ROCKY MOUNT – Johnnie Issac Lancaster, 74, died Wednesday, January 30, 2008. He was born in Edgecombe County on June 5, 1933 to the late Jessie and Bessie Bridgers Lancaster. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife and mother of his children, Mary Elizabeth Dawes Lancaster; brothers, Joseph, George, Jessie Frank, and Harvey Lancaster; sisters, Emma Phillips, Mary Ellen Lancaster, and Vallie Mae Johnson Burgess.

Survivors include his fiancee’, Betty Turner Ellison Crooker; his daughters and sons-in-law, Donna L. Joyner and husband Charley, Judy L. Proctor and husband Bill, Jo Ann L. Shearin and husband Carl all of Rocky Mount; 3 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; sister, Francis Dees Kimberly of Fayetteville; sister-in-law, Francis Lancaster of FL and many special nieces and nephews.

Flowers will be greatly appreciated or donations may be made to Nash General Hospice, 2460 Curtis Ellis Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 3, 2008 at the Lancaster family cemetery with the Rev. Walt Cooper officiating. The family received friends on Saturday, February 2, 2008 from 7:00 -8:30 at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and other times at the home. Online condolences may be sent to the Lancaster family by visiting www.wheelerandwoodlief.com.

Arrangements by Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 North Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.