Clarence Burgess Jr. said his sister, Dora Patterson, 63, of Rockingham, and his brother-in-law Earnest Williams, 66, perished in the blaze that was reported around 6:15 this morning,

Mr. Williams' wife, Joyce Ann Williams, escaped, but was injured and was initially being treated at Halifax Regional Medical Center. A toddler who was in the house sustained serious injuries, Burgess and Davie Volunteer Fire Department Chief David Padgett confirmed.

“We are close-knit,” Burgess said this morning as firefighters from Davie and Littleton worked on containing hotspots. “We buried my father four months ago so getting together Thanksgiving with the family was a serious requirement.”

Patterson was down not only for Thanksgiving, but to attend the funeral of her father's friend, Burgess said. “We've got to lift them up in spirit and accept God. It could have taken them all.”

Padgett called in the Halifax County Sheriff's Office to investigate since fatalities were involved. He said the fire is not believed to be suspicious.

Padgett said it was not clear how long the fire had been burning before the call was received around 6:15 at 1029 Davie School Road, which is off Highway 158 outside of Roanoke Rapids and just past Davie Middle School. He said the fire apparently started at the end of the house where the kitchen is. He said the house is a total loss.

Firefighters found the woman's body in a front bedroom and the man in the hallway.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said a joint investigation with the Davie Fire Department will be conducted. The sheriff's office was waiting for the State Bureau of Investigation to arrive.