons, Dylan and Jordan, family gatherings, golfing, and took great pride in his work.

He was preceded in death by his father.

He is survived by his wife; Michelle Arce Sloop of the home, son; Dylan Rhodes Sloop and wife Risa of Moravian Falls, a step-daughter; Taylor Gann of Wilkesboro, two step-sons; Jordan Pearson of Wilkesboro and Kyle Gann of New York, two sisters; Teresa Sloop Church and husband Mark, Regina Sloop Pierce and one brother; Davy Sloop and wife Pam all of Wilkesboro.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Catchadream.org/inmemory/.

Online condolences can be made at www.reinssturdivant.com

Mary Martha "Mim" Whelan, 91

Mary Martha "Mim" Whelan, age 91, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2019 at her son's home to begin her new everlasting journey with God. Mim was born on February 17, 1928 in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of George and Mary Hlavaty. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Robert, the love of her life.

Mim worked for Mellon National Bank in Pittsburgh until her retirement. Mim was a snow bird in her later years but moved here permanently 11 years ago to be with family. She was a loving, caring person, who was always willing to share with others, especially her cooking and homemade soups. She was an avid animal lover and especially loved to spoil her felines.

She is survived by her son, Robert of Moravian Falls.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to her caregivers, Sandra and Sue, who showed such loving care over the past four years. Also, thanks are given to the Aides (Courtney, Jessica, Lynn and Sally), Nurses (Rhiannon), and staff of Mtn. Valley Hospice for providing her with exceptional care and service. The compassion shown by all can never be repaid.

Funeral service and burial will be in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A memorial mass will be held at a later date at St. John de la Salle Catholic Church in North Wilkesboro. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mtn. Valley Hospice, 688 North Bridge Street, Elkin, NC 28621 or to the Humane Society of Wilkes, PO Box 306, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.millerfuneralservice.com

Robert Lee "Bobby" Jones

Mr. Robert Lee "Bobby" Jones, age 76 of Lexington passed away Thursday, June 6, 2019 at Forsyth Medical Center.

Graveside services were held 2:00 Sunday, June 9, 2019 at Lewis Fork Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Sherrill Wellborn officiating.

Mr. Jones was born March 16, 1943 in Wilkes County. He was the owner of Golden Triad Plumbing Company.

He was preceded in death by his mother; Freda Della Blevins Jones and a brother; Terry Clyde Jones.

He is survived by two sisters; Betty Wiles of Kernersville and Linda Christenson of West Palm Beach Fl.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that memorials be made to the Donor's Choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com

Ella Schmitt, 85

Ella Jean Schmitt, age 85, of Moravian Falls, passed away Thursday, June 6, 2019 at her home. Mrs. Schmitt was born January 29, 1934 in Alleghany County to Jesse Martin and Mary Cain Billings. She was a member of Moravian Falls Baptist Church. Ella was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Floyd Schmitt; and sister, Willa Crysel.

Surviving are her sons, John M. Schmitt (Sheila Harrington) of Wilkesboro, Karl Schmitt and spouse Sabrena of Grover; daughter, Teresa Rhodes and (Jerry E. Pearson) of Moravian Falls; grandchildren, Tiffany Kilby, Emily Brown, Ian Schmitt; great grandchildren, Grace Kilby, Hunter Kilby, Kailee Brown, Carley Brown, Keegan Brown, Caiden Brown; sister, Ada Walker of Moravian Falls.

Funeral service was June 9, at Moravian Falls Baptist Church with Pastor Joe Sturgill officiating. Burial followed in Moravian Falls Cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Wake Forest Health and Hospice, 126 Executive Drive, Suite 110, Wilkesboro, NC 28697.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Dare Blevins, 57

Mrs. Dare Spears Blevins, age 57 of North Wilkesboro, passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at SECU Hospice of Yadkin.

Funeral services were June 7, at Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home with Pastor Richard Blevins, Pastor Mitchell Owenby and Pastor Mark Barlow officiating. Burial was in Scenic Memorial Gardens.

Mrs. Blevins was born May 23, 1962 in Wilkes County to Hubbard Lee Spears and Hazel Bumgarner Spears. She was a CNA. Mrs. Blevins was a member of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church. Her favorite hobby was to crochet which she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters and a brother.

Mrs. Blevins is survived by her husband, Pastor Richard Blevins who she was a wonderful wife to for 40 years, a daughter; Dorothy Boyden and husband Jeff of North Wilkesboro, a son; Matthew Blevins and wife Amanda of North Wilkesboro, four grandchildren; Victoria Cunningham, Alexus Bowlin, Zackary Blevins and Austin Blevins, a twin sister; Clara Harris and husband Clayton of North Wilkesboro, a brother; Don Bumgarner and wife Bonnie of North Wilkesboro and a special niece; Tammy.

Flowers will be accepted.

Robert Billings, 93

Robert Willard Billings, age 93, of Traphill, passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at his home. He was born December 3, 1925 in Wilkes County to Granville and Beatrice Wiles Billings. Mr. Billings was a US Army Veteran and a member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Traphill. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sally Jeanette Mitchell Billings; and grandson, Tucker Pearson.

Surviving are his daughters, Linda Felts and spouse Michael Kim Felts of Olin, Vicki Billings of Traphill, sister, Lena Pruitt of Mocksville; grandchildren, Michelle Ellis and spouse Chris of Advance, Jonathan Felts and spouse Gretchen of Burnsville, Laura Pearson of Traphill, Carrie Absher of Boonville; great grandchildren, Landyn Ellis, Sydney Ellis, Jackson Ellis all of Advance, and Opal Felts of Burnsville.

Graveside service was June 6, at Round Hill Baptist Church Cemetery

with Rev. Allen Lunsford and Rev. Tracy Nichols officiating. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, 223 Absher Road, Traphill, NC 28685.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Terry Langley, 52

Mr. Terry Lee Langley, 52 of North Wilkesboro, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2019.

Terry was born on June 19, 1966 in Harrisburg Pennsylvania to Phillip Dale Langley Sr. and Dorothy Elizabeth Rehrer Langley.

Terry is preceded in death by his parents.

Terry is survived by his brother, Philip Dale Langley Jr., of Silver Springs Florida, 2 step brothers, John Coy Hurt and Henry Lee Hurt also of Florida; nephew, Mason Hays and wife Amanda of Hays, and there children Scarlett, EmberLette and Nathen Carlton, Niece Kayla Marie Langley of Florida.

No formal arrangements are planned.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Adams Funeral Home of Wilkes, P.O. Box 396 Moravian Falls NC, 28654 to help with finale expenses.

Adams Funeral Home of Wilkes has the honor of serving Langley Family

Mary Acosta, 48

Mrs. Mary Louise Call Acosta, 48, of North Wilkesboro, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Mary was born on June 23, 1970 in Wilkes County to Clinton Call and Evelyn Louise Call.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Randall Call.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Leah Lambert of North Wilkesboro; son, Chris Call (Savannah) of Boomer; sister Debra Bauguess (Mark) of North Wilkesboro; 8 grandchildren, Isaiah Sheets, Selena Rodriguez, Skylar Lambert, Taylor Greer, Jaylen, Kaelyn, Josselin and Madelyn Call.

Memorial Service information will be posted at a later date.

In addition to flowers, memorial donations may be given to Adams Funeral Home of Wilkes, P.O. Box 396, Moravian Falls, NC 28654 to help with final expenses.

Adams Funeral Home of Wilkes has the honor of serving the Acosta Family.

Jessica Jennings, 37

Jessica Renee Jennings, age 37, of Hays, passed away Monday, June 3, 2019 at Forsyth Medical Center. She was born September 11, 1981 in Wilkes County to Jerry Dwayne and Ruth Ann Rudd Jennings.

Jessica loved music and dancing, hiking and butterflies. She was talented in various craft and very good with children. Jessica was preceded in death by her father; grandparents, Don and Velma Jennings, Marvin and Margie Scott.

She is survived by her daughter, Renee Lewis of Hays; mother and step father, Ruth Ann and William Hodgdon of Statesville; brother, Andrew Dwayne Jennings of Statesville; nephew, Dalton Jennings of Statesville; and companion, David Query of Hays.

The family will receive friends at Miller Funeral Service from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, 2019. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family, c/o Ruth Ann Hodgdon, 165 Harriet Lane, Statesville, NC 28625.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Ted Nichols, 74

Mr. Ted "Dale" Nichols, Sr. age 74 of North Wilkesboro, passed away Monday, June 3, 2019 at the home of his daughter in Stanfield, NC.

Funeral services were June 7, at Center Baptist Church with Rev. David Key officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Mr. Nichols was born March 30, 1945 in Wilkes County to Ted R. Nichols and Ethel Holcomb Nichols. Mr. Nichols was a member of Center Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Nichols was preceded in death by four sisters; Louella Brown, Della Sears, Jan Farthing and Christine Blankenship.

Mr. Nichols is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mrs. Carolyn R. Pilkenton Nichols of the home, a daughter; SFC DeAndree Watson and husband Joe of Stanfield, two sons; Ted Dale Nichols, Jr. of North Wilkesboro and Marty Len Nichols and wife DeAnna of Hickory, two grandchildren; Deyton Watson and Mystery Watson, two sisters; Deborah Pruitt and husband Tom of Asheville and Judy Nichols of Purlear, a sister in law; Jean Waters of North Wilkesboro and a brother William Nichols and wife Shirley of Purlear.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Center Baptist Church 205 Center Baptist Church Road North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

Jeremy McGuire, 39

Jeremy Dale McGuire, age 39, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Monday, June 3, 2019 at his home. He was born March 24, 1980 in Wilkes County to James McGuire and Patricia Hart. Jeremy was a movie buff and an avid collector of things.

Surviving are his parents; James and RoseMarie Battaglia McGuire; his biological mother, Patricia Hart of Ennice; brothers, Barry Croft of Bear, Delaware, Joshua David McGuire of Obituaries

Continued from previous page

Sparta, sisters, Jamie Marie Mendenhall and spouse John of Bear, Delaware, Nancy Battaglia of North Wilkesboro; favorite canine companion, Kaos; grandmother, Doris Vandeveer of Lancaster, South Carolina; nieces and nephews, Emily Croft, Dominic Pruitt, Cassidy Pruitt, Halo McGuire, Jacob McGuire; great nephew, Gannon Anderson; close friend, James Kessler of North Wilkesboro; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and sure to be missed by his many friends.

Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 14, at Miller Funeral Chapel with Brother Matthew Higgins officiating. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, 38105-9956.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

June Bumgarner, 83

June Elizabeth Minton Bumgarner, age 83, of Wilkesboro, passed away Monday, June 3, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist Health - Wilkes Medical Center. She was born February 3rd, 1936 in Wilkes County to Richard and Vena Osborne Minton. She was a member of Gordon Baptist Church. Mrs. Bumgarner was preceded in death on November 6th, 2006 by her husband of 54 years, Woodrow Bumgarner. June will be remembered as a sweet spirited and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Barbara (Bobbie) Minton Byers, Betty Minton Adams, Kaye Minton Rogers and a granddaughter, Dana Goodwin.

Survivors include two sons, Dan Goodwin and wife Alice of Statesville, Dickie Bumgarner and wife Reba of Moravian Falls; two daughters, Sherry Barlow and husband Mark of North Wilkesboro, Terry Stamper and husband Gary of Wilkesboro. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, Chris Stamper and wife Shena, Matthew Stamper and wife Heather, Leslie Stamper and Justin Anderson, Benjamin Stamper and wife Essence, Greg Barlow and wife Renee, Daniel Barlow and wife Erin, Holly Bates and husband Nick, Justin Bumgarner and Kierstin Bumgarner; ten great grandchildren, Noah Stamper, Hydie Stamper, Alexis Stamper, Levi Stamper, Isabella Anderson, Sofia Anderson, Gabriella Anderson, Grady Bates, Eden Bates and Laken McGlamery; two sisters, Jane Canter of Moravian Falls and Rachel Elledge of Wilkesboro.

Funeral service was June 6, at Gordon Baptist Church with Pastor Mark Barlow and Brother Larry Adams officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Flowers will be accepted.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Sue Long, 77

Sue Harrald Long, age 77, of Laurel Springs, passed away Sunday, June 2, 2019 at Alleghany Memorial Hospital. She was born February 6, 1942 in Alleghany County to Ivey and Nora Reeves Harrald. Sue was preceded in death by her parents; son, William Long; brothers, Dean Harrald, Russell Harrald; and sister, Louise Hooks.

Surviving are her husband, John Ashley of Boomer; daughter, Jewell Ashley of North Wilkesboro; brothers, Floyd Harrald, Hilmer Harrald both of Laurel Springs; sisters, Norma Harrald of Laurel Springs, Yonnie Sheets of Statesville, Barbara Lewis and spouse Henry of West Jefferson.

Funeral service was June 7, at Miller Funeral Chapel. Burial followed in Mount Zion United Methodist Church in Piney Creek.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Ina Poe

Mrs. Ina Winona Elliott Poe of North Wilkesboro passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2019 at her residence.

Ina was born on Friday, May 4, 1945 in Ashe County to the late Clarence Glenn Elliot and Annie Clyde Eller Elliott.

Ina is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl Richard Poe; daughter, Cynthia Jane Roten; sisters, Janis Elliott, Edna Campbell, Vilea Shepherd and Mary Mahaffey.

Ina is survived by her daughters, Mylinthia Wagoner (Allen) of North Wilkesboro, Donna Sue Smithey (Bucky) of North Wilkesboro, Tammie Woodie (Steve) of Laurel Springs; sons, Timothy Poe (Tina) of North Wilkesboro, Tony Poe ( Kim) of Hamptonville; sisters, Betty Powers (Pete) of Lansing, Juanita Walton (Thomas) of North Wilkesboro, 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

A memorial service was June 8, at Adams Funeral Home of Wilkes Chapel, 2109 Moravian Falls Road. Rev. Joey McClure, Rev. Fred Richardson and Rev. Wiley Boggs will be officiating.

Adams Funeral Home of Wilkes has the honor of serving the Poe Family.

Robert Morris, 70

Robert "Bob" Eric Morris, age 70, of North Wilkesboro, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 1, 2019 at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born March 8, 1949, in San Francisco, California, to Jack and Dorothy Morris. Mr. Morris attended Westmoor High School in Daly City, CA., and following graduation enlisted in the army, serving in both Vietnam and Korea. Upon leaving the military, he spent the next twenty years in the retail paint business before becoming a professional painting contractor, a skill he exercised until his death.

He and his wife and daughter moved to North Carolina in 2007, where he was later employed by First Baptist Church in North Wilkesboro as Maintenance Director. Bob was preceded in death by his parents.

Surviving him are his wife, Helen Marie Morris; daughter, Elizabeth Morris; sister, Marilyn Morris; step-sons, Jason Anderson, Jon Anderson, Simon Dudley; and the wives and children of the Anderson and Dudley families.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, June 15, 2019, at First Baptist Church in North Wilkesboro with Pastor Bert Young officiating. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather in Wayland Fellowship Hall to honor Bob by sharing stories and memories. Light refreshments will be served.

While flowers will be accepted, the family prefers donations to the charity of your choice: Pruitt Hospice, 924 Main Street, Suite 100, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659; DAV (Disabled American Veterans) P.O. BOX 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45250-0301; or FBC Pantry Ministry, 510 D Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.millerfuneralservice.com

Bud Lane, 78

Mr. Bud Lane, age 78 husband of the late Lois McGrady Lane of McGrady passed away Thursday, May 30, 2019 at his home.

Funeral services were June 3rd, at Rock Springs Baptist Church with Elder Dan Edwards officiating. Burial with Honors by the Wilkes County Fireman's Association Honor Guard was held in the church cemetery.

Mr. Lane was born July 15, 1940 in Wilkes County to Sanford Ford and Elvia Royal Lane. He retired from Gardner Mirror. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, mowing, and gardening.

Bud served as a deacon at Cane Creek Baptist Church and Rock Springs Baptist Church. He was an active first responder and served as a volunteer fireman for the McGrady Fire/Rescue for twenty two years and received Fireman of the Year Award.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by this wife: Lois McGrady Lane, grandson; Richard Allen Matheson, two sisters; Rosie Sutton and Linda Royal and five brothers; Pete, John, Charlie and Robert Lane and Bob Royal.

He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law; LeAnn and Jeff Odle; two sons and daughters-in-law; Michael and Donna Maynor Lane and Daniel and Jamie Swaringen Lane all of McGrady six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, one sister and brother-in-law; Betty and Bud Perry of Millers Creek, one brother; Larry Lane of Jonesville, one sister-in law; Wanda McGrady Teague and a brother-in-law; David McGrady and wife April Parsons McGrady.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to McGrady Fire/Rescue , PO Box 87, McGrady, NC 28649.

Billy Michael

Mr. Billy Ralph Michael better known as "Bill", passed away Thursday, May 30, 2019 at Caldwell County Hospice and Palliative Care in Lenoir.

Funeral services were June 3rd, at First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro with Dr. Bert Young officiating. Burial with Military Honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1142 Honor Guard was in Mountlawn Memorial Park.

Mr. Michael was born May 12, 1938 in Wilkes County to Amos Taft Michael and Elizabeth Wilson Michael. He owned and operated Wilkes Honda for 25 years. He was currently employed by Wilkes County Government in the Appraisal Department. Bill was a member of First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro where he served on the Diaconate, was an Usher, a member of the Lockup Team and served on various other committees.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Michael is survived by his wife; Elaine Moore Michael of the home, a son; Gregory Martin Michael of Wilkesboro, a sister; Barbara Ann Darnell of North Wilkesboro.

The family requests no flowers but ask that memorials be made to the First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro Department of Music PO Box 458 North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or to the Caldwell County Hospice and Palliative Care 902 Kirkwood Street NW Lenoir, NC 28645.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com

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rosiep66 · 7 years

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"HIDDEN FIGURES" (2016) Review

"HIDDEN FIGURES" (2016) Review In all my years of reading about the men and women who worked at NASA, whether in the air or on the ground, I have only come across two people who people of color. And both were astronauts. Not once did those articles ever reveal the numerous African-Americans who worked at NASA - including those women who worked as mathematicians (Human Computers) for NASA during the Space Race between the 1950s and 1970s. Imagine my surprise when I learned that 20th Century Fox Studios planned to distribute a movie based upon the 2016 non-fiction book, "Hidden Figures". Written by Margot Lee Shetterly, the book focused on three NASA mathematicians - Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. Even before the movie was finally released, a NBC series called "TIMELESS" aired an episode set during the Apollo 11 mission that featured one of the movie's main characters - Katherine Johnson. In the midst of all of this, I found myself anticipating the movie. As I had stated earlier, "HIDDEN FIGURES" began in early 1961 in which mathematicians Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughn, along with aspiring engineer Mary Jackson; are working at NASA's West Area Computers division of Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia with minimum satisfaction. Dorothy, who works as an unofficial supervisor of the black women who served as Human Computers, requests to be officially promoted to supervisor. Her request is rejected by her supervisor, Vivian Mitchell. Mary identifies a flaw in the experimental space capsule's heat shields. Space engineer Karl Zielinski encourages her to aggressively pursue a degree in engineering for a more substantial position at NASA. In order to attain a graduate degree in engineering, Mary would have to take the required courses in math and physics from a University of Virginia night program being taught at the all-white Hampton High School. After the Soviet Union manages to send a successful Russian satellite launch, pressure to send American astronauts into space increases. Vivian Mitchell assigns Katherine to assist Director Al Harrison's Space Task Group, due to her skills in analytic geometry. Katherine becomes the first African-American woman to work with the team and in the building. But her new colleagues are initially dismissive of her presence on the team, especially Paul Stafford, the Group's head engineer. The movie focuses on the three women's efforts to overcome bigoted attitudes and institutional racism to achieve their goals at NASA. "HIDDEN FIGURES", like any other historical drama I have ever seen or read, is mixture of fact and fiction. Some of the movie's characters are fictional. And Allison Schroeder and director Theodore Melfi may have mixed up the dates on some of the film's events. But as far as I am concerned, this did not harm the movie. More importantly, Schroeder and Melfi created a screenplay that maintained my interest in a way that some films with a similar topic have failed to do. In other words, "HIDDEN FIGURES" proved to be a subtle, yet captivating movie. The movie's subtle tone manifested in the racism encountered by the three women. Katherine Johnson dealt with the Space Task Group's quiet refusal to take her seriously via minor pranks and dismissive attitudes. She also has to deal with Paul Stafford's constant stream of complaints, skeptical comments and attempts to take credit for her work. Worst of all, Katherine is forced to walk (or run) several miles back to her old building in order to use the restroom, due to the Space Task Group's restrooms being off-limits to non-whites. Dorothy Vaughn is determined to become the official supervisor for the segregated West Area human computers. But due to her race, her supervisor - Vivian Mitchell - refuses to consider giving Dorothy a genuine promotion. The most subtle example of racism found in the movie manifested in Mary Jackson's desire to return to school and attain a graduate degree in engineering. The racism she faced seemed to be internal. Despite urgings from both her husband and Mr. Zielinski, Mary seemed reluctant to request permission from the Virginia courts to attend a segregated school in order to obtain a graduate Engineering degree. Subconsciously, she seemed to believe that her efforts would be wasted. The fascinating thing about the racism that the three women faced is that violence of any kind was not involved. The racism that they faced was subtle, insidious and nearly soul-crushing. But no violence was involved. The closest they came to encountering violence occurred when a law officer stopped to question them, while Dorothy's car was stranded at the side of the road in the movie's opening scene. The cop eventually escorted them to the Langley Research Center after learning they worked for NASA. Yet, I could not help but feel that the entire scene seemed to crackle with both humor, intimidation and a little terror, thanks to Theodore Melfi's direction. Despite my admiration of Melfi's direction of the above-mentioned scene, I have to admit that I would not regard it as one of the best things about "HIDDEN FIGURES". I am not stating that I found his direction lousy or mediocre. If I must be honest, I thought it was pretty solid, aside from that opening scene, which I found exceptional. "HIDDEN FIGURES" was his third feature-length film as a director . . . and it showed. I suspect that the movie benefited more from its subject matter, screenplay and its cast. I certainly had no problems with the movie's production values. Despite the movie being set in Northern Virginia, it was shot in Georgia. And Mandy Walker's sharp and colorful photography certainly took advantage of the location. And thanks to Wynn Thomas' production designs, Missy Parker's set decorations, and Jeremy Woolsey's art direction, I felt as if I had been transported back to Hampton, Virginia, circa 1961. I can also say the same about Renee Ehrlich Kalfus' costumes, which I felt had accurately reflected the characters' personalities and social class, as shown in the images below:

Only one cast member from "HIDDEN FIGURES" had received any acting nominations. Octavia Spencer received both an Academy Award nomination and Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Personally, she deserved it. I thought Spencer gave a very subtle, yet commanding performance as the group's aspiring supervisor, Dorothy Vaughn. I was also impressed by Janelle Monáe, who not only gave a very entertaining performance as the extroverted and witty Mary Jackson, but also did an impressive job in conveying her character's self-doubts about pursuing an Engineering graduate's degree. I am surprised that Taraji P. Henson did not received any major acting nominations for her performance as NASA mathematician Katherine Goble (later Johnson). Personally, I find that baffling. I was very impressed by her quiet and subtle performance as the widowed mathematician, who not only struggled to endure the dismissive attitude of her Space Group Task Force colleagues, but also found love again after spending a few years as a widow. Personally, I thought Henson's performance deserved at least an award nomination or two. "HIDDEN FIGURES" also featured top notch performances from the supporting cast. Kevin Costner gave a very colorful performances as the Space Group Task Force director Al Harrison. The movie's other colorful performance came from Glen Powell, who portrayed astronaut and future U.S. senator John Glennn. Jim Parsons was just as subtle as Henson in his portrayal of the racist, yet insecure head engineer Paul Stafford. Mahershala Ali gave a nice and charming performance as Katherine's second husband, Jim Johnson. But his performance did not strike as particularly memorable. Aldis Hodge, on the other hand, gave an intense and interesting performance as Mary's politically-inclined husband, Levi Jackson; who urges his wife to overcome her reluctance to pursue a graduate degree in Engineering. This movie seemed to be filled with subtle performance for Kirsten Dunst also gave one as the slightly racist Vivian Mitchell, supervisor of all the Human Computers. The movie turned out to be quite a surprise for me. Watching the trailer, I came away with the impression that it would be one of those nice, but mediocre live-action Disney films. And to be honest, there were moments when Theodore Melfi's direction gave that impression. He does not strike me as a particularly memorable director. But that opening sequence featuring the three protagonists and a cop seemed to hint Melfi's potential to become a first-rate director. In the end, the movie's superb Oscar-nominated screenplay and the excellent performances of a cast led by Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe made "HIDDEN FIGURES" one of my favorite movies of 2016.

#hidden figures #theodore melfi #taraji p. henson #octavia spencer #janelle monae #kevin costner #jim parsons #kirsten dunst #mahershala ali #aldis hodge #glen powell #space race #human computers #katherine johnson #mary jackson #dorothy vaughan #john glenn

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