Carlton Early

Carlton Lee Early PORTSMOUTH - Carlton Lee Early, 96, of the 4200 block of Race St., died Oct. 5, 2008, in Columbia, S.C. Mr. Early was born Oct. 21, 1911, in Bertie County, North Carolina, a son of the late Alphonso James and Lavenia Evans Early. He was a resident of Portsmouth for 57 years, and a member and deacon of Westhaven Baptist Church. Carlton was retired from the U.S. Armed Forces after 24 years of service, serving two years in the U.S. Army and 22 years in U.S. Navy. After retirement from the military, he worked as an accountant for Dean Hardwood in Portsmouth for 20 years. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of almost 70 years, Mae Bozeman Early; his two daughters, Cheryl Renshaw and Linda Fitch, both of Columbia, S.C.; and a sister, Doris Cowan of Winterville, N.C. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Sheri Felkel and husband Dennis of Columbia, S.C., and Tisha Siler of San Antonio, Texas; and two great-grandchildren, Jason Meads of Elizabeth City, N.C., and Cameron Felkel of Columbia, S.C. A graveside celebration of life service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday in Ahoskie Cemetery, Ahoskie, N.C., with the Rev. Tracy Powers officiating. The family will receive friends at Garrett Funeral Home, Ashley Chapel, 205 C Hwy. 42 W., Ahoskie, one hour prior to services, from 2 until 2:45 p.m.