Mrs. Nebraska Waites

November 12, 1956 - July 19, 2021

The family of Mrs. Nebraska Waites sorrowfully announces her passing on Monday, July 19, 2021. She was 64 years of age. ~Our Mother~ Mrs. Nebraska Waites "Neise," 64 of Kinston, NC, passed away peacefully from this life the evening of July 19, 2021 after a gradual decline in health (non-covid-19) in her daughter’s home in Durham, NC. She was surrounded and supported by her four daughters, granddaughter Shaquana, her youngest sister Betty Suggs, “Poochie,” and her niece Rosalyn during the last days of her life. On November 12, 1956, Neise was born to the late Robert L. Suggs and Maggie Smith in Kinston, NC, but raised in Greene County where she attended public school. After the birth of her first child in Indiana, she moved back to Kinston, NC. In 1973, she had her second daughter, and in 1974 to 1995, she was married to the late Robert Gorham of Wilson, NC. Neise was quite the social butterfly who captured the attention of anyone she encountered. Her eyes were as big as her personality, and she enjoyed socializing, dancing, or just laughing with her friends. Neise was far from shy and lived her life to the fullest. If she was quiet, her facial expressions were another way you knew what she was thinking. While living in New York, she gave birth to her third daughter, and soon after, she moved back to Kinston, NC. In 1991, she gave birth to her fourth daughter. In 2001, she married Vernon Waites, and they lived together in Trenton, NC, for several years before separating but remained married when she relocated-moving back to Kinston, NC. Neise was not afraid to live life on her terms and never turned away from having a good time. She took great pride in caring for her many plants, studying the word, and spending time with her family. She was strong, determined, and a proud mother and grandmother. She was a crazed fan of the Washington Redskins, especially when she saw them practicing. Neise is survived by her estranged husband, Vernon Waites of Jacksonville, NC, four daughters: Rebecca Suggs of Kinston, NC, Shan Tannya Artis of Durham, NC, Menerva Philson “Pitty Pat” (Bernard) of Ashburn, VA, and Dominique Suggs of Fayetteville, NC; five grandchildren: Shaquana Suggs, Takiya Darden, Ayanna Tomlin, Clayvon Philson, and Elijah Suggs; six siblings: Audrey Yates of Kinston, NC, Lavern Lindsay (Cedric) of Jacksonville, FL, Catherine Baugh of Fredericksburg, VA, Tammy Suggs of Jacksonville, FL, Cornell Suggs (Victoria) of Burlington, NC, and Poochie Suggs of Durham, NC; twelve nieces and nephews although she always claimed Rosalyn Yates as one of her daughters. She will be missed by a host of extended family and friends. Her life will be cherished by special friends in her community, Johnny Robinson “Bro”, Martha Galloway, Marcia Mills, and so many more! Neise was preceded in death by both parents and one sister, Rosalyn Smith. ~Our Gratitude~ We are thankful to God for the year that extended our chances to make amends, pray, make new memories and be a provider for our mother. We are grateful for those of you who prayed for us, fed us, gave gifts, hugs, words of encouragement, listening ears, or called us to see how we were all doing. Special thanks to our employers, who allowed us to be caretakers with flexibility, patience, and understanding. We also wish to recognize Duke Medical, who graced mom with a year of free medical services. Lastly, we thank Duke Homecare & Hospice Care: our team, Kesha, Stella, Nakeenya, and Chaplain Cheryl. ~Keeping her Memories Alive~ The daughters of Neise ask that you continue to share your memories, condolences, or pictures on her Facebook page (Neise Suggs Waites) “Only My God Can Judge Me… I Am A Redskins Fan Till The Day I Die” that Menerva will manage. You can send a friend request or tag her in your post. In lieu of flowers, you can send or bring your tokens of love to: Attn: Shan Tannya Artis & Family 5115 Old Well Street, Durham, NC 27704 Celebration of Life: 5115 Old Well Street, Durham, NC 27704 Friday, July 23, 2021 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Celebration of Life: 301 S. Adkin Street, Apt. 18-H, Kinston, NC 28501 Saturday, July 24, 2021 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm