Several members of NCDBA have passed in recent years. This page serves as a memorial to those who are gone, but not forgotten. Below is a list with links to obituaries and an image from NCDBA’s photograph collection. If you would like to share a memory or add more information about someone on the list, please contact us.
Fred T. Hodge April 11, 1935-July10, 2025 (obituary)
He was the brother of Herbert Hodge below.
Mark Allen Barnett Jan 1, 1967-April 24, 2025 (obituary)
Sheila McNair July 30, 1966-March 12, 2025 (obituary)
Bernice “Bud” Cayton (past president) June 27, 1955 — March 10, 2023 (obituary)
Bud was president of NCDBA for many years and resigned in 2019 for health reasons. During his spare time he built bird houses.
Cheryl Beach, a past president of NCDBA. January 3, 1960 ~ February 18, 2022 (obituary)
No obituary was found. At the time of her death, Cheryl was in dialysis and on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.
Herbert Albert Hodge April 28, 1938-March 5, 2022 (obituary)
Benjamin “Andy” Daugherty August 13, 1972 – November 3, 2021 (obituary, another obituary)
Andy in the middle surrounded by friends at Flintstones themed Camp Dogwood in 2017
Binh Ngoc Cao October 20, 1952 – September 2, 2020 (obituary)
Robert Hinton died July 11, 2018 (obituary)
Robert Hinton sitting in Flintstones styled wood car at Camp Dogwood 2017
Henrietta Castles October 17, 1948 – November 29, 2017 (obituary)
Memory: 2017 Camp Dogwood DeafBlind Weekend, Henrietta taught an arts and crafts class on how to stamp in leather.
Ricky Covington died in 2016
Memory from member Erin Bradford:
“I joined NCDBA in 2012. I remember Ricky lived in the Sir Walter Raleigh apartments in downtown Raleigh, a few blocks from work. He was a member at large on the Board when I joined and since I worked near where he was, he contacted me to plan lunch to introduce himself and talk to me about NCDBA. I remember him saying that as a member at large, he felt is was his responsibility to meet with me as a new member. He gave me a really good impression of the organization. I remember his favorite place to eat was Chick Fil A, which he happened to live next to. Unfortunately, we were not able to meet up again for lunch before he passed. I remember he was buried in Rockingham, NC in Richmond County. A state employee from the Division of Services for the Blind gave me a ride down and I was glad I got to say goodbye to my friend. I miss you, Ricky”
Willis Crabb July 13, 1934 – March 6, 2013
from the NCDBA Newsletter in Spring 2013:
He was a member of NCDBA. Years ago he was a hard worker to the
Association and Camp Dogwood and will be remembered a lifetime for his
dedication and heart for the Deaf-Blind community. His memory and big heart
to all his friends he always wanted to know about the latest to always offering
to help out with a cheerful smile where needed. He will be missed.
Others who have passed, but cannot find any information. Please contact us if you can share pictures or stories or memories of these people or anyone on this page. Thank you!
Launa Autrey July 23, 1933-December 9, 2009 (obituary)
Daniel Lee Autrey September 27, 1924-August 7, 2002 (memorial)
Below are members who have passed that we cannot find images or an obituary for.
Elizabeth Baker
Carl Croom
Stacey Crumpler
George Garcia
Pearlie Hinton, died age 59 in November 2006 (death notice)
Raleigh King
Bobby McKoy
Kim Oliver
Ginger Pate
Stephanie Scott
Johnny C. Washington (NCDBA Founder, read the NCDBA history to learn about his part in the creation of NCDBA)
Sylvia Williams