Bringing The World Home To You

© 2024 WUNC North Carolina Public Radio
120 Friday Center Dr
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
919.445.9150 | 800.962.9862
91.5 Chapel Hill 88.9 Manteo 90.9 Rocky Mount 91.1 Welcome 91.9 Fayetteville 90.5 Buxton 94.1 Lumberton 99.9 Southern Pines 89.9 Chadbourn
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Craven County Commissioner Dies From COVID-19

Courtesy Craven County Government

Craven County Commissioner Johnnie Sampson Jr., has died after a battle with COVID-19. The 87-year-old had been a county commissioner for 24 years.

His family told NewsChannel 12 that he died on Thursday after being readmitted to the hospital. He had tested positive for COVID-19 last month.

Sampson was a Craven County native, noted as a public servant and icon of the Black community. Over the years, he was involved in the Craven County Voters' League, Concerned Citizens, NAACP and the Duffyfield Residents' Council, according to the Craven County government website. 

Board of Commissioners Chairman Thomas Mark described him as a gentleman.

"He was very passionate person," he said. "He loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a fierce advocate of children."

Congressman G.K. Butterfield released a statement mourning the commissioner and highlighting his civic involvement.

"Johnnie Sampson Jr. poured his energy, conviction and love into the Craven County community," the statement read. "He was a friend, a man of passion and principle who impacted the lives of many. Though we mourn the loss of Johnnie Sampson Jr., we also celebrate and honor his life of service."

Naomi P. Brown joined WUNC in January 2017.
Related Stories
More Stories