Marie D. Eldridge, 83, of Chapel Hill, died June 13 at her home at The Cedars.

Mrs. Eldridge was born in Baltimore, Md., and received her undergraduate degree from Notre Dame of Maryland and her graduate degree in biostatistics from Johns Hopkins University. In 1962, she married Paul Eldridge, who survives her.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Eldridge is survived by her sister, Caroline Miller of Durham; her son, Dan and daughter-in-law Dorothy Eldridge of Naperville, Ill.; her daughter, Julia Eldridge and son-in-law C. Arthur Stiers of Seattle, Wash.; and her grandchildren Paul and Amanda Eldridge of Naperville, Ill.

In 1984, she retired from a career in Washington, D.C., as an executive at the Postal Service and in the departments of Transportation, Education and Labor and other agencies. In 1982, she received the Presidential Rank Award, Meritorious Executive, for service as administrator of the National Center for Education Statistics. She was a member of the Washington Statistical Society, serving as representative-at-large, chairperson of the Employment Committee, and president. She was elected a Fellow by the American Statistical Association, and was an officer of the American Association of University Women.

After moving to the Triangle area in 1983, Mrs. Eldridge worked as a director at the Research Triangle Institute. In 1988, Mrs. Eldridge became a Realtor. She was active in the Triangle chapter of the Torch Club and served as a representative to the Chapel Hill Transportation Board.

Funeral services will be held at the Chapel of the Cross in Chapel Hill at 2 p.m. Thursday.

The family asks that donations be made to the Chapel of the Cross or the charity of your choice.

The family will receive friends after the service at the Chapel of the Cross.

Ben Erwin Perry

Ben Erwin Perry died on June 11.

He was born Jan. 15, 1927, on McCauley Street in Chapel Hill. After graduating from Chapel Hill High School he entered the service and served with the U.S. Army in the occupation forces of Japan.

He received a bachelor's degree and a masters degree at UNC. He played football on the Charlie Justice-era football teams. He married Marguerite "Geet" Thompson of Raleigh on Sept. 5, 1948. He began his football coaching career in Edenton in the early 1950s. He later became head football coach at Fuquay Varina High School and Lumberton High School.

In 1960 he returned to Chapel Hill and began a career at UNC in the Records and Registration Department. He served on the Chapel Hill School Board and was a member of the Jaycees and later the Rooster Club. He and Geet took lead roles in the "Justice Era" football team reunions. Ben was an avid Tar Heel fan and a long time Rams Club member. He enjoyed golf and spending time in Emerald Isle. Ben was an excellent woodworker and builder of furniture, and he developed an expertise in decoy carving. His decoys won many first place and top finishes in competitions.

His beloved wife Geet passed away on Feb. 17, 2006, and his brother and best friend Gales passed away in November 2007.

He is survived by sons Sam P. Perry of Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Michael T. Perry of Chapel Hill; daughter-in-law Catherine Jones; grandchildren Samantha J. Perry of Charleston, S.C., and Lawton T. Perry of Creedmore; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 20, at 4 p.m. at Aldersgate Methodist Church in Chapel Hill. A covered dish meal will be held at the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity.

Jane Pittard Whitefield

Jane Pittard Whitefield died peacefully in her sleep at her Chapel Hill home on June 12.

A native of Granville County, she was born May 30, 1923, the daughter of Martha Davis and Raleigh Clifton Pittard of Oxford.

She graduated from Oak Hill High School as valedictorian in 1940, and received an AB degree in history and library science from UNC-Greensboro in 1944.

Jane was a teacher, librarian, and executive of the Chapel Hill Chamber of Commerce Merchants Association. She owned and operated Medical-Dental-Hospital Bureau of NC, Inc., and held various state and national offices in this field.

Jane married Clarence Earl Whitefield of Durham in 1955. They have three children: Susan Morehead (husband William) of Decatur, Ala., Anne Kennedy of Durham, and Robert Whitefield (wife Ruth) of Chapel Hill. She was predeceased by a son, Clarence Earl Whitefield, Jr.

Jane is survived by four grandsons, Matthew and Stuart Morehead of Decatur, Ala., Jason Kennedy of Mebane, and Joe Kennedy of Holly Springs; one great-grandson, Blake Kennedy of Mebane; and one great-granddaughter, Coley Kennedy of Holly Springs; and her sister, Ann Boswood of Keller, Texas.

While her husband was serving as alumni director of UNC, Jane was a congenial hostess and helpmate. She and Clarence were awarded the University's Distinguished Service Medal in 1982.

She enjoyed gardening, reading, travel, and Carolina sporting events. A favorite place was their second home in Pine Knoll Shores.

A graveside service will be held today at 4 p.m. at Chapel Hill Cemetery, conducted by the Rev. Mel Williams. Following the service, a reception will be held at the home, 300 Laurel Hill Road. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to the N.C. Botanical Garden or a charity of your choice.