obituaries

Feb 26, 2026

Travis Blair Allen lived a life that many strive for, but few truly embody — a life of service, love, and unwavering devotion to God.

Born on November 1, 1996, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Alexander Allen and Richella Evette Rhodes Allen. Travis was more than a son, brother, and friend — he was a servant. And not just in title,...

Feb 25, 2026

Tahjmel Brim was born October 8, 1998 in Winston-Salem, NC to Comar Brim and Trisha Marsh. He was a loving, kindhearted young man and above all he was a Christian who was always willing to help his fellow man. He visited family and friends often, ensuring they always felt his love. A brave soul at heart, Tahjmel was never afraid...

Feb 25, 2026

Pamela Bonita Davidson Jordan was born on September 11, 1954 in Winston Salem, NC to the late Lester Davidson, Jr. and Mary Elizabeth Davidson. She peacefully transitioned to be with the heavenly father on February 25, 2026 at home surrounded by her loved ones.

Pamela was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She graduated high school in 1972 and went...

Feb 25, 2026

Lou Esther Jackson was born on March 10, 1928, to Robert and Beulah Connor. She was the beloved sister of Freddie, Mary, and Pearlie. A lifelong resident of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Mrs. Jackson dedicated her life to faith, family, service, and community.

She was married to Thomas Jackson, and together they poured love into the lives of countless children in their...

Feb 20, 2026

Frances Marie Ziglar was born January 15, 1940 in Mt. Airy, NC, to the late George and Lonnie Sawyers Green. She graduated from J.J. Jones High School and was employed in various industries before retiring as a homemaker.  As a devoted member of Phillips Chapel Missionary Baptist Church for over 50 years, Frances served faithfully on the Adult Usher...

Feb 18, 2026

Andrea Miller Thompson was born to Richard and Claree Joyce Miller in Brooklyn, NY on August 11, 1952. She made the transition from labor to reward on February 18, 2026 at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. surrounded by family.

With her family, "Dre" as she was affectionately called, relocated to Winston-Salem at an early...

Feb 17, 2026

Valarie Washington Edmonds entered the world on May 1, 1969, in Winston-Salem, NC to the late Shelley Reeder Jiles, Jr. and the late Edna Louise Washington. She departed this life peacefully on February 17, 2026, after a lengthy illness, surrounded by her cherished family at Duke University Medical Center, embraced by the same love and devotion she had generously...

Feb 17, 2026

Garfield Grinton, born June 20, 1937, in North Wilkesboro, N.C. He lived in Winston-Salem, NC for most of his life.  He departed this life Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

He was a man of integrity, with a gentle soul and a loving heart.

He was a hardworking man that dedicated 25 years to RJ Reynolds.

Feb 15, 2026

Edna Bernice Cates was born on June 21, 1929 to the late William Thomas Cates and Mollie Holcomb Cates.  Edna passed peacefully on February 15, 2026 in the home of her niece.  She was preceded in death by all of her siblings,  Homer Cates (Eva), L.C. Cates (Julietta), Thomas Cates, Jr., Beaufort Cates (Annie Mae), Fletcher Cates (Shirley), Bravell...

Feb 15, 2026

Mr. Raymond Henry O'Neal was born April 20, 1952, to the late Cornell Sr. and Juanita O'Neal in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and departed this life peacefully on February 15, 2026. He was the third of five children. A native of Winston-Salem, he matriculated through the WS/FCS System and graduated from Atkins High School in 1970. He was employed by...

Feb 10, 2026

Richard O. Wilder, 67, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. Born on August 25, 1958, to Andrew N. Wilder and Dorothy J. Wilder, Richard's life was rooted in family, hard work, and quiet strength.

From an early age, Richard carried forward the values instilled in him by his parents—love, integrity, perseverance, and kindness. He grew up...

Feb 9, 2026

Ann Henri' Farmer Hollingsworth was born February 16, 1932 in Wilson, NC to Henry Farmer and Emma B. Farmer. She departed this life on February 9, 2026.

Mrs. Hollingsworth was educated at the prestigious Palmer Institute in Sedalia, NC. She later graduated from Shaw University and earned her Master's in Education from NC A&T State University.

Feb 8, 2026

Ian William Gervasi, 28, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Ian was born on September 24, 1997, in Winston Salem to Fontaine and Shaun Gervasi. He grew up in Winston Salem with his parents and three sisters, Olivia, Anna, and Mary Brennan, whom he loved dearly. Ian attended Mount Tabor...

Feb 7, 2026

Effie Belcher Foster

A Life Well Lived

Mother Effie Belcher Foster 100 years old. She was the beloved matriarch of her family and a cherished member of her community. She passed away peacefully at Trellis Supportive Care on February 7, 2026. Effie was born in the Cedar Spring Community of Greenwood, South Carolina on March...

Feb 5, 2026

Ms. Shirley Howell, 61, passed away February 5, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30am Thursday, February 19, 2026 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 11:30am on Thursday at the Chapel.

Feb 4, 2026

Kathleen M. Smith was born and lived a life rooted in love, service, and togetherness.  She was the kind of woman who showed up for others not out of obligation, but from the heart.  Loving people came naturally to her, and she gave that love freely, often placing the needs of others before her own.

"Moochie" deeply...

Feb 4, 2026

Norma Claudia Brown, 78, of Winston-Salem, NC, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.

Norma was born on October 14, 1947, in Durham, NC, to the late Clyde and Maude Brown. She was the fourth child of this union. She was preceded in death by her brother, Clyde Brown, Jr., and her...

Feb 3, 2026

Judith Neal Conner, 74, passionately known as "Judy" was born January 7, 1952, to the late John Alton Neal and Edith Erline Neal in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  With all powers in HIS hands, she slipped from her earthly realm into her eternal body on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care (Yadkinville, NC).

...

Jan 30, 2026

Mr. Charles Leon Williams was born on December 15, 1959, and was called home on Friday, January 30, 2026. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Bettie Jo Williams.

Leon leaves to cherish his precious memory his devoted father, Thad Williams; his children, Carmelita Woodard and Kalil Porter; seven loving sisters, Barbara (Charles) Morton, Mable...

Jan 30, 2026

Jacqueline Evans Spease was born on March 21, 1961, in Winston Salem, NC. She passed peacefully on January 30, 2026, at Forsyth Medical Center.

Jacqueline was a loving Mother and Grandmother, Aunt, Cousin and friend and will forever be missed by all that she has touched. She was proceeded in death by her parents Samuel Lee Border...