obituaries
Recent obituaries in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
The obituaries in the Winston-Salem, North Carolina area reflect the region's diverse population, featuring individuals from a variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Some were pioneers in their fields, while others dedicated their lives to community service or philanthropy. Their stories serve as a reminder of the richness and complexity of Winston-Salem's history and identity.
Keith Cotton
Jun 1, 2026
Keith Jerome Cotton, 50, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026.
Born on February 2, 1976, Keith was the beloved son of Clifton Cotton and the late Roxanna Dixon. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose presence brought strength, wisdom, and kindness to those who knew him.
Keith grew up in Hillsborough, NC where he loved riding...
James Kozel
May 31, 2026
Mr. James “Jay” John Kozel was born on July 3, 1967, to the late William Peter Kozel and Theresa Marie Wesloski Kozel in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the 9th of 10 children.
After high school, Jay joined the US Navy. He was a chef and became an executive chef after leaving the Navy. Jay had a mind of his own and...
Willie Johnson
May 26, 2026
Our beloved patriarch, Willie Ralph Johnson - known to so many as Mr. Willie, Uncle Willie, and most importantly, Granddaddy - passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026. He was born on September 6, 1931, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Willie attended Winston-Salem public schools. In 1956, Willie was inducted into the Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged. He...
Martha March
May 26, 2026
Martha Marie Rhynehardt March, 82 was born to the late Thomas Junior and Millie Amos Rhynehardt. She graduated as valedictorian of her class at Davie County Training School. She later attended Winston-Salem State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing while also becoming a Registered Nurse. While at WSSU, she married the love of her life...
Melvin Hairston
May 25, 2026
Melvin Nathaniel Hairston (Moshe Nataniel ben Sarah) gained his angel wings on May 25, 2026, after a short but valiantly fought battle with lung cancer. He peacefully transitioned from this world in his sleep after a one day stay at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
He leaves behind to mourn his loss his adored and adoring wife...
James Ledbetter, Jr.
May 24, 2026
This is not an obituary! Oh No! This is a tribute to a life well lived. On June 21, 1945, James Walker Ledbetter Sr. and Mary Alice Ledbetter gave birth to their eldest son, James Walker Ledbetter Jr., which was his government name in Winston-Salem, NC. We’ve known him all our lives, and we prefer “Skeeter”.
Skeeter was OUR big brother....
Kelvin Foote
May 20, 2026
Kelvin Bradley Foote was born on Friday, February 13, 1959 in Iredell County to William Charles Rose and Shirley Ann Feimster. He was lovingly adopted and raised by George and Mary Foote. On May 20, 2026 he peacefully departed this life at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home.
Kelvin was a proud graduate of North Forsyth High School, Class of 1977....
Charles Greene
May 18, 2026
Mr. Charles Michael Greene, 19, was born March 13, 2007 in Winston-Salem, NC to Celestine Boykin and Eric Greene. Charles passed away May 18, 2026.
Charles attended New Birth Christian Community Church. Charles was a student at Winston Salem Street School (WSSS) where he was a member of the basketball team. He also works as an Auto Detailer at Twin City...
Elisa McInnis-Lark
May 11, 2026
Elisa Faye McInnis‑Lark was born on April 17, 1960, in High Point, North Carolina, to the late Huster McInnis and Asalee McInnis. From her earliest days, Elisa carried a gentle spirit, a creative mind, and a heart full of compassion—qualities that shaped her life and touched everyone who knew her.
Elisa was a proud graduate of High Point University, where she...
Arthur Gray, III
May 11, 2026
In Loving Memory of Arthur Frederick Gray III
Winston-Salem, NC - Mr. Arthur Frederick Gray III, beloved father, brother, mentor, educator, veteran, entrepreneur, and patriarch of the Gray family, peacefully transitioned from labor to eternal rest on May 11, 2026, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. A man of extraordinary wisdom, humor, generosity, and unwavering dedication, Arthur’s...
Wanda Jones
May 8, 2026
Wanda Marie Lee Jones was born October 15, 1946 in Berkeley, California along with her twin sister, Saundra Cephas to Paul William Lee and Evelyn Mildred Butler. She also had an older sister, Paulette Caw (deceased). Wanda leaves to cherish her memory a husband of forty-four years Richard Jones, Jr.; two sons, Edward Bunker (Dana), Roman Bunker, an adopted son,...
Deborah Jackson
May 6, 2026
Deborah Whitlock Jackson was born on October 22, 1945, to her late parents, Eva Mae Woods Harris and Frank Harris. A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, she graduated from Anderson High School in 1964 with her one-year-old son in hand, Bobby Jackson Sr.
After graduation, she married Richard Jackson and moved to San Antonio, Texas. She later welcomed her youngest son,...
Margaret Burns
May 5, 2026
Margaret W. Burns
April 14, 1941 – May 5, 2026
Margaret W. Burns passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Born on April 14, 1941, to Joe and Caroline Watkins, Margaret lived a life rooted in faith, love, strength, and devotion to her family.
A faithful and dedicated employee, Margaret served Wake Forest University for 30 years until her retirement. She took...
Mary Mims
May 5, 2026
On May 5, 2026, heaven opened its gates to welcome one of its most radiant souls. Mary Helen Mims (Metts), 78, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, gently passed from this life, leaving behind a legacy woven with love, laughter, and a spirit that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Mary Helen was born on July 12, 1948, to the late Mary...
Naomi Sims
May 3, 2026
Naomi Hairston Sims was born September 7, 1929, to Peter and Ever Hairston. She transitioned on May 3, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Mrs. Betty Jean Sims Kennel; brothers, William, Stokes, James, and Jody; and sisters, Verona, Essie, Arizona, Zella Mae, and Savannah.
Naomi was educated in the Davidson County public schools and graduated from Dunbar High School....
Gerald Cession
May 2, 2026
Gerald J. Cession, 68, was born to the late Henry Lee Cession and Birdell William Cession on September 11, 1957, in Akron, Ohio. He departed this life and entered into eternal rest peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Winston-Salem, NC. Gerald was educated in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and was a graduate of Parkland High School.
Gerald shared his life...
Arnethia Coplin
May 1, 2026
Arnethia Harris Coplin was born on April 15, 1940, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to the late Frank B. Harris and Eva Mae Woods Harris. She was the third of five children born to her parents, who were known entrepreneurs in their community.
On May 1, 2026, Arnethia transitioned peacefully at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist after a brief illness, surrounded by...
William R. White, Jr.
Apr 29, 2026
William Russell White, Jr., son of the late William R. White, Sr. and Martha Ann Lucas White, was born on September 18, 1946 in Wilson, NC. He departed this life on Wednesday April 29, 2026 after a long battle with declining health. William was educated in the Elm City School System and later worked as a chauffeur for R. J....
Fannie Bonham
Apr 27, 2026
A Life Sculpted in Faith, Service, and Love
Mrs. Fannie S. Bonham, a woman whose life was carved with grace, resilience, and unwavering devotion, entered eternal rest after a lifetime of service to her family, her community, and her faith. Like a masterfully sculpted work of art, her life reflects strength in foundation, beauty in purpose, and a legacy that will...
Clarence Clark
Apr 26, 2026
Clarence T. Clark “Pee Wee”, a beloved husband, devoted father and cherished friend, peacefully passed away at home on April 26, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on December 11, 1948, in Winston-Salem, NC, Clarence was predeceased by his parents, Frank Wells Clark and Elsie Sherrod; as well as his beloved siblings, Franklin Fair and Janet Robinson.
Clarence shared his...
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