Category: 1980s

Eric Peterson, 58, of Mebane, NC, passed away on December 13, 2025. He was born on January 10, 1967 in California to Joyce and Charles Peterson. Eric was the strongest person many were fortunate enough to know. He was a loving father, a devoted husband, and a man whose kindness, integrity, and courage touched every life he encountered. Together with his wife, Autumn, Eric worked tirelessly to raise their two wonderful children, Finn and McKenna. He approached fatherhood with patience, advocacy, and unwavering love. Since his stage IV cancer diagnosis in 2021, he stood up to his cancer fearlessly, rarely complained, or let others see him down despite the pain it caused him. He spent his final years dedicating as much time as he could to his wife and children.

Eric’s life was defined by service to others. At just 15 years old, he founded a Neighborhood Crime Watch program, earning his Eagle Scout Award and receiving a Letter of Appreciation from the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. This early act of leadership was the beginning of a lifetime devoted to helping  and protecting others.

Eric went to Alaska in 1993 to pursue his love of the outdoors. There, he spent three years working as a counselor for troubled youth at Alaska Children’s Services. He later directed a college outreach program for underprivileged youth at the University of Alaska–Anchorage and went on to direct several programs, including Upward Bound. His dedication to civic responsibility continued through his service as a Commissioner on the Budget Advisory Commission for the Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska.

In 2000, Eric entered law enforcement, beginning a 22-year career as a decorated local law enforcement officer, where he faithfully protected and served his community. In addition, he dedicated 21 years as a soldier in the United States Army Reserves and Alaska National Guard, serving with honor and distinction, attaining the rank of Major. He deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003 to 2004 with the 422 nd Civil Affairs Battalion, exemplifying courage, sacrifice, and devotion to country.

After returning to North Carolina, Eric became involved in his community. He served as a scout leader, mentor, and volunteer, accruing thousands of service hours and continuing to give selflessly of his time and energy.

For more than three decades, Eric showed up consistently and wholeheartedly—for his family, friendships, community, and country. His legacy is one of service, love, and steadfast integrity.

On November 2, Janet Ward Black, a beautiful child of God and woman of valor, left the arms of her loving husband and moved into those of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In addition to her husband, Gerard Davidson, Janet Ward is survived by her brother, Frank Black III (Bonnie); niece, Frances Delgatty (Grant); nephew, Franklin Black IV (Cherise); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also surviving her is her aunt, Avis Ridenhour. Janet Ward is also survived by her sister-in-law, Jan Green, and two stepsons, Clay Davidson and Walker Davidson (Jane).

A graduate of Davidson College and Duke University School of Law, Black has been a leader in several prominent legal organizations. She made history as the third woman to serve as president of the North Carolina Association of Trial Lawyers (now the North Carolina Advocates for Justice) and the fourth woman to hold the presidency of the North Carolina Bar Association. She was only the second lawyer in history to lead both organizations. She was currently serving as the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Legal Aid of North Carolina.

Janet Ward’s career is a testament to her exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to the legal profession and her community. Some of her most remarkable achievements include:

As the president of the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA), Black created the “4ALL” program, a groundbreaking initiative that provides free legal services to underserved individuals. This telephone call-in day, involving over 1,000 attorneys, has been used as a model for similar programs in the US and Canada. More than 129,000 North Carolinians have received free legal advice from over 7,000 volunteers through this program, solidifying her legacy of public service and access to justice.

The NCBA and its Foundation established the Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) – Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) to help with law school loan repayment for legal aid attorneys at specific law schools. Under Janet Ward’s presidency in 2007 – 2008, the fund raised $863,000 toward a $1,000,000 goal. The LANC/LRAP fund total as of year-end 2024 was over $3 million.

Consistently recognized for her expertise and skill, Black was named to The Best Lawyers in America, North Carolina Super Lawyers, and North Carolina’s Legal Elite for over a decade. Her law firm, Ward Black Law, has been ranked as one of the Best Law Firms in America by US News & World Report since 2010. She has also been named Personal Injury “Lawyer of the Year” in the Triad region by US News & World Report twice.

In May of this year, Janet Ward was presented the inaugural Trailblazer Award by the Women in Law Section of the NCBA, and as recently as October 2025, she was inducted into the NCBA Hall of Fame.

In addition to her legal work, Janet Ward devoted herself to public service, receiving the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of her significant contributions to the state. She has been a dedicated volunteer and served on numerous non-profit boards, including Hood Theological Seminary and the International Cooperating Ministries, demonstrating her commitment to both her community and global outreach. She was a member of various professional organizations, including Women’s Presidents’ Organization and C12, a Christian CEO group.

Janet Ward’s work has earned her numerous prestigious awards, including the North Carolina Bar Association Litigation Section’s Advocate’s Award, the Walter Clark Award from the NC Advocates for Justice, and the C12 Hero Award from the Christian CEOs and Business Owners Group. These accolades highlight her dedication to excellence in law, ethics, and community service.

Beyond her professional accolades, Black has served as a motivational speaker, philanthropist, and legal educator, inspiring and mentoring numerous aspiring lawyers and young professionals. She served on various non-profit boards and has been deeply involved in international mission trips. She has spoken at over fifty civic, community, and youth organizations and actively participated in leadership and legal education forums. Except for this year, Black has been the keynote speaker at the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Tar Heel Girls State since 1989, speaking to over 200 young women on the topic of the Judiciary and Law as a Profession for Women.

Janet Ward has set a high standard in the legal profession and her community through her remarkable achievements and enduring commitment to justice, leadership, and service. Her contributions have shaped the landscape of North Carolina’s legal system and inspired future generations of leaders.

In addition to the recognition noted above, Janet Ward has received numerous honors, awards, and recognition for her exceptional contributions to the legal profession, community service, and leadership.

These include:

Legal and Professional Recognition:

• North Carolina Bar Association Litigation Section’s Advocate’s Award (2018) – Recognizing skill, ethics, and dedication to clients and the community.

• Personal Injury “Lawyer of the Year” in the Triad region by US News & World Report (2013, 2020).

• The Walter Clark Award (2021) – The highest award from the NC Advocates for Justice.

• Thurgood Marshall Award (2021) – Presented by NC Advocates for Justice.

• Ebbie Award (2019) – Recognizing outstanding contributions to the legal profession.

• Kellie Crabtree Award (2015) – Awarded by the NC Advocates for Justice.

• Citizen Lawyer Award (2013) – Awarded by the North Carolina Bar Association.

• Woman of Justice Award (2012) – From North Carolina Lawyers Weekly.

• Athena Award (2012) – Presented by Partnership Greensboro.

• Duke Law School Distinguished Alumni Award for Public Service (2010).

• North Carolina Bar Distinguished Service Award (2010).

• “Women in Business” Award (2009) – From The Business Journal.

• Super Lawyers Recognition (2006-2024) – Consistently named to North Carolina Super Lawyers, including recognition as one of the top 50 women attorneys in the state (2006-2015, 2018).

• Best Lawyers in America (2007-2024) – Listed annually for excellence in the field of law.

• Named “Largest Women-Led Law Firm” by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly (2024).

• Named “Icon” by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly (2023).

• Named to the “50 Most Influential Women” in North Carolina by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly (2024).

Community and Public Service Recognition:

• Greensboro’s Woman of the Year (2018) – Awarded by the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro.

• Recipient of the N.C. Jaycees Award of Excellence (1980).

• Named “Business Associate of the Year” by the American Business Women’s Association, Reidsville Chapter (1994).

• Named “Woman Extraordinaire” by BizLife Magazine (2007).

• Recipient of “Outstanding Community Leaders of America” (1987).

• “2008 Impact Law Leader” by Triad Business Leader Magazine.

Educational and Leadership Contributions:

• Recipient of the Charles Murphy Award for Public Service by Duke Law School (2010).

• Named a “2008 Impact Law Leader” by Triad Business Leader Magazine.

• Named a “Woman of Achievement” by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of North Carolina (2007).

These honors attest to her exceptional leadership in both the legal profession and her broader community, recognizing her advocacy, public service, and the substantial impact she has made throughout her career.

Janet Ward’s life was a living testimony of her faith in Jesus Christ. She devoted her life to serving others — through her work as an attorney, her leadership in the community, and her ministry of generosity and encouragement. Her heart for people reflected her favorite scripture from Matthew 25: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” She walked humbly with God, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy of faith in action. Over the course of 33 years, Janet Ward worked tirelessly for the firm’s clients, living up to her mission to seek justice, give generously, and love lavishly. Leading a staff of 28, Janet Ward imparted her dedication and spirit of faithful service to everyone who worked with her. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro and attended the Seekers Sunday School Class, taught by her husband.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to ICM (ICM.org), an international Christian ministry that partners with local churches to build worship centers and equip disciples in underserved communities worldwide. Her obituary can be found on haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com

Jeffrey Wofford Stidham, a former Polk County judicial hearing officer, reporter, and editorial writer for the Tampa Tribune, has died after a battle with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer.

He was 66.

Stidham, born and raised in Bartow, was a fifth-generation city resident. His father, Wofford, was a lauded attorney who helped establish the powerhouse law firm Holland & Knight and later opened his own practice. His mother, Betty Faye, worked as a librarian at a private company.

They were the foundation for Stidham’s desire to be deeply involved in his hometown.

After 13 years with the Tampa Tribune, Stidham’s career evolved from journalism to law when he became a hearing officer, overseeing child support enforcement in the 13th and 10th judicial circuits.

It wasn’t journalism, he’d say, ‘’But I sure do like it when they call me ‘your honor.’‘’ Then he’d laugh.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Ellen, and is survived by his daughter, Murphy Swiedals of Jacksonville, and many family members. He died on March 6.

Stidham’s life was defined by unwavering faith, integrity, and a deep love for his family. Known for his honesty, generosity, and warm spirit, friends said he made everyone around him feel welcome.

“The first thing you noticed about Jeff was his eyes so big and open to the world and his smile, which lit up his face with a warm glow,” said Rosemary Goudreau-O’Hara, a longtime colleague at the Tampa Tribune.

A graduate of Davidson College, the University of Texas, and Florida State University Law School, Stidham brought a rare combination of journalism and legal expertise to his work. He was widely respected for his detailed reporting on major court cases. His insightful editorials on Florida’s role in the 2000 presidential election were also noted for their depth and clarity.

Stidham and Goudreau-O’Hara co-wrote an award-winning series on emergency room wait times, improving patient conditions. “I remember Jeff’s delight, not just at winning a national award,” Goudreau-O’Hara said, “but at [making] a difference in people’s lives.”

His background in law and human compassion allowed him to find thoughtful, often innovative solutions for needy families, avoiding punitive measures whenever possible.

Stidham’s Polk County childhood was filled with adventures: playing kick-the-can with cousins and brother Jon Stidham, climbing trees to look for bird’s nests, reading adventure novels, and attending Baptist and Presbyterian churches.

He was often dispatched to mow a neighbor’s lawn, read to his grandmother, and help his mother in the kitchen. He spent time at the family lake house on Crooked Lake and the family farm in south Georgia.

Other than studying for degrees in history, law, and journalism and his early years as a journalist, Stidham lived in Bartow his whole life.

“Jeff loved making a difference,” said David Hoke, a longtime friend. “What a good service [he performed.]”

Stidham met fellow reporter Mary Ellen Murphy while working at the Tampa Tribune. After a four-year courtship, they married and settled in a historic home in Bartow. Their daughter, Susan “Murphy” Stidham, was born shortly thereafter.

Though both Mary Ellen Stidham and Murphy suffered from a rare inherited lung disease, Murphy attended school with classmates (sometimes with oxygen in tow) and has fond memories of childhood times with her parents. In Bartow, the Stidhams hosted an annual Christmas dinner, which became a sought-after invitation.

Stidham’s love for family extended beyond Bartow’s city limits. On weekends, there were often trips to the family farm near Thomasville, Ga., where Jeff would ride horses holding Murphy in the saddle, go on hay rides with friends, and spend time with the cows. If visitors were lucky, he would name a cow after them.

He also made annual trips up north so Murphy could get to know her cousins on her Mom’s side. Stidham’s enduring love for Mary Ellen was evident in everything he did, and when she died in 2008 after a prolonged illness, he devoted himself entirely to raising Murphy. The trips up north continued.

“The light of his life was Mary Ellen and Murphy,” said his brother, Jon Stidham. “They were his focus.”

His bond with his daughter was unbreakable. When Murphy needed a double-lung transplant in 2018, Stidham moved to Jacksonville without hesitation to support her through the recovery process.

The three of them, Stidham, Murphy, and her husband, Dan Swiedals, became inseparable. They traveled together and found joy in each other’s company.

In his later years, Stidham found peace in his family’s love, his quiet, fulfilling life in Bartow, and his second home on his Georgia farm, which he co-owned with his brother.

“We are lucky to be stewards of this land,” he told his daughter Murphy many times.

Stidham is survived by his daughter, Murphy Swiedals; son-in-law, Dan Swiedals; brother, Jon Stidham; sister-in-law, Joanne Stidham; and a host of nieces, nephews, northern in-laws, family, and friends.

His family takes comfort in knowing that his legacy of kindness, loyalty, and a profound commitment to the family will live on in the stories they tell and the love they share.

A service will honor his memory at St. Thomas Catholic Church Parish in Bartow, Florida. 1305 East Mann Rd., Bartow, FL 33830. On Saturday, May 10th, 2025, at 10 a.m. Followed by a party to celebrate Jeff’s life.

John Dean Marshall, Jr., passed away on February 16, 2025. He was born on February 2, 1959, Groundhog’s Day, in Camilla, Georgia, to John Dean Marshall and Dorothy Keadle Marshall.

Dean graduated from Davidson College, B.A., cum laude, 1981and the University of Georgia, J.D., summa cum laude, 1984. He was a member of the State Bar of Georgia and practiced Construction Litigation his entire career. Dean’s dedication to his law practice could be seen in his ability to look between the lines, seeing the big picture right away and he was known for his ability to write and communicate a story that anyone could clearly understand and follow. Dean’s intelligence was matched by an equally strong character.

Dean was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was known for his tremendous sense of humor and his zest for life and will be missed by all. He developed his extreme love for fishing and hunting by being taught how to fish and hunt as a child from his mother and her sisters, who were avid fishermen. Some of his happiest days were spent fishing at his ponds in Sale City, Georgia and Ochlocknee Bay in Florida.

Dean was predeceased in death by his parents; and his sister Carol Avery. he is survived by his wife, Sally; his children and stepdaughter, Rachel Marshall, Calder Marshall, and Madeleine Jarrett; and his grandchildren, Eulah and Devereaux Jarrett.

A Celebration of his Life will be held at Druid Hills Golf Club, on Saturday, March 8, 2025.