JACKSONVILLE  -  It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Louise B. McPhatter, who was taken from us on January 26, 2025, at the age of 89.

Louise was born in Jones County, NC on August 19,1935. She was the daughter of the late Sam Byrd and Dollie Hudler Byrd Fussell.

Louise was also preceded in death by her brothers Henry Byrd, Clifton Byrd, James Byrd, William Byrd and her sisters, Maziebell Heath, Hazel Mae Barley, Marjorie Price and Inez Byrd Fields.

Louise is survived by her sister Margaret Herring (Bud) of Kinston, NC. She is also survived by her children Anthony Pennington of the home, Debra Peterson of North Myrtle Beach, SC, Jerry Pennington (Kathryn) of Jacksonville, NC, Tina Tomlinson (Shane) of Jacksonville, NC; grandchildren, Brandi Davis (Jeremiah) of Fort Mill, SC, Alex Pennington (Alex)  of Chapel Hill, NC, Kyle Pennington ( Dana) of Raleigh, NC and Trey Tomlinson of Jacksonville, NC; great grandchildren Jadyn Davis, Makailah Davis, Mya Davis, Chaise Davis and Jaxson Davis, all of Fort Mill, SC.

Louise was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She enjoyed dancing, cooking, traveling and gardening. Louise also had a love for gospel and country music. After working many years at Southern Cleaners in Jacksonville, NC, she opened a daycare in her home. The children often called her "mama", "Miss Louise" or "Miss Aweez". She dearly loved the children, and they loved her.

Graveside service will be conducted at 1:00 PM Friday. January 31, 2025 at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston, NC with Reverend Sandy Bain officiating.