Obituaries
Russell
Funeral Home
822 Carl Russell Ave.
722-3459
ACKER
Mr. Mack Lee Acker, 5005 Longbrook Circle. Winston-Salem,
passed away Sept. 14 at Wake Forest University/Baptist Medical Center.
He \$ras born Aug. 8, 1917 to Joseph and Elizabeth Acker. Mr. Acker was
a native of Greenville, SC, and educated in the public school systtfm. He
served in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of World War II. He was a
faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist Church for many years. Mr. Acker
was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Acker; his
wife, Geraldine Acker and subsequently Biner Acker; a daughter. Eldora
Acker-Williams; and two sons, Willie "Honey Bee" Acker and James
Acker. O
Surviving relatives include his daughter, Odessa Y. Fields of Win
ston-Salem; five grandsons, Toney (Bernice) Fields of Winston-Salem,
Derrick Fields of Greensboro, NC, Terry (Wanda) Fields of Kernersville,
NC, Dewon Fields of Atlanta, GA and DeQuincy (Rochelle) Fields of
Whitehall, OH; a granddaughter, TeNisha Fields of Winston-Salem; a
devoted niece, Deborah Jean Snipes of Winston-Salem; a devoted cousin,
Lottie Cunningham of Winston-Salem; several great grandchildren; and a
host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
ALLEN
Mrs. Amy Elizabeth Lawrence Allen, 120 Billie Sue Drive, Winston
Salem, passed away Sept. 1 1 at The Salemtowne Moravian Retirement
Home. Mrs. Allen was bom Dec. 2, 1922 in Columbia. SC to the Rev.
Rufus G. Lawrence and his wife. Bertha. The third daughter in a large
family that included five sisters and four brothers. Amy was raised in
Orangeburg, SC by the Rev. Lawrence and Maude Haigler Lawrence
("Miss Maude"), the mother who guided the family after Bertha's death.
After receiving degrees from Claflin College and Atlanta University,
Amy moved to Chicago, IL, where she began her forty-year career as a
Teacher-Librarian for the Chicago Public School System. Amy then mar
ried John Everett Allen, Sr. on Aug. 20, 1949. Their family expanded to
include two sons, John Everett Allen, Jr. and Donald Lawrence Allen; a
daughter-in-law. Gloria Gay Allen; a grandson, Jonathan Gabriel; and a
granddaughter, Traci Marie. After the death of her husband in 1985, she
left Chicago (along with her sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and
Luther Patton) and moved to a new home in Decatur, GA. For Amy, life
was built on generosity, faith and service. She always lovingly recognized
family accomplishments, birthdays and other events with a special care;
many times she even included a financial gift. She extolled the value of
education, and was extremely proud when her daughter-in-law became
certified as a teacher. She embraced church life, both at Chicago's
Gorham United Methodist Church and Atlanta's Cascade United
Methodist Church-gladly serving church programs in Christian Educa
tion, missions, outreach, and administration. She campaigned for civil
justice in the community. (Supporting the activities of Operation Bread
basket in Chicago) and ecumenical justice in he church (supporting the
activities of the Black Methodists for Church Renewal). Her presence at
Martin Luther King's "March on Washington" in 1963 was, for her, a
statement of faith in action. She constantly strove to uplift others. And her
praise, whether it was a hand wave, a foot stomp, a tear, or a loud shout
was an acknowledgment of her appreciation of God's manifest wonders
in her life. Amy's greatest legacy will be her living witness to the power
of true Christian love. She taught us to fervently fight for those less for
tunate than ourselves; to sincerely acknowledge the preciousness of all
God's children; and to constantly demonstrate respect and kindness for
everyone we encounter. She leaves us with the message from Matthew
25:40: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these by
brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Survivors are her son, John, Jr., her daughter-in-law, Gloria and her
two grandchildren, Jonathan Gabriel and Traci Marie. She is also sur
vived by three sisters, Lillian L. Thomas of Pasadena, CA, Dorothy L.
Patton of Decatur, GA, Rubilee L. Addison of Clemson, SC; four broth
ers, Rufus G. Lawrence, II of Lithonia. GA, James Robert Lawrence of
Augusta, GA, Rayburne J. Lawrence of Chicago, IL and Thomas E.
Lawrence of Orangeburg, SC. Amy will be mourned by brothers-in-law
and sisters-in-law, Luther P&tton, Sr., Clarence Addison. Genova
Lawrence, Jacqueline Lawrence, Carolyn Lawrence and Sylvia
Lawrence, her many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and by
a multitude of friends, co-workers and acquaintances.
Amy was preceded in death by her husband, John E. Allen, Sr., her
son, Donald L. Allen, her father, Rufus G. Lawrence, Sr.. her mothers.
Bertha Robinson Lawrence and Maude Haigler Lawrence, her sister Mal
lalieu Person and two infant brothers (Samuel and Amos).
The funeral was held Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. from St. Paul United
Methodist Church in Winston-Salem and Sept. 18 at I p.m. from Gorham
United Methodist Church, Chicago. IL. Rev. Donald Jenkins officiated in
Winston-Salem and Bishop Edsel Ammons and Rev. Barneather Murph
Heath officiated in Chicago, IL.
Burial followed at Oak Wood Cemetery, Chicago, IL. Russell Funer
al Home directors were in charge of the arrangements.
CALDWELL
Mrs. Florence Louise Payne Caldwell, 621 Barbara Jane Avenue,
Winston-Salem, passed away Sept. 14 at Forsyth Medical Center after an
extended period of illness. Mrs. Caldwell was born Jan. 7, 1925, in
Forsyth County to Jack and Dora Payne. She was a Gold Star member of
First Baptist Church, the Sunday school and the Women's Progressive
Club until her health declined. She was preceded in death by her parents
and 1 1 brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her loving and devofll husband, Robert Caldwell,
Sr. of the home; a son, Robert (Constance) Caldwell, JR. of Winston
Salem; four daughters. Gloria Caldwell (Bernard Witherspoon) of Win
ston-Salem, Joyce (Benjamin) Brown of Pfafftown, NC, Janice (Michael)
Pettigrew of Winston-Salem and Virginia Caldwell of the home; nine
grandchildren, Michelle R. Caldwell, Michael S. Pettigrew. Renita L.
Scales, Chrystal N. Caldwell. Robert L. Scales. IV, Jason J. Caldwell,
Johnathan R. Pettigrew, Kendra L. Witherspoon and Briana L. Wither
spoon; 12 great grandchildren. Samara, Makayla, Ariyana, Joshua,
Mnemosyne, Najashi, Janae', Jah, Jeremiah, Acostus, Jayniah and Zoei;
a devoted nephew, Thomas (Phyllis) Baldwin of Huntersville, NC; devot
ed nieces, Shirley (Thurmond) Carter of Pfafftown, NC, Mary P. Jones
and June Soares of Winston-Salem; devoted sisters-in-law, Edith Payne,
Katie Payne and Marthola Payne all of Winston-Salem, Sarah Hairston of
Yeadon, PA, and Beatrice McKnight of Columbia, SC; brothers-in-law,
George Baldwin of Winston-Salem, Joseph (Polly) Caldwell of Kem
ersville, NC and Malachi Caldwell of Sumter, SC; devoted cousin, Thel
ma Jeffries <5f Winston-Salem; devoted friends, Odessa Hunter, Evelena
Gayborn, Claudine Cheeks and Dorothy Allen of Winston-Salem; and a
host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The funeral was held Sept. 18 at 12 noon at First Baptist Church.
Rev. Wendell A. Johnson officiated. Burial followed at Evergreen Ceme
tery. Special thanks to Dr. Chirapa Sinthusek, the Oaks at Forsyth, 2nd GI
Unit and 6th Floor Intermediate Care Unite of Forsyth Medical Center
and the Rev. Sandra Thigpen. Russell Funeral Home directors were in
charge of the arrangements.
COLEMAN
Mr. John Howard Coleman, 159 Forest Drive, Kernersville, NC,
passed away Sept. 13 at Forsyth Medical Center Palliative Care Unit. He
was a native of Fairfield County, SC. He was a retired employee of
McLean Trucking Company, a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church
and Prince Hall Masons, Ionic Lodge #72.
Survivors include his wife, Daisy Alexander Coleman; four sons,
Howard Christopher Coleman of Port Arthur, TX. Maurice A. Coleman
of the home, John H. Brown of Winston-Salem, and the late Marvin
Wayne Coleman; one daughter. Marion (Alvin) Johnson; eight grand
children; three brothers and four sisters, Tina C. (Rev. William) Ownes.
Edna R. Coleman, Bertha C. Coleman. MattieC. Wilson, Arthur (Pearlie)
Coleman. McConnell (Doretha) Coleman all of Winston-Salem and
Young (Loretta) Coleman of Chicago, three sisters-in-law. Mildred
(Deacon Hessie. Jr.) Smith, Minnie L. Alexander of Winston-Salem and
JeanGlover of Charlotte. NC; a host of extended family and friends.
. The funeral was held Sept. 18, at 12 noon from Emmanuel Baptist
Church. Dr. John Mendez officiated. Burial followed at Evergreen Ceme
tery. Russell Funeral Home directors were in charge of the arrangements.
HAMILTON
Mrs. Louise Spencer Hamilton, 2945 Reynolds Road. Winston
Salem, passed away Sept. 7 at Villages of Wilkes Skilled Care Center,
North Wilkesboro, NC. Mrs. Hamilton was born in Winston-Salem to
Nannie and Henry Spencer. She received her early education in the Win
ston-Salem public school system, earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in
English and History at Bennett College. Greensboro, NC (1935); and
Masters of Arts Degree in Social Studies from Columbia University. New
York, NY (1945). She did further graduate study at the University of
Southern California, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and
Sarah Lawrence College, New York. In 1971, her class in American His
tory at Winston-Salem State University won tj*$ George Washington
Honor Medal from the freedom Foundation, Valley Forge. Pennsylvania.
She was proud of the International Recognition Program at Winston
Salem State University. Her vocational experiences included six-years as
a teacher of Social Studies at Atkins High School. Winston-Salem; four
years as an adjudicator with the federal government in New York City;
and twenty eight years as a teacher of Social Studies at Winston-Salem
State University, retiring in 1973 as an Associate Professor of History.
Mrs. Hamilton was an active community citizen serving in key areas in
Winston-Salem and North Carolina. She represented Winston-Salem
State University on the Tercentenary Committee celebrating the 3Q0th
year of the Charter of North, for which she received a certificate from the
State Department; held memberships on the Forsyth-Stokes Mental
Health Board, the Mayors Housing Coordinating Committee, the steering
committee at Wake Forest that planned a Human Relations Workshop for
teachers in the early days of integration. Board of Directors of the North
Carolina Museum Associates. Historic District Commission of Winston
Salem. state legislative committee for the National Retired Teachers
Association and AARP; she was inducted into the Hall of Fame on
National Women of Achievement, Inc. and she served as a member of the
Bennett College Alumni. Mrs. Hamilton was active in politics in the Fifth
Congressional District and her local precincts. She was a delegate to the
Democratic National Convention. She appeared in the 1981-1982 Who's
Who in American Politics, Eighth Edition. She had a passion for African
American history. She published a brief history about the pioneer contri
butions of Black people in Winston-Salem (1976) and was contributing
editor of revised edition of Forsyth: A County on the March (1976).
In 1983, she initiated the idea that led to thfc founding of the organi
zation known as The Society for the study of Afro American History in
Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. The society has produced six histor
ical calendars highlighting the achievements of the black community
from 1890 to 1950. She served as editor for five of these calendars.
Traveling was her hobby and she traveled to 45 states in the united
States.Europe. Turkey. theCanbbeariarvdMonte Carlo.
An active member in the Methodist Church (now United Methodist
Church), Mrs. Hamilton was a member of the Mount Pleasant Methodist
Church and became a member of St. Paul Methodist Church when two
churches merged in 1976. She served as a member of the Council on Min
istries, Administrative Board, United Methodist Women and chaired
committees on Religion and Race and Christian Unity and Inter-Reli
gious Concerns for several years.
Mrs. Hamilton married Mr. James Hamilton in 1941. He later died in
an automobile accident. In 1953, she married Mr. Carlton S. Hamilton.
Mr. Carlton Hamilton died in 1993. Mrs. Hamilton had no children.
Through the energetic personality of Mrs. Hamilton, our family has
stayed together and in contact from the annual family reunions that she so
proudly coordinated and spent joyous hours working on each year. Mrs.
Hamilton kept family and friends dear to her with a feeling of being safe,
loved, cared for and disciplined.
She was also a mentor, surrogate mother (so to speak), a friend and
any other role that she needed to be for that special person or moment in
her life.
Mrs. Hamilton believed in a strict old-time discipline with a strong
and loving hand. She was a spiritual and insightful person. She would
have you pray with her at any given time.
She leaves to cherish her memories many nieces? ^nephews, cousins
and friends. Her family would like to recognize two vt^y special people:
Mrs. Julia Johnson, whom Mrs. Hamilton called family. ;} friend and con
fidante for 70 year: and her niece, Peggy Hunt, who was a source of com
fort during the final chapters of her life.
A memorial service was held Sept. 18 at noon at St. Paul United
Methodist Church. Rev. Donald Jenkins officiated. Russell Funeral Home
directors were in charge of the arrangements.
HOWARD
Mrs. Margaret Louise Dixon Howard, formerly of 260-A Village
Creek Circle. Winston-Salem, passed away Sept. 15 at Kate Bitting
Reynolds Hospice Home after a valiant and courageous battle. Mrs.
Howard was born Oct. 22. 1929 in Durham, NC. She was a resident of
Winston-Salem for most of her life.
She was blessed to have a special relationship with both Ephesus
Seventh Day Adventist Church and First Seventh Day Adventist Church
(Country Club). She served faithfully in many areas of the church until
declining health. Holding on to her faith in God, she continued the fight
while attending both churches when her health allowed her to come out
to worship. She served as a deaconess. Sabbath school teacher/secretary.
MV youth leader. Superintendent of the Junior Department and usher.
She was the Director of Vacation Bible School, a member of the Prison
Ministry, Eastside Prayer Band and the Ephesus Senior Choir. Most
importantly, she was a "Mother Figure" to many.
Mrs. Howard was preceded in death by her mother. Lillian R. Wil
son and her aunt. Mrs. Vandealia Caesar.
She is survived by her husband. Paulet R. Howard and one brother.
Harold Reid, Sr. (Wanda). She leaves to cherish her loving memories:
daughters. Carolyn (Denby) Marcus. Rhonda Miller and Deborah
Howard all of Winston-Salem: sons: Raymond Howard. Paulet (Kathy)
E. Howard and Anthony Howard; ten grandchildren: two great grand
children and a host of other relatives and friends. Special friends. Nancy
(Theodore) Fulp, Rosemary Stevenson and in-home caregiver, Tangela
Burns.
The funeral was held Sept. 20 at I p.m. from Ephesus Seventh Day
Adventist Church. Pastor Moses Edwards. Sr. officiated and eulogy by
Pastor Sven Behm. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of
flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Margaret
Howard Christian Education Scholarship Fund at Ephesus Junior Acade
my, 1225 North Cleveland Avenue. Winston-Salem. NC 27101 Russell
Funeral Home directors were in charge of the arrangements
MARTIN
Mrs. Alphonzo Norris Martin, Winston-Salem, passed away Sept. 16
at Springwood Care Center of Forsyth following a lengthy illness.
He was born on June 15. 1927 in Winston-Salem. Mr. Martin was an
active member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Winston-Salem for many
years. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was honorably dis
charges in 1 947. Alphonzo, better known as "AL" by his many friends,
grew up in the section of Winston-Salem known as 'The Pond." At a
young age. Al's love of gospel music led to his dream of becoming a radio
broadcaster. His devoted wife, Lillian, who preceded him encouraged
him to fulfill his dream and complete his education at the New York
School of Announcing and Speech. Al graced the air of local radio sta
tions with his melodious voice for over 34 years and was known as the
"Godfather of Gospel Music." During his years as a gospel broadcaster,
Al had occasion .to associate with many great gospel artists, such as
Mahalia Jackson, Sam Cook and blind Willie Johnson. A voice of hope,
a voice of love, a voice of faith, courage and distinction, a voice that pro
vided comfort and joy to countless numbers over the years. Although
retired, Al would often "spin" from his home recording studio the music
that soothed so many souls.
Al leaves to mourn his passing daughter. Beverly Speller (Diamond)
of Brooklyn, NY; granddaughter. Denise Clark of Atlanta. GA; two
nieces, Barbara Martin (Guy) of Charlotte, NC and Emma Jean Mc War
ren of Brooklyn. NY; as well as many friends and acquaintances. He will
be greatly be rtTwsed by all.
The funeral was held Sept. 21 at 12 noon from Shiloh Baptist
Church. Rev. Dr. Paul A. Lowe, Jr. officiated. Burial followed at Pied
mont Memorial Gardens. Russell Funeral Home directors were in charge
of the arrangements.
MCCOY
r>
Mrs. Mozelle Mack McCoy, 3626 Carver School Road, Winston
Salem passed away Sept. 12 at Forsyth Medical Center. Mrs. McCoy was
born Affril 16, 1924. She accepted Christ at an early age. She was a ded
icated and faithful member of St. James AME Church for several years
where she served on the Deaconess Board for many y ears until her health
declined.
Mozelle was a devoted and loving caregiver for many family mem
bers through the years. She will be missed. Mozelle was preceded in
death by her parents, Thomas and Riller Mack and four brothers.
She leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted husband of
65 years. James McCoy; a daughter. Marilyn Click; two sons, Herman
and Bernard McCoy of Win^on-Salem; a sister of Winston-Salem; a
brother of South Carolina; two grandchildren; four great grandchildren;
and a host o other relatives and friends.
The funeral was held Sept. 16 at I p.m. from St. James AME Church.
Rev. Mary F. Peterson officiated. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery.
Russell Funeral Home directors were in charge of the arrangements.
MICKLE
Mrs. Betty Shipp Mickle, 3625 Appomattox Drive. Winston-Salem,
passed away Sept. 18 at Duke University Medical Center,' Durham, NC.
She was born June 24, 1948 and was a native and lifelong resident of
Winston-Salem. She was married to Ravonne E. Mickle for 36 years. She
was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Highland Avenue, where
she was active with the youth-ministry department.
She was employed at GMAC Insurance Company until she retired in
2003. She was a graduate of Paisley High School in 1967. Betty was pre
ceded in death by her father. Lafayette Hauser: mother. Alice J. Shipp; an
a brother. Sheldon .Shipp.
Surviving is her husband of 37 years, Ravonne E. Mickle; a daugh
ter. Bridgette M. (John) Watson: a son. Ravonne E. Mickle, JR.; a broth
er. Mical D. (Tonya) Shipp; a sister. Darla R. Shipp; two grandchildren,
Brandon f. and Christopher K: Legrande: a- great grandson, BrranJones;
a devoted uncle, Sampson Shipp. She will also e missed by a host of in
laws. nephews, nieces, cousins and special friends.
The funeral was held Sept. 22 at I p.rfi. from First Baptist Church.
Rev. Wendell A. Johnson officiated. Burial followed at Evergreen Ceme
tery. Russell Funeral Home directors were in charge of the arrangements.
SHEPARD
Mrs. Demarshall Shepard. 650 Ontario Street, Winston-Salem,
passed away Sept. 13 at Kate Bitting Reynolds Hospice Home. He was
born in Gastonia, NC on Jan. 1 , 1 924 to the late Rosa Shepard. He moved
to Winston-Salem at an early age and was of the Baptist faith. While here
in Winston-Salem, he worked as a custodian and bus driver for R. J.
Reynolds High School where he was known and loved by the students
and staff. He also worked for Pleasant Hardware Store. In his spare time,
he loved to fish, watch Nascar racing and working on automobiles. In his
later years, he owned and operated Shep's Towing Service.
Among those who now hold the collection of memories more dearly
is a very special and devoted friend. Lillie Walters of Winston-Salem; two
sisters. Ann Williams of Brooklyn, NY. Geneva Shepard of Winston
Salem and two sisters who preceded him in death. Grade Armstrong and
Carrie Gist. Two brothers also preceded him in death. Alonza Shepard
and Monroe Shepard.
He leaves six sons to cherish his memory. Charles (Phyllis) Walters,
Emmanuel (Pegi) Walters. Bobby (Faye) Shepard. Harold (Lillie) Shep
ard of Winston-Salem, Cinque (Kim) Walters of Greensboro, NC, Ernest
Walters of Charlotte, NC and Malik Sharif/Marshall Shepard of New
York. NY; five daughters. Jennifer (Leon) Evans, Gail (Larry) Wilson,
Ella Faye Boston. Sylvia (Rev. Sam) Hickerson and Linda Shepard all of
Winston-Salem; 41 grandchildren: 32 great grandchildren and many
nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends of the immediate
and extended families.
A home-going service was held Sept. 17 at I p.m. from the Chapel of
the Russell Funeral Home. Rev. Sam P. L. Hickerson officiated. Burial
followed at Piedmont Memorial Gardens. Russell Funeral Home direc
tors were in charge of the arrangements.
SUMMERS
Mr. Jerry Jerome Summers. Sr., 48(X) Indiana Avenue, Winston
Salem, passed away Sept. 12 in Winston-Salem, NC. Jerry was bom on
Nov. 7. 1950, the son of Hallie Lee Summers and Frances Moore, Sum
mers. Jerry attended the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and was
a graduate of North Forsyth High School. He loved sports cars and never
met a stranger. Jerry was of the Baptist faith and was employed by Vin
cenzo's Italian Restaurant. He was preceded un death by his father. Hal
lie Lee Summers.
Those who stood with Jerry in life and who look to stand with him in
eternity include his wife. Portia Faye Causer Summers; four children.
Lovely Summers. Jerry Summers. JR.. Charlita Summers, Aldine Sum
mers; three step-children, Corey Cameron. Justin Cameron and Jermaine
Cameron; his mother. Frances Moore Summers; his brothers and sisters,
Hallie Lee (Grace) Summers. III. Hershal (Natalie) Summers. Shirley
(Edward) Lowery. Attorney Cecil (Robin) Summers. Connie S. Mack,
Rev. Dr. Douglas (Pam) Summers. Bobby (Olivia) Summers. Kenneth
(Sandra) Summers. Dennis (Denise) Summers, Sharon (Tracy) Jones;
seven aunts. Ruth S. Reich. Betty S. Pinkney, Ruby S. Peterson. Lucy S.
Brooks. Elizabeth M. Covington. Vera M. Sheff and Mary D. Summers;
three sisters-in-law. Minister Kathy Joy Summers. Minister Dee (Ronnie)
Harrell. Gloria Couser; one brother-in-law. Wayne L. Couser; a host of
cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The funeral was held Sept. 16 at II a.m. from the Chapel of the Rus
sell Funeral Home. Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Summers. Burial followed at
Piedmont Memorial Gardens. Russell Funeral Home directors were in
charge of the arrangements.