Obituaries

Samples

Kernersville – James “Jim” Lewis Samples, 85, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023, at his home. He was born on September 22, 1937, in Catawba County, NC to the late John Robert and Daisy Reneau Samples. Jim was a veteran of the Air Force serving stateside during the Vietnam War. He was an Avionics Engineer and started his career with Piedmont Airlines. Jim was a hard worker and always willing to help anyone in need. He served on many committees in his lifetime, serving as a trustee at Pine Grove United Methodist for many years, as well as the liaison between the boy scouts and the church. Jim loved his wife and family dearly. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be missed by all.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his two brothers, JD, and Walter Lynn “Bud” Samples.
Left to cherish his memory are his high school sweetheart and wife of 63 years, Carolyn Samples; two daughters, Doris “Libby” Samples, and Lisa Samples (Brian Hill); four grandchildren, John Robert Hill, Charlotte Marie Hill, Jake Tyler Hill, and Max Owen Hill; one sister, Bernice Samples Hollar; and many nieces and nephews who beloved and respected him.
A funeral service will be held at 3:30 PM, Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Pine Grove United Methodist Church with Rev. Jim Prichard, Rev. Robin Rowe, and Rev. Ben Rowe officiating. Burial to follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends after the graveside. Because Jim was a cancer survivor the family ask that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Alley

COLFAX – John William Alley, died April 30, 2023. He was born March 3, 1957, a son of the late Alexander and Iris Idol Alley. He spent his early years in the Bunker Hill community of Forsyth County. He was a retired independent owner/operator and drove cross country for many years.
He is survived by his sisters, Brenda Jordan of Winston-Salem, and Phyllis Griffith of Kernersville; his brother, Mike Alley of Kernersville; and several nieces and nephews.
A visitation in remembrance of John will be held Sunday, May 21, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Bunker Hill United Methodist Church, 1510 Bunker Hill-Sandy Ridge Road, Kernersville, NC 27284. Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

D’Ambrosio

Joan Hoffman D’Ambrosio was a loving wife, mother, Nona, sister, and friend. She passed away Saturday, May 13, 2023, after a lengthy battle with COPD. She was 74 years old.
A native of Long Island, NY, Joan was the wife of the late Andrea “Andy” D’Ambrosio and the daughter of Jerry Hoffman and Laura Parsons Hoffman, both deceased.
Survivors include her daughter, Tamera “Tami” Rumfelt and husband, Alton; three grandchildren, Andrew Rumfelt, Carley Rumfelt, and Laura Rumfelt; two stepchildren, Karl D’Ambrosio, and Kim D’Ambrosio; three sisters, Donna Adams, Laurie Vea, and Charlene Lipman; and one brother, Russell Hoffman.
In addition to her husband and parents, Joan was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Karen D’Ambrosio; and a sister, Babs Papas.
More than anything, Joan loved spending quality time over a cup of coffee with family and friends. She adored her grandchildren and being their “Nona” was the greatest joy of her life. Joan also enjoyed calling Kernersville home for the last three decades of her life, and Körner’s Folly held a special place in her heart.
Funeral services celebrating her life will be held at 3:00PM Friday, May 19, 2023, at the Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Services Kernersville Chapel. Interment will follow at Mt. Gur Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 2:00PM to 3:00PM Friday prior to the service at the funeral home.
Friends and family may offer online condolences at www.piercejeffersonfh.com
Memorial contributions may be made to Trellis Supportive Care, Senior Services, Inc., or the Körner’s Folly Foundation.

Simcox

Patsy Sue Grimes Simcox is now at rest with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She passed away May 11, 2023, at the age of 74. She devoted herself to God first and then to her family as a wife of 55 years, a Mom and a Nana. In all these roles she was a shining example to all. Her walk with Christ especially while dealing with cancer, brought strength to others. She has always had the spirit of giving. As a career, she was often referred to as a ” professional volunteer “. Patsy unselfishly gave to her church by volunteering countless hours in ministry functions including teaching, mentoring, serving, and singing, being especially drawn to caring for the babies. For many years she was a volunteer for Hospice, a pink broomstick lady for Cancer Services, and helped at Salem Pregnancy Center and other organizations. She helped lead and host a lady’s bible/book study at her home for many years and has given unwavering support to her husband’s ministry Nehemiah’s Few. Patsy designed, sewed, and hand stitched over 400 quilts to give away. She gave of herself sharing her Christian faith and teaching quilting to many. We request that if you are a recipient of one of her quilts that you bring it for display during visitation and funeral. Patsy was preceded in death by her dad, Homer Grimes, mom Mildred Coffman Evers, son Kevin Simcox, grandson Madison Simcox, and brother Jerry Grimes. She leaves behind her husband Harold, daughter, Angela Rabey (John) daughter-in-law Richelle Simcox, grandchildren Michael Rabey, Amber Hindenburg (Erik), Amanda Rabey and Jackson, Berkeley, and Kennedy King, and great-grandchildren, Noah and Elijah Hindenburg. Also, sisters Nancy Knox (Mike), and Karen Goodwin, brothers Don Coffman (Denise), Elmer Grimes (Pam), Steve Grimes (Teresa) and many special friends. The family will receive friends at Triad Baptist Church, 1175 S. Main St, Kernersville NC, 27284 on Tuesday, May 16th starting at 11:00 am with funeral at 1:00 pm. Burial with family and close friends will be at Mount Gur Cemetery immediately following. To continue her giving spirit, The Patsy Simcox Memorial Benevolence fund has been established at Triad Baptist to touch lives in the community. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Triad Baptist with this fund noted. This world is a better place from having her pass through.

Rumley

Robert “Bobby” Taylor Rumley, 87 passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday May 9th, 2023.
Funeral Services celebrating his life will be held at Kernersville Friends Meeting. The viewing will take place from 1pm-2pm, directly followed by service with Pastor Jeff Barnes officiating. Interment will follow at Eastlawn Gardens of Memory.
A native of Kernersville NC, Bobby was the husband of 61 years to the late Betty Stewart Rumley and the son of Nelly Frazier and Arthur Taylor Rumley. Bobby retired from the roadway after 30 years. Bobby was a faithful member of Kernersville Friends meeting for over 45 years. Survivors include his Son Robert Rumley, Granddaughters Meghan Rumley and wife Ashley Rumley, of Kernersville NC, Taylor Rumley Jackson and husband Scott Jackson, of Julian NC, great grandchildren Brayden, Dustin, and Peyton of Kernersville NC.
In addition to his parents Bobby was proceeded in death by his wife Betty Rumley, son Keith Rumley, Brother Billy Max Rumley, Sister Halley Griffith. Bobby enjoyed fishing, hunting, the Atlanta braves (or anything to do with baseball), and anything outdoors. His love for his family and friends will have everlasting memories for all to cherish for the rest of their lives.
Friends and family may view, and sign the guestbook at www.Pierce-JeffersonFuneralService.com

Mowbray

Mrs. Lois King Mowbray, 100 years old, died Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem, NC. She was born in Poughkeepsie, NY on April 18, 1923, the daughter of Richard Dee and Lois (Hill) King. She is survived by her daughter Karen M. Blackwell (husband Eugene B. Blackwell) and grandson Mark M. Blackwell of Kernersville, NC, and brother Frank C. King of Raleigh, NC. Also surviving are her nieces Joan and Barbara Kuchenmeister, Barbara Maton, and nephew Richard King. She is pre-deceased by both parents, her husband George A. Mowbray of 53 years, and loving sister Thelma Kuchenmeister.
Lois was a member of the first graduating class (1941) of Franklin D. Roosevelt High School, Hyde Park, NY. She graduated from Vassar Brothers Hospital School of Nursing in 1945 as a Registered Nurse. She lived in Mt. Kisco, NY most of her adult life working and raising her daughter and moved to North Carolina in retirement. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with family, and with an interest in traveling and fashion.
The funeral service with Holy Eucharist will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Kernersville, NC. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements by Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Services in Kernersville, NC.
Friends and family may offer online condolences at www.piercejeffersonfh.com

Manuel

Mr. James Rodger Manuel, Jr., 78, passed away peacefully Friday, April 28, 2023.
He was born in Newport News, VA to the late James R. Manuel, Sr. and Lila Lee Tesh Manuel. James was in the first graduating class at East Forsyth High School (1963) and graduated from East Carolina University. His hobbies included playing golf, riding waves at the beach, and enjoying drives in the mountains. At home, he enjoyed watching the sunset, taking walks on the family land and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Jane Roberson Manuel of the home; two daughters, Manaia Manuel of Kernersville, NC, and Cindy Manuel Eubanks and husband, Darren of Kernersville, NC; five grandchildren, A.J. Jansheski (Caitlin), Marley Jansheski (Dylan), Drew Jansheski, Madison Eubanks, and Payton Eubanks; and two brothers, Doug Manuel and wife, Jeanne, and Keith Manuel and wife, April.
Funeral services celebrating his life will be held 12:00PM Friday, May 5, 2023, at the Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Services Kernersville Chapel with Rev. Dan Hester officiating. Interment will follow at the Sedge Garden United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 11:00AM to 12:00PM Friday prior to the service at the funeral home.
Friends and family may offer online condolences at www.piercejeffersonfh.com

Tomlinson

KERNERSVILLE – Maurice Ashley “Tom” Tomlinson, 85, passed away Thursday, April 27 at Hospice Home in High Point, NC. He was born on January 31, 1938 in Rocky Mount, NC to Maurice Henry Tomlinson Jr and Dorothy Rawls Tomlinson. He grew up and attended Hawken Boarding school in Ohio. Maurice graduated from William & Mary in 1955 where he achieved All-American status in swimming. He was employed at Xerox in Rochester, NY until his retirement in 1993.
Maurice was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife, Ann Hall Tomlinson. He is survived by his son, Richard Maurice Tomlinson (Alexis) of Kernersville, NC and grandsons, Mitchell (Jordan) and Conner.
A special thanks to Hospice Home at High Point and Brookdale Skeet Club Assisted Living for all their loving care and support. To honor Maurice, donations can be made to either Hospice Home at High Point at 1803 Westchester Dr., High Point, NC 27262 (www.hospiceofthepiedmont.org) or to Brookdale Assisted Living, 1560 Skeet Club Rd., High Point, NC 27265. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com. Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family.

Smith

Ivan Craig Smith, 69, of Kernersville passed away on April 27, 2023, at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, Winston-Salem. A native of Kernersville, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Lester and Clara (Jackson) Smith and husband of the late Violet Wilson Smith.
He was employed by the Town of Kernersville for over 25 years, and he also worked as a fireman for the Piney Grove Fire Department. He loved bull riding, horseback riding, and watching car races.
Ivan is survived by his loving children, Tracy Herman, Christopher Smith, and William Smith, two grandchildren, Lisa and Jacob Smith.
The family will receive friends at Pierce- Jefferson Funeral Service, Kernersville on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Funeral services will be at 11:00am on Wednesday May 3,2023 at Pierce- Jefferson Funeral Service, Kernersville Chapel with Pastor Leroy Kelly, officiating. Interment will be at Mt. Gur Cemetery, Kernersville. Services are entrusted to Pierce- Jefferson Funeral Service and Cremation, 213 West Mountain Street Kernersville, NC 27284.

Cogner

Conger, Angel Louise McLendon
July 22, 1933-April 24, 2023

Louise Conger, 89, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023 of natural causes at her beloved home with her family close by. She was born in Stanley County and grew up in Norwood, NC surrounded by a large and loving extended family which included her mother, Agnes Blalock McLendon, sister Brenda, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She graduated from Norwood High School in 1952 where she excelled at basketball and served as Captain of the girls team. Following her graduation, Louise studied Business for a year at the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina. In 1956, she married Luther Conger, Jr. and, in the first years of their marriage, she and Luther lived throughout the country as he first played professional baseball, then served in the military, and, finally, in various states in the south during Luther’s career as a field marketing representative for Hartford Insurance. By this time, Louise had given birth to two daughters, finding her true calling as a loving and devoted mother.
In 1965, Louise and Luther settled in Kernersville. For 20 years, she served as secretary at Kernersville Elementary School. Throughout her long life, Louise was a loving and devoted mother to her daughters, creating a warm and nurturing home for her family. As her daughters were growing up, Louise found joy as a “neighborhood Mom,” serving up snacks to one and all and frequently shuttling a station wagon full of kids to roller skating outings, movies, and other adventures.
Louise was blessed with an active and curious mind. She enjoyed reading, the music of Neil Diamond – whom she saw in concert 3 times – and absolutely loved the Christmas season. Louise enjoyed watching sports and especially loved watching her grandson Luke excel at basketball and baseball. She created a warm, comforting home for her husband and beloved daughters and she took particular joy in feeding and watching “her birds and squirrels? in the backyard. Above all, Louise was a kind, generous, devoted mother to her daughters, and was blessed to be particularly close to her grandson whom she adored.
Louise was pre-deceased by her mother, Agnes Blalock McLendon and sister, Brenda Lisenby. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Luther Conger, Jr.; daughter, Deborah Conger Sears, who took loving care of Louise in the last years of her life, and her husband, Charles Sears of Fairfield, NC; Grandson Luke Sears of Kernersville; daughter Cydney “Patty” Conger and husband Ed Simpson of Winston-Salem; and step-grandchildren Ben Simpson of Black Mountain and Molly Simpson and step- great grandson Abbott Hachey of Durham. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in- law and by numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held on Monday May 1 at 2:00 PM at Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville, NC. Louise’s family would like to thank friends and family for the kindness shown during this time.