Their funerals are among a total of 10 that the smallWashington County town isdealing with. Clayton Chesson, 15, was buried Saturday.
Hearts are heavy as people try to cope with the deaths of 10 youngfriends who are remembered as good kids, achieving students and creditsto their families, school and community.
The teenagers were returning from a lunch break from band camp atPlymouth High School. Their Ford Explorer van attempted to pass three carsin a no-passing lane on NC 45. Their vehicle collided head-on with atractor-trailer. Eight of the 10 teenage passengers were 15 or younger.
The tractor-trailer attempted to avoid the crash, and jack-knifedacross the road. The truck driver received no physical injuries.
Clayton Chesson was recalled fondly in services Saturday as a fineteenager with a special love for the saxaphone and for music. As the young man's family and friends said goodbye to Chesson and dealt with ashattering number of deaths, Pastor Rodney Williamsreminded a packed Bethel Church of Christ congregation that no matter howold or young we may be, we will all leave this earth.
There will be much more grieving in Plymouth during the coming week.Norman Wilson's funeralis Monday at 11 a.m. at the Pentecostal Temple Church of God and Christ. Funerals for cousins Felicia Davis and Christy Toodle will also be heldMonday. Their funeral is at 3 o'clock at Plymouth High School.
Funerals for cousins Rico Blount and Marcus Bratts will be Tuesday at2 p.m., also at Plymouth High School.
Services for Erica Downing are scheduled for Wednesday morning
A public memorial service for all the students who were killedin the accident will be held Thursday evening at 6 at Plymouth High School.
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