Mildred Russell

Mrs. Mildred Russell, 87, died on Friday, Feb. 27, 2015, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

Her interests included reading, cooking, and playing games with family and friends. She was an active member of Redland Pentecostal Holiness Church. She had a wonderful sense of humor, a kind heart, and added to the life of every member of her large family.

Survivors: her son, Daniel Russell (Carolyn) of Iowa; her daughter, Pamela Muetzel (Richard) of North Carolina; 4 grandchildren, Jennifer Durham (Scott), Melanie Dowd (Scott), Gina del Corazon (Ana) and Jonathan Russell (Melissa); 5 great-grandchildren, Jacob, Keara, Kylee, Mia and Toño; and her half-brother, Terry Davis of California.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Russell; her parents, George and Anna Davis; her brothers, Henry “Jim” Melvin, Jack and J.B. Davis; her sisters, Thelma Miskel, Pauline Starks and Minnie Hoelker; and her dog, Tinker.

A memorial service was held Sunday, March 15 at 2 p.m. at Redland Pentecostal Holiness Church in Advance.

Memorials: Redland Pentecostal Holiness Benevolence Fund, 137 Baltimore Road, Advance.

Condolences: www.hayworth-miller.com.

Louis Joseph Healy Jr.

Louis Joseph Healy Jr., 81, of High Point, died on Feb. 20, 2015, after years of declining health. He was cared for by nurses, doctors, and pastoral staff at Pennybyrn at Maryfield nursing home in High Point.

He was the fourth of six children, born to Louis Sr. and Geraldine Healy of Flint, Mich.. He was raised Catholic, and attended Flint Central High School and Michigan State University for two years. He joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Sill, Okla. He was a a small business owner, owning Lou Healy Chevrolet in Winston-Salem, High Point Baby Products in High Point, the Cookie Factory in Atlanta, Ga. and Charleston Candy and Coffee in Charleston, S.C. He was a member of Bermuda Run Country Club. He was a member of many Rotary clubs, and liked to share his Christian faith and struggles with dyslexia. He was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, and talked fondly of his travels to the Holy Land. He loved to sing “The Old Rugged Cross” and had hosted many missionaries in his home. He moved to Charleston in 1981, owning two stores in the Citadel Mall, the Peanut Shack and Coffee, Tea and Thee. He changed the names to Charleston Candy and Coffee and left the business in 1999 due to prostate cancer and health issues. He was a volunteer at St. Francis Hospital. In December of 2011, he returned to North Carolina to live with his daughter, Katy, until he needed full-time care. He joined First Baptist Church in Mocksville on Easter Sunday 2011. He loved family and was most proud of his children. He was a storyteller from the Irish tradition. He loved to laugh, dance, sing, whistle, and spend time with others.

Survivors: his children, Matthew Healy and wife Colette, Marci Wagler, Betsy Cornell, Mark Healy, Kelly Healy, Kerry Healy and husband Jason Weeks and Katy Junker and husband Clint; 12 grandchildren, Heidi Larson-Schweers, Christopher Wagler, Marshall Healy, Hunter Healy, Lisa Nicole Cornell, Annabelle Healy, Sadie Healy, Emmeline Weeks, Jasper Weeks, Healy Junker, Maggie Junker and Max Junker; a great-grandchild, Ellie Healy; his sisters, Barbara Collins of Davidson, and Suzanne Maccio and husband Chet of Pinehurst; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews from the Maccio, Lukken, Collins, and Healy clan.

He is predeceased by 3 siblings, Fritz Healy of Fayetteville, Gerald Healy of Lexington, Ky. and Molly Lukken of LaGrange, Ga.

A Rosary service will be held for Louis on Friday, March 13 in the chapel at Pennybyrn at Maryfield (1315 Greensboro Road) in High Point at 5 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 11a.m., Saturday, March 14 at First Baptist Church (412 N. Main St.) in Mocksville. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

Memorials: First Baptist Building Fund, 412  N. Main St., Mocksville.

Condolences: www.eatonfuneralservice.com.

Margaret “Peggy” Fern Erway Howard

Margaret “Peggy” Howard died on Friday, Feb.  20,2 015.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William McCarroll Howard Sr.; her sister Jean; and brothers Gerald, Harry, John and Jesse.

Mrs Howard was born April 6,1924 in Tioga County, Pa. the daughter of Charles Fay and Mildred Seely Lent Erway. She married Mr. Howard, son of Milender Morris Howard of Buncombe County, on July 15, 1945 after he returned from serving in World War II. They resided in Chapel Hill for a short time while Mr. Howard attended pharmacy school before moving to Forsyth County and later to Davie County. Mrs Howard loved to garden and make quilts. She had a great heart for children and for the downtrodden.

Survivors: 3 sons, William McCarroll Howard Jr., John Charles Howard and wife Kathy and Luke Edgar Howard; daughters Jill Anne and husband Hugh Duncan and Carolyn Diane and husband David Yeager.; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-granddaughters, Harper Howard, Henslee Howard and Chloie Draddy, all of South Carolina; brothers, Charles Erway of Florida and Robert Erway and wife Joyce of Pennsylvania.

Memorials: Senior Services of Winston-Salem, 2895 Shorefair Drive 27105.

Burial will be private.

Mildred Campbell ‘Bob’ Bumgarner

Mildred “Bob” Campbell Bumgarner, 71, of Woodleaf, died on Wednesday afternoon, March 4, 2015, at her residence.

Born June 21, 1943 in Woodleaf, she was a daughter of the late Ralph Heathman and Sadie Lee McIntyre Campbell. She was a 1961 graduate of West Rowan High School, the second graduating class. Mrs. Bumgarner was a caretaker and homemaker and a faithful Christian who loved her Lord all of her life. Prior to a debilitating auto accident, she had picked up and driven many children to church.

She was also preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Campbell Mowery.

Survivors: her husband of 53 years, Jim Bumgarner; her daughters, Lisa Bumgarner Hancock of Woodleaf and Lorri Bumgarner Carlton (Bentley),of Mocksville; her sisters, Ruby Belle Campbell Moore (Bill) and Dorothy Campbell Harris (James); sisters-in-law, Alma Bumgarner, Janie Waller (Jerry) and Muriel B. Campbell; brother-in-law Harold Bumgarner (Mary); her grandchildren, Jessica Lee Hoffman (David), Ashley Rae Hancock, Samuel Brown Hancock, Shiloh Carlton and Zoe Carlton; great-grandson, Kane Emory Hoffman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family received friends Saturday, March 7 from 1-2 p.m. at Northgate Church. A memorial celebration of life began at 2 p.m. in the church, conducted by Pastor Kenneth Koontz.

Memorials: Northgate Church, 1255 W. Ridge Rd., Salisbury, 28147; or Hospice of Rowan, 720 Grove St., Salisbury, 28144.

Condolences: www.linnhoneycuttfuneralhome.com.

Mary V. ‘Nena’ Williams

Mary V. “Nena” Williams died surrounded by her family in Waddell, Ariz. on Feb. 20, 2015.

She was a native of the Valley of Sun, born in Peoria, Ariz., having lived her last three years in Waddell. She was born July 4, 1939 to Ignacia and Ignacio Valencia. She resided in El Mirage, Ariz. until 1965 when she moved to North Carolina where she lived for 32 years, including 27 years as a resident of Keithgayle Drive in Clemmons. She was a member of Hope Moravian Church, before moving back to Arizona in 1997. In North Carolina she helped with a migrant ministry as a translator for years. She had been married to Billy Williams, and died on their 50th anniversary.

Survivors: her husband Bill; daughter, Ana Maria Milender; sister, Beatrice Sainz; brothers Gilbert and Frank Valencia; granddaughter, Gabriella Maria Milender; and sister-in-law, Melba Tesh of Clemmons.

She was predeceased by her parents; step-son Kevin Williams; sisters Mercedes Rodriguez, Socorro Mohammed and Charlotte Fernandez.

Visitation was Thursday, Feb. 26 at Advantage Golden Door Chapel, Youngtown, Ariz. with a Rosary. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Friday, Feb. 27 at Santa Teresita Parish, El Mirage. Burial followed at Sunland Memorial Park, Sun City, Ariz.

Condolences: www.advantagefunerals.com.

Kenneth Starr ‘JR’ Ratledge Jr.

Mr. Kenneth Starr “JR”  Ratledge Jr., 65, of Winston-Salem died Sunday, March 8, 2015.

He was born March 6, 1950 to Kenneth Starr and Agnes Whitaker Ratledge Sr. He fought a courageous battle against leukemia, maintaining his sense of humor and positive attitude. He loved his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Sharon Denise “Babe” Ratledge.

Survivors: his wife, Etta Lashmit Ratledge; son, Brian Ratledge (Stefanie) of Raleigh; 2 grandsons Vaughn and Brooks Ratledge; 2 sisters Ann Barnes, and Karen Deadmon (David) of Mocksville; and 6 nieces.

A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at Hope Moravian Church with the Revs. Andrew Heil and David Merritt officiating. Burial followed in the church graveyard. The family received friends Monday, March 9, Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel.

Memorials: Hope Moravian, 2759 Hope Church Road, Winston-Salem, 27127.

Condolences: www.hayworth-miller.com.

Verna Howard Howell

Verna Howard Howell (Dunn) died on March 8, 2015 on her 88th birthday after less than a two-week stay at Bermuda Commons in Advance.

She was born and raised on a farm on Rainbow Road, daughter of the late Hettie May Sofley Howard and Albert Stevenson Howard. As an adult she moved just down the road from her parents, where she lived and managed to take care of herself until four weeks ago. During her brief stay at Bermuda Commons, a nurse commented, “It was like a revolving door in and out of her room with the outpouring of friends and family visiting.” She loved to be around people and to tell stories. A few weeks before her death while riding in car  on US 158 and NC 801, she named every person who lived in each house and named their parents. She never met a stranger and never was without conversation. She was employed with RJR Tobacco Co. in Winston-Salem for 20 years, 13 years at Ramada Inn in Clemmons and 30 years as a CNA at the Blumenthal Jewish Home in Clemmons. She did private duty nursing at Bermuda Village in Advance. She retired but never slowed. She was an active member of the Good Times Square Dance Club, the Home Demonstration, Cub Scout leader, Methodist Women, and a participant at the Farmington Senior Center events and monthly birthday parties. She had the annual chicken stew for friends every fall and many looked forward to the fire, stew and stories. She was a faithful member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church, where she was the oldest female member living until her death. She loved to travel with friends, family and her brother, Thomas Howard. She enjoyed her morning at Bojangles, catching up on the latest gossip. She was a NASCAR fan who rooted for Jeff Gordon.  In her later years she enjoyed watching Judge Judy, The Walton’s or the local news. If someone was sick or had died, she would start cooking; making chicken pies, green beans, sweet potato casserole and some type of pie or cake. She was a fabulous cook and before her decline in health would always fix Monday night supper so the family could congregate and discuss their happenings. It got to be a joke because you never knew who would stop by. She loved canning and freezing corn.  When her son-in-law got a new Harley, she decided she had to ride. At age 78, she got on the back and down the road they went. When she returned, she said if she could put training wheels on it she would get her one to ride, it was so much fun. She could not always wait until Thursday for the Davie County Enterprise and she would sometimes slip out and go get the paper on Wednesday just so she could be the first to know the news.  She would read every word and then start calling to see if we had heard about so and so. We knew she was sick Wednesday when she did not ask for the Davie County Enterprise. She will be missed at the Howard Reunion, which she was a fixture every year. She could put you in your place or be in the place where you needed her to be minutes later. You could depend on her to be at family gatherings and be early and stay late so she would not miss anything. Her wit and sense of humor remained alert and observant to the end.   

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Loyd Dunn; a sister, Julia Geraldine Howard Pilcher, and 2 brothers, Glenn Stevenson Howard and Hugh Thomas Howard.

Survivors: her 2 children, Kathy Howell Miller (Patrick), Ronald Gene Howell (friend Jody Kirby); 3 grandchildren, Suzanne Miller Lakey (Bryan), Matthew Holt Miller  (Laura) and Stephanie Howell Mathis (Shannon); 6 great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Brooklyn, Calleigh and Stella Lakey, Caleb and Conner Mathis; 5 nieces and nephews, Julia Ann Pilcher Myers, Loretta Pilcher Boger (Jeff), Tommy Howard (Robin), Anthony Stevenson Howard, and Beverly Howard Tripp.

Her funeral service was to be held Wednesday, March 11 at 5 p.m. at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Advance.  Burial was to follow in the church cemetery. The body was to lie in state one hour before the service and the family visitation was to take place in the sanctuary after the burial.

Memorials: The OAR Foundation, 110 Ashbourne Lake Court, Clemmons,   27012  Attn:  Annabelle Lakey Fund.

Condolences: www.GrahamFuneralHome.net.

Patsy Ruth Reavis Durham

Mrs. Patsy Ruth Reavis Durham, 73, of Michaels Road, Mocksville, died on Monday, March 9, 2015.

She was born April 20, 1941 in Iredell County to the late Roy and Maude Clydeen Reavis Gunter. She was a member of Shiloh Reformed Church of Faith. She was retired from Lexington Furniture after 25 years. In her retirement, she loved reading and doing crossword and Sudoku puzzles. She was especially fond of bluegrass and gospel music. She was a woman of great faith and courage, enjoyed fellowship with a special group of friends at Bojangle’s in Advance.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Floyd James Durham.

Survivors: 3 sons, James Durham (Louann) of Salisbury, Todd Durham of (Robin) of Advance and Eric Durham (Davia) of Mocksville; 8 grandchildren, Jacob Durham, Corbin Durham, Jenna Durham, Brandon Durham, Jonathan Durham, Kayla Durham, Lindsay Miller (Joey) and Emily Carter; a great-grandson, Tanner Taylor; a sister, Shirley Hodge (Jack) of Woodleaf; a special aunt, Betty Thies, special companion, Jerry Smith, both of Mocksville; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life was to be be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 12 at Eaton Funeral Chapel with the Revs. Richard Myers and the Wayne Trexler officiating. Burial was to follow in Needmore Baptist Church Cemetery in Woodleaf. The family was to receive friends from 10-11:30 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials: American Heart Assoc., Memorials and Tributes Processing Center, PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216; Needmore Baptist Cemetery Fund, PO Box 360, Woodleaf, 27054; or Shiloh Reformed Church of Faith, PO Box 308, Faith, 28041.

Condolences: www.eatonfuneralservice.com.