Obituaries for the week of Aug. 19

Published 1:13 am Tuesday, August 17, 2021

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Ambrose Joby ‘AJ’ Barker

Mr. Ambrose Joby “AJ” Barker, 88, passed away Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021. He was born in Wilkes County on Feb. 16, 1933, to the late Ambrose and Eva Barker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six sisters, four brothers and one grandson, Andrew Joby Barker Jr. Barker served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He loved the Lord, his country and his family. He is survived by his wife, Lela Barker, children; Terry Vance (Ailyn), Joby Barker (Kim), Michelle Barker, and Jennifer Snow (Scott). As well as grandchildren; Kyra Vance, Joshua Barker, Jared Barker, Jon Barker, Cody Snow (Anna) and Bethanie Snow, one great-grandchild, Emmeline Snow, one sister, Peggy Wilkins, and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021, at United Family Church in Lewisville with Pastor Rodney Ashby, and Pastor Paul Kendall officiating. Burial followed the service at New Vision Worship Center Cemetery in Clemmons. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to United Family Church, 1275 Williams Road, Lewisville, NC 27023. Online condolences may be made to www.hayworth-miller.com.

Donna Holloway Bauguess

Donna Holloway Bauguess, 66, of Winston-Salem, passed from this life in her home on Aug. 8 surrounded by her family after a several-month battle with cancer. Bauguess was born in Wilkes County on March 14, 1955, to the late Arza Rehue and Lottie Blackburn Holloway. The youngest of 10 children, “Donna Ree,” as she was known by family and the community, was preceded in death by brothers Voyd Holloway, Carlie Alvin Holloway, Grady Holloway and sisters Bobbie Holloway Tharpe, Corine Holloway Blackmer, Charlene Holloway Cheek. In addition, Bauguess was also preceded in death by an infant daughter Tamera Annette Bauguess. She is survived by daughters, Tonya Jolly (Shane) and Billie Renee Bauguess and grandsons Wesly and Noah Hemric all of the home; siblings, Gerald Holloway of San Antonio, Texas, Katie Cleary of Hays, Nora Riddle of Ronda and stepdaughter, Breta Bauguess Culler of Pfafftown. Bauguess lived in Wilkes County until 2004 when she moved to Winston-Salem to be closer to her two grandsons who were the center of her world. She worked as a hairdresser in Wilkes and Surry counties for many years before semi-retiring to be the consistent and ever present “Nana” for her grandchildren. Bauguess was a faithful and devoted mother, sister and friend to many. In 2012, she and Renee moved in with Shane, Tonya and the boys. The three-generational house was a haven for all who called it home and this living arrangement was of great comfort over the years for the whole family. Her consistent presence and love in the lives of her immediate family created a bond that can never be replaced or replicated. Her kind spirit was contagious and if you knew her you loved her. She had a wonderful sense of humor that continued throughout her declining health. She was always truly concerned about her family and, in comparison, small problems despite her incredible pain and quickly declining health. Bauguess’ life was not an easy one — her father passed when she was 15, she suffered a miscarriage, the death of an infant daughter, death of her mother, two failed marriages and countless other obstacles and heartaches but through it all her steadfast devotion to Jesus kept her moving forward in love. She devoted the last 16 years to the life of her grandsons; taking care of them as babies, being the courier and after school care during school years and a constant love, defender and supporter. Bauguess was also the consistent and lifelong companion, loving mother, and devoted friend to her youngest daughter, Renee. They shared their home, nearly every meal and moment of everyday life in their own special way since 1996 when it became just the two of them. Bauguess was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in October 2020. After treatments failed to improve her status, she made the decision to live out the remainder of her days with her family at home, surrounded in love. Trellis Supportive Care assisted in this goal and were very kind and helpful throughout the process. The family would like to thank Abbot Oscar Joseph for becoming such a rock of faith and strength during the last few weeks of Bauguess’ life. Also, a special thank you to Faye and Alexia who helped the family provide care to Bauguess in her last few months of life. A celebration of life service was held at the Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel at noon on Saturday, Aug. 14. The family received friends and family at Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel from 11 a.m.-noon prior to the service. A graveside service was held at Rachel Baptist Church in Roaring River at 3 p.m. Saturday with Rev. Jimmy Welborn officiating. Flowers will be accepted and/or donations can be made in Bauguess’ memory to Trellis Supportive Care.

Linda Gail Rathbone Gordon

Mrs. Linda Gail Rathbone Gordon, 68, of Advance, passed away Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, at High Point Regional Hospital. Gordon was born in Forsyth County to Claude Medford Rathbone and the late Marian Elizabeth Bryant Rathbone on Sept. 3, 1952. Gordon was owner and president of Gordon and Sons Fine Grading from 1995-present and was a vital part of the family business. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Gordon enjoyed going to the beach, she loved walking along the shore and picking up shark’s teeth. She is preceded in death by her mother and her husband, Neal Stone Gordon Sr. Gordon is survived by her sons, Neal Gordon (Shana) and Jeremy Gordon (Jennifer); grandchildren, Nathan, Stephen, and Cameron Gordon; sisters, Claudette Tilley and Karen Willard; brother, Rob Rathbone. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses in the CCU at High Point Medical Center and Wake Forest Baptist Health — Davie Medical Center who took special care of  Gordon. A graveside service was held 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, at Westlawn Gardens of Memory with Pastor Keith Beckner officiating.

Lillie Rainey Huffman

Mrs. Lillie Rainey Huffman, 82, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, at Forsyth Medical Center. She was born in Rustin, Mississippi, on Nov. 10, 1938, to the late Archibald Thurman and Ocie Quates Rainey. Huffman was a member of Faithway Baptist Church (Greensboro). She was a very loving wife, mother, “MiMi,” and great-grandmother. Preceding her in death was a brother, Randy Strebeck; sister, Dorothy Roberts White; brother, Randy Joe Rainey and a sister, Judy Rainey. Surviving is her husband of 65 years, Conrad Huffman; daughter, Sharon Huffman Anderson (Alan); sons, Randy Huffman (Diane), Don Huffman (Wanda), and Ed Huffman (Amanda); grandchildren, Stephanie Davis Coe, Katy Huffman, Ashley Spoon (Simon), Chris Anderson, Lee Huffman (Kayla), and Cameron Huffman; great-grandchildren, Alex Coe, Haven and Saige Spoon, Ryker Spoon, and Ezra Huffman; brother, Thurman Rainey; also surviving are several nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, at Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel with Rev. Keith Huffman and Pastor James Bledsoe officiating. The family will receive friends from noon-2 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the donor’s local hospice organization.

Eppy White ‘Butch’ Human Jr.

Eppy White “Butch” Human, Jr., 80, of Advance, passed away Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, from a short battle with lung cancer.

Human was born June 11, 1941, in Charlotte to Jack and Pauline Human, as an only child. Human graduated from Stanley High School in 1959, and UNC in 1965 with a degree in business and major in insurance. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps serving his country for over 20 years, retiring as a colonel. When Human became active in the Marine Corps Reserves in 1966, he started his long career in insurance, working for AETNA, Lamb Young Insurance, and then opening his own agency, Horse Insurance Specialists in 1983. After retiring for a few years, he opened Star H Equine Insurance in 2004, retiring in 2019.

In his junior year, Human entered the U.S. Marine Corps through the Platoon Leaders Class and entered active service after graduation. Human was one of the first marines to officially be deployed to Vietnam in 1965. While in Vietnam, Human saw much action and was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat V, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V, Purple Heart and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star.

His love of horses started as a child and lasted his whole life. He showed appaloosas, winning several world championships and reserve championships, then switched to reining horses, being successful as well.

Human is survived by his wife of 17 years, Lucinda McIver Human; children, Jennifer Hansell of Clemmons, Jay Human (Crystyl) of Stanley, and Ashley Martin of Clemmons; grandchildren, Jacob and Joshua Hansell, Zach Human, Hannah Moore, and Emma Human; and great-grandchild, Charlotte. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandchild, Baby Jack Human.

No formal services will be held at this time.

In honor of Human, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Trellis Supportive Care.

Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Mrs. Patricia ‘Pat’ Smith Stewart

Mrs. Patricia “Pat” Smith Stewart, 82, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, at Forsyth Medical Center. She was born April 25, 1939, in Forsyth County to the late James Walter and Cora Burge Smith. Stewart graduated from Hanes High School and attended Mars Hill College. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church where she served faithfully in many ways. Preceding her in death was her husband, John Stewart and a son, James W. Stewart. Surviving is a son, Jeff Stewart; grandchildren, John Stewart (Taylor), Kate Stewart, and Chandler Stewart; great-grandchild, Riley Stewart; daughter-in-law, Terri Stewart; also surviving is her special dog, “Lacy.” A celebration of life was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, at Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor Al Fausch and Pastor Will Toburen officiating. The family received friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 134 S. Peace Haven Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104.