obituaries

Sep 21, 2023

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Delores Raysor Smallwood was born June 27, 1947 to the parentage of Reverend Fred Raysor and Mrs. Geneva Raysor in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  She was the youngest child of eight...

Sep 21, 2023

John Ervin Miller was born January 4, 1942 and passed on Thursday, September 21, 2023 in Oklahoma City, OK surrounded by his family.  He was the fourth child born to Luther and Emma Leitzsey Miller who preceded him in death.  John grew up in Forsyth County and attended the public schools.  Shortly after graduating from Atkins High School, he...

Sep 14, 2023

James Givens was a loving husband, father and a "father figure" to many.  He was a generous and caring brother, neighbor and friend.  He valued family above all and championed for the "little man".  He was quick to share a smile, humble in spirit and loved by many.

James Givens, 80, departed this life unexpectedly on the...

Sep 14, 2023

Mary Magdalene Williams Webster, 94, was born August 17, 1929 in Florence, South Carolina to the late Eugene White and Annie Bell Bryant. She entered into eternal rest peacefully on September 14, 2023 with family by her side. Her journey on this earth may have come to an end, but the legacy of resilience and tenacity she leaves behind...

Sep 13, 2023

Mr. Emanuel Haney passed away September 13, 2023.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00noon Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00noon on Saturday at the Chapel.

Sep 13, 2023

Brenda Elaine Pollard was born on November 7, 1951. She departed her life on September 13, 2023. She was the daughter of Helen Hall Rinehart.

Mrs. Pollard was a resident of Winston-Salem, NC where she attended Atkins High School and then Forsyth Technical Community College. She was a member of White Rock Baptist Church.

In...

Sep 10, 2023

Gerita Miller Frazier was born on May 11, 1973 to Bruce Davis and the late Phyllis Miller. She was a member of Greater Hope of Glory Missionary Baptist Church. She later worshiped at Power of God in Christ Ministries. Gerita loved God and loved to fellowship and serve. Gerita worked at Arbor Ridge until her health wouldn't allow her...

Sep 8, 2023

Arletha Josephine Watson Devan was born on July 18,1944 in Kinston, NC. She departed this earthly life at 4:54 am on September 8, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Arletha Watson; her husband, Russell DeVan; three siblings, Ada Darnell Watson, Grace Marie Watson, and Ralph Edward Watson; and her precious daughter, Gwendolyn Renee Watson....

Sep 8, 2023

Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Tatum Hill, 77, passed away September 8, 2023 at her residence.

Memorial services will be held from 3:00pm until 5:00pm Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church.

Sep 8, 2023

Mr. Vernal Pender, Sr., son of the late Bradley and Beaulah Mae Crawford Pender was born August 26, 1943 in Anderson County, North Carolina.  He departed this life on Friday, September 8, 2023 at his home.

He attended the Forsyth County Public Schools and served in the United States Army.

Vernal, Sr. was affectionally called...

Sep 7, 2023

Mr. Larry Norland Napper, 69, was born in Forsyth County, NC on December 7, 1953 to Reverend Warren Jake Napper and Madame Mary Elizabeth Mack Napper.  He attended the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and was formally employed as a Diesel Mechanic.  He was discharged from the United States Army in 1975 after serving in Germany.  Larry was a member of...

Sep 6, 2023

Mrs. Lillie Mae Mickle Blyther of Winston-Salem, NC  departed this life early Wednesday morning, September 6, 2023 at  Grace Heights Rehabilitation Center after an extended illness. Mrs. Blyther was born April 26, 1943 to Mr. James Mickle and Mrs. Catherine McCorkle Mickle. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mr. Hezekiah Blyther; one sister, Mrs. Doris Hickmon;...

Sep 4, 2023

Antonio Nigel Giles, affectionately known as "Tony", was born in Winston-Salem, NC on March 19, 1966 to Doretha Ann Pigford (Clifford D. Giles, Jr.) and Willie Cremedy. He called his stepfather, Angus "Go-Go" Lowery "Daddy."  On September 4, 2023 Tony entered the Gates of Heaven as his final resting place, after a short battle with COVID.

Tony...

Sep 2, 2023

Priscilla Estelle Stephens, 79, daughter of the late Gladys Mae Stephens, was born on July 4, 1944 in Winston-Salem, NC.

Priscilla was a graduate of John Walter Paisley Senior High School.  While attending Paisley she enjoyed playing basketball, softball, and soccer.  She was named "Most Likely to Succeed in Athletics."  Ms. Stephens began driving for Safe Bus...

Aug 30, 2023

Ramel Walton Shelf, also known as "Coot" to her family and friends, was born in Winston-Salem, NC on May 17, 1936 to Nathaniel Walton and Rosa Maye Stiff. She passed away peacefully on August 30, 2023, at Peak Resources Assisted Living in Charlotte, NC at the age of 87.

"Coot" was educated in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Schools....

Aug 28, 2023

Myra Porter Smoot, 61, was born on September 20, 1961 to Henry F. Porter and Sarah Ruth Winchester Porter in Winston-Salem, NC. She moved to her Heavenly home on Monday, August 28, 2023, after a few days on in-home hospice care.

Mrs. Smoot was educated in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Schools. She graduated from West Forsyth High...

Aug 28, 2023

Pamler Denise Moore, also known as "Pamela", was called home to be with the Lord on August 28, 2023, at the age of 57. Pamler was born in Forsyth County, North Carolina on August 8, 1966, to Mary Louise Moore and Carnell Stevenson. Pamler attended North Forsyth High School and was of the Baptist faith. Pamler had a strong...

Aug 26, 2023

Jerry Lee Marlin was born on November 16, 1954, to Jones and Alma Marlin in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was 1 of 9 children. Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Mazie Capers Marlin, on January 5, 1977.  From this union of 46 years came two sons: Jeramie Alexander and Jarret Braxton Marlin. Jerry loved his family and the family...

Aug 23, 2023

Ms. Grace Louise Bush Davis was born on August 6, 1932, in Mocksville, NC. She was raised by her mother, Ruby Bush, and by her Aunt Dettie and Uncle Leo. Her dear mother, Ruby, passed away when Grace was in her early 20s, and Grace would often recount to her family how kind and humble her mother was. Those...

Aug 22, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Deborah Arlenia Massey Anderson on August 22, 2023, at 64 years old. Deborah was born on April 16, 1959 and she brought compassion, wisdom and lots of laughter into the lives of those she touched. She was the "LIFE OF THE PARTY". She loved everyone in her life...