Mr. Thomas Earl Southerland

For live streaming of the Homegoing Celebration for Mr. Thomas Earl “Tom” Southerland, please log onto the Facebook page of Margaret Ray Britt.

 “For Safety Reasons, the Family Will Be Observing The Funeral Home COVID-19’s Rules”

The family members and friends will be observing the COVID-19 Health Rules (Face Masks “over Mouth and Nose” and Social Distancing will be required)

 “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.  He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.   Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”  (Psalm 121:1-4)

In profound sorrow, the Britt Funeral Home and Cremation Service join with the Johnson, Croom and Southerland families to announce Mr. Thomas Earl Southerland of La Grange, North Carolina, age 68, has completed his earthly journey.  Mr. Southerland transitioned from labor to reward Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at his residence in La Grange, North Carolina.  He was lovingly known by his family members and friends as “Tom”. 

Tom was born in Lenoir County, North Carolina, May 7, 1954, to the late Mr. Wilbert H Southerland, Sr. and Mrs. Edna Johnson-Johnson.

He was educated in the Wayne County Public School System. 

During Mr. Southerland working years, he worked in the construction business as a laborer pouring curbs and gutters. 

Tom was a good hearted person who loved his soap operas and playing cards.  Also, he loved to cook and share food with family members and friends. He helped people in whatever way he could. He loved a good joke and was unfiltered. Tom was loved by many and will truly be missed.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Wilbert H Southerland, Sr. and Mrs. Edna Johnson-Johnson; Mr. Wesley Johnson; his sisters, Ms. Annie Veronica and Ms. Gertrude Chyann Southerland.

A public visitation will be held Sunday, December 4, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Britt Funeral Home Memorial Chapel, 414 East Washington Street, La Grange, North Carolina 28551. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday, December 5, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. in the Britt Funeral Home Memorial Chapel, 414 East Washington Street, La Grange, North Carolina 28551.   Elder Jeffrey E. Boone will officiate. 

Interment will follow the Celebration of Life Service in the Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery, 295 West King Street, La Grange, North Carolina 28551.

Tom leaves a legacy of love to the love of his life, Ms. Alicia Bennett of the home; his brother, Mr. Wilbert H. Southerland, Jr. and wife, Mrs. Angela, of Adelphi, Maryland; his sister, Ms. Annie S. Croom of La Grange, North Carolina; his nephews, Mr. Antonio L. Southerland, aka, “Mr. Tony Bugg” (whom he helped raise) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Mr. Michael P. Southerland of Maryland; his nieces, Mrs. Deborah W. Washington and husband, Mr.Joseph of Furquay-Varina, North Carolina, Ms. Tawanda M. Southerland and Mrs. Melody A. Williams both of Maryland; his great nieces, Mrs. Anjolina W. Capers and husband, Mr. Terrelle, Ms. Ulaysha N. Southerland (whom he helped raise), of La Grange, North Carolina; his great nephews, Mr. Tevin Southerland of Maryland and Mr. Terek Southerland of Pennsylvania, Mr. Marcus Washington and Mr. Jared Washington of Furquay Varina, North Carolina, Mr. Stanley Logan of Maryland, Mr.  Michael, Mr. Peyton and Mr. Stephan Southerland all of Maryland; his great-great niece, Ms. Alana; his great-great nephews, Mr. Duane, Mr. Terrelle, Jr., Mr. Kai and Mr.  Jru; a host of other family members and friends.

Monday, December 5, 2022, the family members and friends will assemble at Britt Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 414 East Washington Street, La Grange, North Carolina at 11:00 a.m. in preparation for the family lineup and the Celebration of Life Service.

Floral arrangements may be delivered to Britt Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 414 East Washington Street, La Grange, North Carolina beginning Saturday morning, December 3, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Cards, Love-Grams and Condolences may be faxed to Britt Funeral Home and Cremation Service at 252-566-5604 or posted online at www.lagrangefuneralservice.com or by calling Britt Funeral Home and Cremation Service at 252-566-5603.

Professional services, of love and care, are entrusted to Britt Funeral Home and Cremation Service, LLC in La Grange, North Carolina.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Thomas Earl Southerland, please visit our floral store.