Obituaries - Tuesday, August 18
Thomas Edward Wetherington
April 14, 1943 - August 14, 2026
Thomas "Tommy" Wetherington, 83, passed away on Friday, August 14, 2026 at his home in Jacksonville, NC surrounded by his loved ones. A full obituary will be posted in the upcoming days, please return here for details.
Coastal Cremations of Jacksonville is serving the family.
Coastal Cremations NC
Juanita Faye Mutters
November 25, 1948 - August 17, 2026
**Obituary for Juanita Faye Mutters**
Juanita Faye Mutters, born on November 25, 1948, in Princeton, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina, at the age of 77. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Juanita was a dedicated government travel agent and homemaker, devoting much of her life to her family and home. Her love for sewing and baking was well known, and she was celebrated for her culinary skills and warm hospitality. An excellent cook and homemaker, Juanita enriched the lives of those around her with her culinary delights and loving spirit.
A devout Southern Baptist, Juanita's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted military wife and mother, always supporting her family with unwavering love and strength. Her social nature made her a good neighbor and cherished friend to many in her community.
She is preceded in death by her devoted husband of 56 years, Charles Franklin Mutters Jr., her parents, Paul Raymond Hutchinson and Faye Dora Parsell Hutchinson, and five siblings.
Juanita is survived by her loving family: two sons, Jimmy Mutters and his wife Susann, and Robert Mutters and his wife Caroline; one daughter, Karen Ivey and her husband Darren; seven cherished grandchildren, Ashleigh, Brody, Peyton, Emma, Cora, Alice, and Wesley; her brother, Paul Raymond Hutchinson; and her special canine companion, Sadie.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, located at 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Montford Landing Rd., Jacksonville, NC 28540.
Online memories of Juanita and condolences may be made by visiting wilmingtoncares.com. In this time of mourning, may her legacy of love and warmth continue to shine in the hearts of all those she touched.
Wilmington Cares
Sharon Finley Chester
March 20, 1952 - August 14, 2026
Sharon Kay Johnson Finley Chester, age 74, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, in Wilmington, NC, surrounded by her beloved family following a short illness. Born on March 20, 1952, in Welch, WV, Sharon lived a life filled with love, laughter, and dedication to her family and community.
Sharon was the cherished daughter of the late Edward and Dorothy Johnson. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jimmy Ray Finley, and her second husband, Gary Chester. Her unwavering spirit and warmth will be fondly remembered by those who knew her.
A dedicated professional, Sharon worked as a Bank Teller at McDowell National Bank in Welch, WV, for over 20 years. During her tenure, she not only proved her expertise but also developed a unique collection of angels gifted to her by her loyal customers, a testament to the deep connections she formed with those around her.
Beyond her professional life, Sharon had passions that enriched her days. She delighted in baking and decorating cakes, crocheting, and sewing, channeling her creativity into every endeavor. A true animal lover, she held a special place in her heart for dogs, particularly Gabby and Bentley.
Sharon's greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she adored beyond measure. Her vibrant sense of humor and infectious laughter brought joy to family gatherings and brightened the lives of all who knew her.
Sharon was a devoted member of Grace City Church in China Grove, NC, where she found a welcoming spiritual home until she moved to Kinston, NC. She was a proud graduate of high school in Gary, WV, where she laid the foundation for a life characterized by kindness and integrity.
Surviving Sharon are her loving boyfriend, Nick Jacovitch; her daughter, Sherry Smith of Rockwell, NC; her son, Brian Finley of Salisbury, NC; her cherished grandchildren, James Rodney Smith, Jr. (Megan) of Rockwell, NC, Samantha Smith Drye (Derek) of Kannapolis, NC, Alana Guzman (Matt) of Kannapolis, NC, and Adalyn Finley of Concord, NC; and her great-grandchildren, Carson Smith, James Smith III, Parker Drye, and Wyatt Drye. She is also survived by her siblings, Vic Johnson (Mary) of Roanoke, VA, Peggy Davis (Jimmy) of Roxboro, NC, and Edwina Hinson (Kenny) of Indian Trail, NC, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Sharon resided in Kinston, NC, where she created countless cherished memories. Her presence will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those whose lives she touched.
May her soul rest in peace, and may we carry forward the love and laughter she shared with us all.
Sharon's care has been entrusted to Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403.
Wilmington Cares