Obituaries
Russell
Funeral Home
822 Carl Russell Ave.
722-3459
FRANKUN
Mrs. Etta Tate Franklin, Winston- Salem, passed away June 12 at
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.
She was % years old and had led a very active life until her health
began to fail her in the past year.
Mrs. Franklin was bom on Nov. 30, 1909, in Blacksburg, S.C.; how
ever, she spent most of her adult life in Winston-Salem. She was the
daughter of Mr. Andy and Mrs. Sudie Tate and was one of 1 1 children.
Mrs. Franklin was preceded in death by her parents; her only child. Mr.
John Howard Tate Jr.; her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Elizabeth Tate; and her
sisters and brother. She was also preceded in death by seve^Jrandchil
dren.
Mrs. Franklin was well-known throughout the Winston-Salem com
munity. She held several jobs during her lifetime, including employment
at Kate Bitting Reynolds Memorial Hospital as a nurse's assistant and
employment at the Goodwill Rehabilitation Center, where she taught
children how to cook. For 29 years, Mrs. Franklin was also employed
by the School Guard Unit of the Winston-Salem Police Department,
c from which she retired with a stellar record at the age of 80.
A devoted member of Goler Metropolitan AME Zion Church, Mrs.
Franklin not only attended church regularly, but also was very active in
her church. She was a member of the Usher Board for more than 60
years and faithfully attended the Wednesday noon prayer service until
her health failed her. She was also a member of the church's Gospel
Choir. In addition, Mrs. Franklin could be depended on to cook delicious
meals for special occasions in the kitchen of the church.
Mrs. Franklin was a charter member and the first president of the
New Carver Community Club, a position she held for more than 50
years. Before her health declined, she was also an active member of the
Y Activities Club and participated in the sewing class held in the Carl
Russell Center sponsored by the city's Recreation Department.
Left to cherish her memories are: her husband of 60 plus years, Mr.
Natius W. Franklin of the home; great-granddaughters, Ms. Rebecca
Tate of the home and Ms. Elaine Henry of San Bernardino, Calif.; a spe
cial great-great-granddaughter, Ms. Raquel Aaron of San Bernardino.
Calif.; and a special niece, Mrs. Mattie Mae Ashford of Winston-Salem.
Also surviving are one grandchild, Mr. Arthur Tate of Los Angeles,
Calif.; 13 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren. Mrs.
Franklin will also be remembered by a host of other nieces, nephews
and other relatives and friends.
The funeral was held June 21 at noon at Goler Metropolitan AME
Zion Church. Rev. William Conrad officiated. Burial followed at Ever
green Cemetery. Russell Funeral Home directors were in charge of the
arrangements.
GEE
Mrs. Betty Jean Thompson Gee, 2614 Cole Road, Winston-Salem,
passed away June 17 at Forsyth Medical Center.
Bom in Winston-Salem, she was the daughter of Harriet L. Thomp
son and Eddie Thompson. Mrs. Gee attended Bethlehem Baptist
Church, where she was a member of the senior choir. She was employed
by Forest Park Elementary School. She was preceded in death by her
parents; a sister. Louise Thompson; and a brother, Ezell Thompson.
She is survived by: a devoted husband, Johnnie Gee; three children,
Shelia W. Thompson, Elaine C. Williams and Erik K. Williams; four
stepchildren, Deborah Pratt, Sharon Brown, Johnnie Gee and Darnell
Gee; 15 grandchildren; a sister, Cordelia Hairston; a brother, Tyrone
Thompson; a devoted friend, Ms. Louise Harden; and many devoted
nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. The family wishes to thank
the staff of Ninth West Tower at Forsyth Medical Center for the care
given to Mrs. Gee.
The funeral was held June 22 at 2 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Rev. Dwight Hash officiated. Burial followed at Piedmont Memorial
Gardens. Russell Funeral Home directors were in charge of the arrange
ments.
GUESS
Ms. Shirley Duncan Guess, 1943 Kentucky Ave., Winston-Salem,
passed away June 17 at her residence.
She was a lifelong resident of Winston-Salem, where she attended
the public schools. She was a retired employee of K&W Cafeterias of
more than 20 years. She was born to Mrs. Catherine H. Williams and
Mr. Robert Duncan. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mrs.
Catherine H. Williams; birth father, Mr. Robert Duncan: stepfather, Mr.
Elswotth G. Williams Sr., two daughters. Ms. Debbie D. Thomas and
Miss Crysanthia E. Guess; two brothers, Mr. James O. Houston and Mr.
John W. Williams.
She is survived by: three daughters. Miss Sherian Gillespie, Mrs.
Cynthia (Roderick) Guess-Godwin, Miss Toni Guess; one son. Mr.
Thelton Guess Jr.; four sisters, Mrs. Marilyn W. Page, Mrs. Peggy A.
(Steve) Grooms, Ms. Lessie L. Williams, Mrs. Teresa L. (Billie) Brown:
five brothers, Mr. Melvin Williams, Mrs. Elsworth (Helen) Williams Jr.
of Wilmington, Del.. Mr. Nathaniel (Vera) Williams, Mr. Fred L.
(Valerie) Williams of Richmond, Va., Mr. Larry D. (Debra) Williams of
South Carolina; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a host of
nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, great-great-nieces and
-nephews, other relatives and many friends.
The funeral was held on June 23 at 1 p.m. at Calvary Hill Church of
Greater Deliverance. Bishop Claude Turner officiated. Burial followed
at the family plot of Parklawn Memorial Gardens. Russell Funeral
Home directors were in charge of the arrangements.
ROBINSON
Mr. Thomas Junius Robinson, 1900 W. First Street. Winston-Salem,
passed away June 13 at Winston-Salem Rehabilitation and Healthcare
Center.
He was bom Dec. 7, 1927, in Richmond, Va.
He is survived by: his wife of 35 years. Frances Robinson; a step
son, the Rev. Jerry L. (Lozette) Williams Sr.; a stepdaughter, Yvonne W.
Jackson of Winston-Salem.
The funeral was held June 19 at II a.m. at Mount Zion Baptist
Church. Rev. Bonnie Lacey officiated.
Russell Funeral Home directors were in charge of the arrangements.
SAMUELS
o
Deacon William Johnson Samuels. 2335 Fosterdale Lane. Winston
Salem. passed away June 18 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical
Center.
Deacon Samuels, the eldest son of Fred and Alice Samuels, was
bom April 9, 1928, in Winston-Salem. William was educated in the
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County public schools ami later went into the
U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. Upon returning home he
worked in various occupations, retiring from the National Cash Regis
ter Co.
Williams was a member of the Cassanovas and the Royal Sons
Gospel Quartet. He renewed his relationship with God at Macedonia
Worship Centef, where he served on the Deacon Board and in the Senior
Choir and the Male Chorus.
William was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Alice
Samuels; two wives, Alease Samuels and Aloise Samuels; and his
grandson, Zakee Samuels.
He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving and devoted wife. Elder
Mary H. Samuels; three children. Evangelist Carlotta (Andrew) Flem
ing, Ronnie (Beverly) Samuels and William Gregory (feobbie) Samuels;
five stepchildren, Denise W. (Greg) Bradsher, Maxwell (Precious) Wag
ner, Taneka and Kenyetta Hardy and Tammy (Everette) Norwood; a sis
ter. Mattie Samuels; two brothers. Tommy (Polly) Samuels of Rich
mond, Va? and Nolan Samuels of Winston-Salem; a host of other rela
tives and friends.
The funeral was held June 22 at 2 p.m. at Macedonia Worship Cen
ter. Apostle S.D. Johnson -tiffic iated . Burial followed at Piedmont
Memorial Gardens. Russell Funeral Home directors were in charge of
the arrangements.
WILLIAMS
Mr. Joseph Williams Jr., 328 E. 1 7th Street, Winston-Salem, passed
away June 16 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.
Joseph was bom Jan. 26, 1950, to Elizabeth Robinson Williams and
Joseph Williams Sr. Joseph attended the Darlington County schools and
retired from Thomasville Furniture Co. after 1 5 years of service. He was
a man of all trades, enjoying auto mechanics, mowing, painting arid
home repairs. He also loved to bowl. He was preceded in death by his
father, Joseph Williams Sr.. and a nephew, Herbert Brown.
He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Loletta Williams; seven
children, David (Rhonda) Williams, Lorenzo (Valerie) Williams,
Antwan Williams, Darrell Saunders, Antonio Nicholson, LaTonya
(Antonio) Brock and Derricka Nicholson, all of Winston-Salem; 17
grandchildren; his dear mother, Elizabeth Williams of Winston-Salem;
six sisters. Betty Johnson. Janie Brown, Martha Reynolds, Judy
(William) Pratt, Christine Williams, Elvira Robinson, all of Winston
Salem; three brothers. McArthur Williams. Lyndell Williams. Randolph
Williams, all of Winston-Salem; four uncles and four aunts; two broth
ers-in-law, Ricky Crawford of Detroit, Mich., and Dale Cash of Win
ston-Salem; three sisters-in-law, Jonie Nicholson, Sandra Nicholson and
Andrea (Minister June) Rowdy, all of Winston-Salem; a host of nieces,
nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.
The funeral was held June 21 at 3 p.m. at Genesis World Outreach
Center. Bishop Claude D. Thomas officiated. Burial followed at Ever
green Cemetery. Russell Funeral Home directors were in charge of the
arrangements.
WILLIAMS
Ms. Mary Elizabeth "Plunk" Williams, 5680 Windy Hill Drive,
Winston-Salem, passed away June 16 at Wake Forest University Bap
tist Medical Center,
She was bom on Sept. 17, 1922. in Winston-Salem and attended
Union Baptist Church. She was an avid traveler, member of the Piney
Grove Senior Citizen Group and the Daughter of the Garden of Iris
Temple. #220. I.B.P.O.E.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Beatrice Williams and
Daniel Poole and a brother. Frank Williams.
She leaves to cherish her memory: two daughters, Ciesta W. Fun
derburk of Winston-Salem and Judith Williams 'Tiny" of Brooklyn.
N.Y.; six grandchildren. Sherman (Rosa). Audrey, Keith Funderburk.
Sylvia (Charles) Bethea and Regina and Reginald Funderburk; a
beloved and treasured grandson. Ah' King Williams; 12 great-grandchil
dren, 13 great-great-grandchildren: a loving cousin, Nimrod Harris of
Clinton, Md.: and her care-giver, Carrie Lee Thompson.
The funeral was held June 21 at 1 p.m. at Union Baptist Church.
Rev. Dr. Sir Walter Mack Jr. officiated. Burial followed at Evergreen
Cemetery. Russell Funeral Home directors were in charge of the
arrangements.
CLARK S. BROWN
& SONS FUNERAL HOME
727 N. Patterson Ave.
Winston-Salem, N.C. 27101
(336) 722-81 17
COWAN
Mrs. Emma C. Robinson, of 1 1 56 Addison Ave., sadly announces
the home-going of her oldest daughter, Ms. Lee Ethel Robinson Cowan
of the home. Ms. Cowan passed away quietly on June 1 5 at the Moutos
family's residence, her employer. She had an administrative background
and graduated from Forsyth Technical Community College. She also
attended the University ofTexas at El Paso and studied history and busi
ness. She taught in the El Paso Public School System.
She is survived by: her mother, two sisters, Marcella Robinson and
Cathany Robinson, all of the city; nephew, Kevin L. Robinson; niece.
Princess L. Parks; great-nephews, Delmario Parks. Trosean Richardson
and Josh Howard; great-niece. Jewell Robinson; a devoted friend. Phebe
Joyner of Rocky Mount, N.C.; other relatives and friends.
A memorial service was held June 21 at 10 a.m. at Clark S. Brown
& Sons Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Samuel Cornelius officiated. Clark
S. Brow i] & Sons Funeral Home directors were in chaise of the arrange
ments.
FEIMSTER
Mrs. Annie Mae Feimster, 9902 A. Gates Street. Fort Drum. NT
went on to be with the Lord June I at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home
in Winston-Salem.
She was horn Aug. 23. 1917, in Asheville. N.C. to the late Harvey
and Mary Johnson. She was the wife of the late William Howard Feim
ster.
She is survived by: her son, O'Neil Durant of Macon, Ga.. and four
daughters, Barbara (David) Jones and Carolyn Crouch of Asheville.
Cheryl (Ronald) Brides of California City. Calif., and Inza (Albert)
Downing of Fort Drum. N Y. She was blessed to enjoy 10 grandchildren
and seven great-grands in various states around the United States.
The funeral was held June 4 at noon at Bethania AME Zion Church.
Rev. Johnny Ruff officiated and Chaplain Major Albert L. Downing
gave the eulogy. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery. Clark S.
Brown & Sons Funeral Home directors were in charge of the arrange
ments.
HAYWOOD
j- Mr. Berkley R. Haywood of 225 Barber Street, went to be with the
Lord on May 24 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. He
attended Forsyth County Public schools and retired from the WS/FC
Sch<x)l System after 25 years of service. Mr. Haywood was bom on Jan.
13, 1 94 1 . in Winston-Salem to the late Jervy and Katherine Gadsden
Haywood. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son.
Gerald P. Haywood, and sisters Millie Miller and Agnes Lanier.
He leaves to cherish his lov ing memories: his wife of 43 years. Eve
lyn L. Haywood of the home; a son. Berkley R. Haywood. Jr., of
Tamuning. Guam; two sisters. Francis H. Gray and Betty Smith, both of
Winston-Salem; three brothers. Jerry (Delica) Haywood. Clyde Hay
wood. both of Winston-Salem, and Oscar (Juanita) Haywood of Lex
ington. N.C.; one grandson. Tore/ Black; one sister-in-law. Edna
(Willie) Keitt of Brooklyn. N.Y.; four brothers-in-law. Elester Smith of
Winston-Salem. Luther (Mary) Livingston of Plainfield, N.J.. Roger
(Clayreather) Livingston and FxJ^ard (Justine) Livingston, both of
Orangeburg. S.C.; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and
friends.
The funeral was held May 29 at 2 p.m. at Clark S. Brown & Sons
Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Dr. Frederick W. Perry officiated. Burial
followed at Evergreen Cemetery. Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home
directors were in charge of the arrangements.
SHELF
Mrs. Hattie Beard Shelf departed this life on May 30 at the Kate B.
Reynolds Hospice Home.
Mrs. Shelf was bom on Aug. 26. 1921. to the, late Wiley and Edith
Beard. She was a native of Winston-Salem and line of eight children, all
of whom preceded her in death. She was a longtime member of Friend
ship Baptist Church, where she was a member of the missionary and O
Sunday school departments. She was also a member of the Carver
Senior Citizens Club and Daughters of Isis. Mrs. Shelf was employed
for many years at Summit School in Winston-Salem.
Remaining to honor her memory are: a devoted nephew, Samuel
(Dixie) Sheff of Winston-Salem; two nieces. Edith (Alfred Ward) Beard
and Nancy (Joe) Venable of Greensboro; devoted friends. Theodore
McClennon. Janie Estes. Carintha Jordan. Hank and Ernestine Wash
ington of Winston-Salem; and aitosi of other relatives and friends.
The funeral was held June 3-a't 1 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church
Rev. S.E. Tyndall officiated. Entombment followed at Parklawn Memo
rial Park and Mausoleum. Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home direc
tors were in charge of the arrangements.
YOUNG
Mr. Cozelle W. Young, of the Murdoch Center, Butner, N.C. was
called to glory on June 1 5. Mr. Young was preceded in death by his par
ents, Jesse L. and Etta R. Young; sisters. Doris Y. McMurray and Ruth
Y. Carter; and an aunt, Gertrude R. Woods.
He is survived by: a devoted niece. Glenda W. Cook; two brothers,
John (Carol) Young and Lonnie R. Young, both of Winston-Salem; five
aunts; three uncles; three nieces, Francena Hawkins. Cheryl (Samuel)
Mcllwain and Linda (Dr. Paul Lowe Jr.) Scales, all of Winston-Salem;
four nephews. Bernard (Gloria) Scales Jr. Arthur Bitting. John Young Jr.
and Alphonzo Byrd, all of Winston-Salem; and many great nieces,
nephews, cousins and devoted caretakers.
A graveside service was held June 19 at 1 p.m. at Evergreen Ceme
tery. Rev. J.D. Ballard officiated. Burial followed at Evergreen Ceme
tery. Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home directors were in charge of
the arrangements.
i^OOPER
M^uneral Home
(Spinet 1946
724-1561
VAUGHN
Lee Alma Henrietta Vaughn. 81, was called home June 19 from the
Kate B, Reynolds Hospice -& Palliative Care Center.
Ms. Vaughn was bom March 5. 1923. and was the youngest daugh
ter of William M. and Mamie (Fields) Vaughn.
Very early, her lov ing parents instilled in Lee Alma the importance
of always putting God first in her life. With their guidance and support.
Lee Alma dedicated her life to her God. her family and her community.
Lee Alma accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal savior at an
early age. She was a devoted and faithful member of Grace Presbyter
ian Church (USA) in Winston-Salem. Until her declining health, she
was an active member and served as a deacon and elder.
She received her elementary and high school education in the
schools in Winston-Salem. She graduated from Barber Scotia Junior
College in Concord. N.C.. pnd in 1944. she obtained her B.S. degree in
social studies and religious (studies from Johnson C. Smith University in
Charlotte. She began her post-graduate studies at the University of Con
necticut and received her master's degree in education from N.C. A&T
State University in 1957.
While a student at Johnson C. Smith University. Lee Alma was one
of 1 1 young women to charter the Gamma Lambda undergraduate chap
ter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She was a founding member of
the Oxford Henderson alumnae chapter and was active in the Winston
Salem alumnae chapter of her beloved sorority. In 2003 she achieved
one of Delta Sigma Theta's highest milestones by receiving her lifetime
membership status.
Following in her mother's footsteps. 1 a-'c Alma became an educator.
She began her career teaching scxial studies and religion in both
Burlington and Oxford. N.C. She returned to her native home of Win
ston-Salem to continue and eventually complete her teaching career. She
retired in 1979. having imparted her appreciation of history and civics
to countless high school students for 33 years. Her love of civics and cit
izenship extended beyond the classroom. For many years, voters in the
14th Street precinct observed her watchful eye as she worked the polls
on Election Day.
In addition to her love of politics. 1 x'c Alma enjoyed a good game
of bridge. As a member of the Kings and Queens Bridge Club she trav
eled with club members and competed in and won many bridge tourna
ments. Even in her pastime in her later years. 1 .ee Alma could be seen
enjoying a good hand of solitaire.
Lee Alma was a devoted sister and aunt, raising her three nephews
and providing guidance and support for their children. She enjoyed car
ing for them and spending time talking and listening to them when they
would stay .pr visit.
Her love of extended family made Lee Alma a self-made historian,
keeping a family tree of the descendants of the Vaughn family. Lee Alma
and her family history were instrumental in organizing the first
"Cousins" family reunion. Until her health prevented her. she continued
to help plan and attend the annual reunion, which has been held in many
states.
Lee Alma was preceded in death by her parents. William and
Mamie; one brother. Robert Andrew: and two sisters. Angeline Bailey
and Willie Mae Mullen.
Shfc leaves to cherish her memory: two sisters. Ella Belle Tillman
and Margaret V. Alexander, both of Winston-Salem; three devoted
nephews. Mayor William Vaughn Bell (Judith) of Durham. Charles T.
Hodges (Metter) of Charlotte and Cyrus W. Alexander III (Cecelia) of
Nashville. Tenn.: five great-nieces. Tiffany Bell and Jade Hodges Eller
bee (Thomas), both of Charlotte. Anjanee and Kristen Bell, both of
Durham, and Margaret Joi Alexander of Ml. Rainier. Md.; one grand
niece. Janese Hodges of Charlotte: two great-nephews. William V. Bell
II (Donna) and Brandon Hodges, both of Charlotte; special cousins and
extended family. Haywoqd Vaughn. Mary Mitcham and Daisy Roddy
of Winston-Salem and Gwendolyn Bell of Durham; and a host of other
cousins, relatives and friends.
The funeral w as held June 23 at 1 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church
(USA). Rev. Samuel Stevenson officiated.
The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Omega Service began at 12:1 5. fol
lowed by family visitation from 1 2:30 to I p.m. In lieu of flowers, the
family requests that memorials be made to Grace Presbyterian Church.
The family wishes to acknowledge the stall at Oak Summit Nursing
Center and the Kate B. Rey nolds Hospice Care Home for the care and
attention given to Lee Alma and her family and care-givers.
Hooper Funeral Home directors were in charge of the arrangements.