J. Bonner Paul Scholarship

A Belhaven student was awarded a scholarship to attend Beaufort County Community College funded by an endowment established in memory of J. Bonner Paul Sr., former president and co-owner of Paul Funeral Home.

Lydia O'Neal

Lydia O’Neal, 55, a student in BCCC’s Medical Office Administration Program has been chosen for the award. O’Neal is a graduate of John A. Wilkinson High School in Belhaven. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Satchell of Belhaven and is married to Henry L. O’Neal. After graduating from BCCC, O’Neal plans to get a job in the medical field.

“This scholarship will help me focus more on my studies as I will not have to think of the finances required for my degree,” she said. “I hope that the love these donors have shown me will help me in the future to help others in achieving their goals.”

J. Bonner Paul

The J. Bonner Paul, Sr., Endowment was established in November 2008 by Mr. Paul’s wife, Lillian, and current Paul Funeral Home Vice President Robert B. “Bobby” Hodges to provide scholarships for students enrolled in a business or nursing program at BCCC.

Mr. Paul was active in business and civic affairs. He was a life-long member of the First Christian Church in Washington. He was the longest-term member of the Bunyan Ruritan Club, a member of the Orr Lodge # 104 A.F. & A.M., the Beaufort Country Grange, Tau Tribe 19, I.O.R.M. and was one of the charter members of the Washington Jaycees. He also served several terms as Beaufort County Coroner before the county came under the Medical Examiner System.

Lillian Paul and Bobby Hodges

Mr. Paul served five years on the N.C. State Board of Mortuary Science including a one-year term as president of the board. He also served ten years on the N.C. Burial Association Commission. On June 19, 2003, he was awarded the North Carolina Funeral Director Association Honorary Membership given in recognition and appreciation for his support and contributions to the advancement of the association and practice of funeral service. On October 16, 2007, Mr. Paul was presented a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the members of District 2 for grateful appreciation for his professional service and dedication to the advance of funeral service.

For more information on donating funds for a scholarship, contact the BCCC Foundation at 252-940-6326. To learn more about the numerous scholarships available at BCCC, contact the Financial Aid office at 940-6219 or the Foundation office or visit the college website at www.beaufortccc.edu.