Author: Mary Beth Pope

Wade Barber Jr., lawyer, judge, and son of Chatham County, died at home Friday, May 13, 2022. His family was with him—his wife Marina, his daughters Claire and Liz, their partners Lois Bukowski and Danny Spiegel, and his son James Riley. He is survived by his grandchildren Fanya, Yaakov, Simi, Maayan, Sam, and Levi, and beloved nephews and nieces.  He is remembered among lawyers in North Carolina as a leader.

In 1916, his father (Wade Sr.) founded a law practice in Pittsboro and practiced there continuously until his retirement in 1982. Wade joined his father in that practice in 1971 and, with interruptions to be of broader service to the community, Wade practiced law there until 2022.

In Wade’s Pittsboro boyhood, it was a short walk to school, to the grocery store, to the barber shop, to the Presbyterian Church, to the courthouse (where his father could often be found), to Miss Martin’s house across the street (where she had a television long before the Barbers did), and to the hard-dirt baseball field (where boys of all backgrounds played together). As a teenager in that place at that time he was told never to take the keys out of the car’s ignition. It would make them too hard to find for the next driver—his mama Agnes or his sisters Betty Scott and Mary Hayes.

At Davidson College, Wade made friendships that lasted all his life, and he reveled in the school’s academic opportunities, all except Spanish, an obstacle to graduation overcome just in time.

In law school at Chapel Hill, Wade found that the intellectual demands of the law—logic, reason, clarity of thought, and precision of expression—comported with his way of thinking.  He was good at these things and he liked them.  In the years ahead, Wade encountered another set of demands that the law requires of good lawyers. These demands are empathy, compassion, a willingness to try to understand another person’s burdens, an ability to guide a person through deeply challenging times, the shouldering of responsibility that is intrinsic to the representation of a client, and humility. He was good at these things, too. His clients also found that he was good at these things and they admired him. He developed a mature respect for the dignity of each individual.

In 1977 the legislature split Chatham and Orange Counties off to be their own prosecutorial district. Governor Jim Hunt appointed Wade to be the chief prosecutor (that is, the district attorney) for the new district. Wade was elected by the voters to a full term in 1978. His respect for the dignity of individuals showed itself when he prosecuted people for crimes. He worked always to understand how this person came to be in this bad spot. It also showed itself, clearly and brightly, in his efforts to protect the victims of crime and ease their loads.

In 1985 Wade returned to his Pittsboro practice, representing a wide range of clients and expanding his work in land use law and the creation of attractive, practical, environmentally mindful residential developments.

In 1998, Governor Hunt appointed Wade as a judge of the North Carolina superior court. He ended his service as Senior Resident Superior Court Judge for District 15B in 2006. He returned to his Pittsboro practice–his third stint–and in 2010 was joined by his daughter Liz, forming the firm of Barber & Barber. It was a very happy and fulfilling time for him.

Four of Wade’s grandchildren, Claire’s children, live in California. The physical distance has been great, but the bonds of affection have been close. His two Chapel Hill grandchildren, Liz’s boys, are physically closer, and the bonds of affection are the same. Wade brought his creative energy and many talents to his role as Grandpap – whether spontaneously erecting a zipline in his front yard one Thanksgiving, catching critters and building dams in creeks, constructing bows and arrows, or providing rotten stumps and pint-sized tools to use to smash them up.

Wade and Marina met on a canoeing trip in 1976, and they were married six weeks later. They dedicated themselves to each other. They loved a winter evening at home watching Tar Heel basketball and a summer afternoon in the shade of an umbrella at the beach. They also loved adventure, and they opened the world of daring to their children. They camped in the Andes Mountains at 14,000 feet, where the campsite stream froze overnight. They sailed their Flying Scot often on Jordan Lake and taught their girls to sail and navigate on trips in the Chesapeake Bay and Abaco Islands. They amused the boatmen on a river in Kenya with the news (which the boatmen may not have believed) that there are no monkeys in North Carolina. 

Wade was a skilled woodworker, and the exquisite bowls he turned are the treasured possessions of those lucky enough to have them.

Wade and Marina built a home in Ashe County. They designed it specifically as a place where they could gather with family sometimes and with friends sometimes and with both sometimes.  For a decade it has been a comforting and welcoming haven in the mountains.

Wade’s career was one of service. He served on the board of directors of the Golden Leaf Foundation and the North Carolina Environmental Defense Fund. He served on the board of governors of the North Carolina Bar Association. He was chairman of the North Carolina Task Force on Dispute Resolution and the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. He served on the North Carolina Courts Commission, the North Carolina Criminal Code Commission, the Commission on Alternatives to Incarceration, and the Chief Justice’s Advisory Committee on Court Personnel.

He received the North Carolina Civil Liberties Union Award, the North Carolina Mediation Network Service Award, the North Carolina Bar Association’s Dispute Resolution Section Service Award, and the Chatham County Smart Start Distinguished Service Award, and, in March of 2022, he was inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. 

Wade was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in January 2022, and its progression was swift. Through his months of illness, he maintained grace and courage. He had, by his own description, “a thick skin and a sense of humor.” He lived his last allotted time as he had lived his life.

A Memorial Service will be held 2:00PM, Monday, May 16, 2022, at the United Church of Chapel Hill – 1321 M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

Wade’s memorial will be a Friends (Quaker) meeting. For Friends, a memorial meeting for worship is a time of prayer, of thanksgiving, and remembering.  At times an individual may be moved to speak, to offer a prayer or a message that has come out of this silence.  Most of the messages will, no doubt, relate to our memories of Wade and our celebration of his life.  Neither laughter nor tears are out of place.  Any message which is delivered in a worshipful manner is appropriate.  Reflections, poetry, singing, and stories may all be part of the fabric of memory we weave together.  All present are free to speak, but all messages should be brief.  Please stand and speak loudly and clearly so you may be heard by all.  

If you are comfortable, please remove your mask while speaking.  Please leave ample pauses between speakers so that we may contemplate fully the import and meaning of your message.  

At the appropriate time, Carolyn Stuart will signal the conclusion of the celebration by shaking hands with her neighbors.  You are then invited to shake hands with your neighbors.  A few closing remarks will follow.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Environmental Defense Fund.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Barber family.

Archibald Wells Black, Jr. “Wells” passed away peacefully on May 10, 2022, after a long and courageous battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Archibald Wells Black (Archie and Carol) also of Greenville and the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. B. T. Gault of Greer and Mr. and Mrs. Hoke B. Black of Greenville.

Wells grew up in Greenville where he spent summers participating in SAIL, Greenville’s summer swim league, and where he played Pelham Road Mustang football each fall, continuing through his years at Eastside High School and Christ School in Arden, NC. While at Christ School, he was a Prefect, a captain of the football team, and selected to the All-Western NC Football Team. He participated in other sports such as basketball and track, and he graduated Christ School as salutatorian. Wells went on to his beloved Davidson College, where he played football his freshman year until an injury ended his playing career. Davidson always held a special place in his heart and it was the place where he began what would become lifelong friendships.

He taught History and Spanish and coached at a private school in St. Petersburg, Florida before going on to receive his law degree from the USC School of Law. He practiced law in Greenville from 1998 until his declining health forced him to retire in 2015.

In his spare time, Wells enjoyed boating and chasing fish on the lake, in saltwater creeks, or out in the open ocean. He loved music (especially Foo Fighters, Metallica, and Van Halen), playing guitar, and writing music.

In addition to his parents, Wells is survived by his fiancée and Davidson classmate, Alex Faulk, his children whom he loved dearly, Archibald Wells Black III and Cely Anne Black, both of Greenville, his sister, Catherine Black Koysza (David), and nieces, Caroline and Sadie Koysza, of Mt. Pleasant, SC.

He is also survived by an aunt, Sharon Gault Benston (Gerry), his uncle, Hoke B. Black, Jr., and cousins, Bill Benston (Janna), Beth Benston Elmore (Gay), and Laura Benston Brockman (Steve) and their children.

Wells’ faithful yellow lab, Curry, named for Davidson alum, Steph Curry, was with him during the courageous last years of his life.

His family wishes to thank all his caregivers, especially Wahid Dennis, and those who prayed for him.

Donations may be made in his memory, earmarked for research, to the South Carolina ALS Association, 130 Gardners Circle, PMB 622, Johns Island, South Carolina 29455.

A memorial service will be held on Monday May 16,2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Buncombe Street United Methodist Church Sanctuary with visitation to follow until 4:00 p.m. in the Parlor.

Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Live Stream by visiting www.buncombestreetumc.org.

Stephen Engstrom, a beloved and dedicated family man, quietly passed away on May 9, 2022. A native son of Little Rock, Steve was a 1967 graduate and student body president of Hall High School, a 1971 graduate of Davidson College in North Carolina, and a 1974 graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law. He was the 1974 Articles and Comments Editor of the Law Review and has been an adjunct lecturer at the William H. Bowen School of Law.

Steve began his legal career as clerk to Judge Thomas Eisele. He then partnered with Bill Wilson in private practice, and their firm eventually grew to be Wilson, Engstrom, Corum, and Coulter. A member of the Arkansas and American Bar Associations, the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association, the International Society of Barristers, and the American Trial Lawyers Association. Steve served as Chairman for the Inns of Court and was listed in The Best Trial Lawyers in America. He also received the distinction of the 2011 Outstanding Lawyer Award by the Arkansas Bar Association. Steve was a dedicated advocate for his clients and his profession, and always observed an absolute sense of fair play in his work and his life.

As a student, Steve spent a summer working for Governor Winthrop Rockefeller, and a summer as an aide to U.S. Congressman Al Lowenstein of New York. Having an adventurous spirit, Steve spent a pivotal year studying in France, traveling Europe, and a summer stint in the American Embassy in Brussels, Belgium.

A talented and avid golfer, he won the 2001 CCLR Men’s Club Championship. Steve brought enthusiasm to everything he did and was always up for fun. While he was best known by many for his professional career, we will remember him for his love for his family, his kindness, his generous spirit, his humor, his keen intelligence and wisdom, and his conviction for standing up for what he knew was right.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Martha Frances Engstrom; and his brother, Bobby. He will be sorely missed and is survived by his wife, Rebecca; his daughter, Louise Engstrom Riley (Stephen), and his stepdaughter, Page Ketcher, all of Little Rock; brothers, Bruce Engstrom (Sue) of North Little Rock, Jim Engstrom (Laura), nephews Allen Engstrom and Dr. Greg Engstrom (Julie), all of Little Rock; nieces, Carrie Lebowitz (Scott) of Memphis, Tenn., and Amy Engstrom of Bellingham, Wash. He is also survived by his uncle, Don Park (Joan) of Springfield, Tenn.; a host of great-nephews, sister-in-law, Judy Johnson (Kelley) of Little Rock; and brother-in-law, Bill Mangum (Amalia) of Southern Pines, N.C. A special thanks to Dr. Frits van Rhee at UAMS Myeloma Center.

There will be a graveside service at Roselawn Cemetery on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 11 a.m. for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, if you’d like to do something in Steve’s memory, please donate to the Arkansas or National Democratic Party.

Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com.

William Carter Mebane, III, (Carter), 80, of Wilmington, North Carolina passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his children on May 4, 2022.

Carter was born to the late Dr. William Carter Mebane, Jr. and Pauline Eckert Mebane on July 7, 1941. He was born in Wilmington, North Carolina where he remained a lifelong member of the community. He attended public schools in New Hanover County, graduating from New Hanover High School in 1959. He graduated from Davidson College in 1963. While at Davidson, Carter was a member of the ROTC.

Upon graduation, Carter became a commissioned officer in the United States Army where he served for five years. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne, serving in the Dominican Intervention in 1965, and a tour in Vietnam (MACV) during 1966-67. He achieved the rank of Captain prior to his honorable discharge in 1968.

After serving his country, Carter came home to Wilmington and joined Johnson Lane Securities. He moved to A.G. Edwards and Sons in 1977, where he worked until his retirement in 2002. Carter served as branch manager the majority of his career and was a trusted and respected financial advisor. He served his clients with integrity, assisted by his dedicated administrative partner of 28 years, Shelley Bullard. Carter also served his family for many years as the Director of WCM Enterprises.

Carter was a devoted community servant, volunteering his time and support while serving on the boards of The Cape Fear Memorial Foundation, The Sinclair Foundation, and The Davis Community. Carter also served for 29 years as a Trustee of the UNCW Endowment.

Carter loved the water and was an avid sailor for most of his life. His family’s fondest memories are time spent with Carter sailing and boating. He enjoyed racing sailboats of all sizes, but especially enjoyed laser and sunfish. He successfully competed in many races at the Carolina Yacht Club. He served as the CYC Commodore 1974-75.

Carter drew his strength in life from his unwavering Christian faith. He was a humble and faithful servant to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He served as an elder at Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church where he touched and influenced many lives. He and his wife, Joan, were dedicated members. Together for years they greeted on Sundays, led groups and ministries, and delivered meals on holidays to those in need. Their home and hearts were always open to others.

Carter was very devoted to his wife, Joan, his four children, and two stepsons who all adored him. Carter is survived by his wife, Joan Hancock Mebane of Wilmington, his sister Reverend Roxanna Mebane Atwood (Jim, deceased) of Rockingham, Virginia, and Pauline (Prissy) Mebane Endo (Shun) of Wilmington. Carter was formerly married to Patricia Dunn (deceased), the mother of his four children. His children: Susan Mebane Franco (Alan) of Atlanta; Patricia (Sissy) Mebane Schoettelkotte (Bill) of Wilmington; Elizabeth (Betsy) Mebane Farmer (Eric) of Charlotte; and William (Billy) Carter Mebane IV (Sarah) of Wilmington. Stepsons Mathias (Matt) Hunoval (Christi) of Huntersville and Robert (Rob) Hunoval of Wilmington. Nieces and nephews Mebane Boyd (Alan); Harry Atwood (Robin); Tom Endo (Katie); Ted Endo (Clodaugh) and several great-nieces and nephews.

Carter was affectionately referred to as “Pa” and was dearly loved by all his grandchildren: Lizzie, Caroline, and Carter Franco; Cricket, Clay, and Locke Schoettelkotte; Sarah Carter, Mary Banks, and Ben Farmer; Ann Katherine and William Mebane; and Joan’s grandchildren, Holland Grace and Hank Hunoval.

A Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, June 3rd at Andrews Mortuary, 1617 Market Street, Wilmington, 28401. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 4th at Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church, 800 Piner Road, Wilmington, 28409, with a reception following.

The family would like to extend its sincere gratitude and appreciation to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church, 100 Piner Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28409 or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Please sign the online Guestbook at www.andrewsmortuary.com

Susan Gail (Kaufmann) Campbell lived a full life by shining her loving light on everyone she met. She graduated from Seven Hills School and entered Davidson College in the fall of 1981 where she met the love of her life, Malcolm, whom she married in 1988. After graduating in 1985 as a Studio Art major, Susan pursued a pottery apprenticeship in Bryant Pond, Maine. Always ready for an adventure, in 1987, Susan and Malcolm spent a year teaching at Shikokho Secondary School in Kenya. They returned to the U.S. so that Malcolm could pursue his PhD at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. Susan opened a phone book and found three picture framing shops. She called each one and asked if they were hiring. The Mitre Box owner said to come over for an interview and an hour later, Susan had a job. A year later, Susan began working at the Hopkins library where she specialized in science periodicals, which was very helpful to Malcolm.

In the summer of 1992, the couple moved to St. Louis where Susan began a sabbatical that lasted forty years! Susan took motherhood very seriously and treated her pregnancies as the first stage of raising a healthy child. Their first daughter, Paulina, was born in St. Paul, Minnesota where Malcolm worked at Macalester College. They moved back to Davidson in the summer of 1994 when Malcolm took a job in the Biology Department. They bought a house in 1995 and have lived there since. Their second child, Celeste, was born in 1997. Susan was deeply involved in the children’s education, in and out of formal schooling. During summers, she organized “Camp Campbell,” which included their own children as well as several others. During Camp Campbell, they learned German, did art work, sang, played, and learned to cook. As the girls grew up, Susan supported them in new ways. She attended all sporting events and performances, even learning to keep the scorebook for volleyball matches. She was a role model for many mothers and readily offered advice and support to new or expectant parents. Susan had a lifelong passion for art and music and began learning to play the cello at age 48. She felt deeply connected to the natural world, and always enjoyed walks with friends and family.

Susan and her family attended the Davidson Friends (Quaker) Meeting starting in 1997. At various times, she was treasurer, helped design the Meeting House on South Street, and was an active member of several committees. Becoming Quaker influenced the rest of her life. They attended Quaker Meetings while living in Seattle and Flagstaff during Malcolm’s two sabbaticals spent away from Davidson. She became an informal minister to many in the community. She helped those in need and counseled anyone who felt alone or distressed. Susan was able to see the good in everyone and had friends ranging from 2 to 96 years old. She marked the birthdays of people in town and around the world, sending cards or emails to help them feel special.

Susan was born February 2, 1963 to Gail and John Kaufmann of Cincinnati, Ohio. She is survived by her husband Malcolm of Davidson, daughters Paulina and Celeste, and brother David of Cincinnati. She was a loving wife, mother, and friend. Those who knew her will miss her warm spirit and loving soul. She promised to visit family and friends “from the other side of the thin veil,” so be on the lookout for rays of sunshine cutting through clouds, morning fog or unusual birds.

A service will be held in St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Davidson, North Carolina at 3p.m. on Saturday, May 28. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Hospice organization or the Charlotte Regional office that helped Susan for the last seven months of her life: https://www.hpccr.org/donate