Obituaries for the week of Oct. 21

Published 1:06 am Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Ellen Rice Austin

Mrs. Ellen Rice Austin, 85, of Mocksville passed away Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021. She was born Dec. 4, 1935, in Madison County to Henry J. Rice and Leota Holland Rice. Austin was a charter member of Green Meadows Baptist Church. She worked briefly in the Davie County School System and owned her own child care business. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Samuel Francis Austin Jr.; brothers, Rueben and Bobby Rice; half brothers and sisters, Essie Brown, Lucy Bleak, Avery Rice, Rhea Jackson and Timothy Rice. Surviving are daughters, Cathy Robertson (Rob) of Advance and Diane Carter (Allen) of Mocksville; son, Timothy Austin (Kim) of Franklin; grandchildren, Zac, Zeb and Zane Carter, Jack and Jeb Robertson , Scott Carter (Lauren), Erin Davison (Matt), Allyson Austin, Rachel Todd (Michael) and Taylor Austin; great-grandchildren, London and Ember Carter, Josie and Beau Davidson, Payton and Eva Carter, Austin, Aiden and Avery Todd and siblings, Esther Johnson, Robert Rice, Mary Rice, J.W. Rice, Joyce Ann Rathbone, Larry Rice, Jerry Rice and Ruth Sprouse. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, at Green Meadows Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Josh Greene and Pastor James Buchanan officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside service. The family would like to thank the nurses at Wellness Hospice and Somerset Court of Mocksville for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Green Meadows Baptist Church Building Fund.

Kent Thomas Disher

Kent Thomas Disher of Nong Prue, Thailand, died on Oct. 11, 2021, at the age of 69 after a short terminal illness. He was born on Sept. 13, 1952, to Billy T. Disher and Frances Ziglar Disher in Walkertown. He went to East Forsyth High School and graduated from East Carolina University. He taught classes and coached football at several public middle and high schools throughout N.C. during his career. His last teaching assignment and major coaching contribution effort was at 71st High School in Fayetteville. He is survived by his brother, Larry Disher of Clemmons; and father in Walkertown. His passions in life were watching college sports and coaching high school football. He retired to Thailand in 2004.

Marcia Ann Hansley

Marcia Ann Hansley found peace at the break of dawn on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021. She was born Nov. 11, 1958, in Winston-Salem. Conquering life with many challenges from the beginning, her strong will, determination, and faith carried through her entire life.

Hansley graduated from West Forsyth High School in 1977. She continued her education at Randolph Technical Community College, earning her degree in floral design. Her career as a talented, loyal employee of Carpenter’s Flower Shop lasted for 25 years. She then spread her gift of flower arranging to Harris Teeter and surrounding local florists. Hansley was a devoted, lifelong member of New Philadelphia Moravian Church. She held a special place in her heart for her fellow choir members, Sunday school classmates, and friends, all while taking detailed care to provide beautiful flowers for weekly church services. She was a dedicated daughter, always willing to help with every aspect of home life and resided with her parents Mary L. and Marvin F. Hansley Sr. She enjoyed working in the garden, making sweet treats (especially at Christmas), designing silk arrangements, and sewing (making many of her own clothes) and winning an array of ribbons in the Dixie Classic Fair.

Family had always been important, no matter how far or near, she was there for them. Her memory of childhood stories to the present held fast, being the first to articulate details. Hansley is preceded in death by her younger brother, Michael Hansley Sr. and is survived by her parents and siblings, Marlene Hansley-Ellis, Sonny Hansley (Diane), Frances Butt (Eddie), Miranda Vaden (David), and Maria Miller (Joey). She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews who meant the world to her. She will remain forever in their memory, sharing countless hours of her attention playing dolls, riding bikes, making mudpies under the treehouse, singing, reading, coloring on rainy days, participating in their special events and more.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, at New Philadelphia Moravian Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church’s God’s Acre.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the multitude of caregiving staff over the past three years and 14 days.

Cheryl Leagans Mahan

Cheryl Leagans Mahan, 63, passed away on Oct. 15, 2021, following a lengthy illness. She was preceded in death by both parents, Mr. And Mrs. Joe T. Leagans of Winston-Salem; and a sister, Phyllis L. Green of Fayetteville. She is survived by a sister, Cynthia L. Cleary (Jerry); and brothers, Joe Mark Leagans of Clemmons, and Bruce T. Leagans of Lewisville; nephews, Jarrod Cleary of Clemmons, and Christopher Green of Aberdeen; a niece, Katie Leagans of Cary; and greatnephew, Dawson Clay Cleary. A graveside service was conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, at Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Angela Toth officiating. The family received friends from 2-3 p.m., in the church sanctuary prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation; and Hospice of High Point. Online condolences may be made at www. hayworth-miller.com.

Blanche Forbus Pennington

Mrs. Blanche Forbus Pennington, 89, was born in Davidson County on Dec. 21, 1931, to the late Wesley “Buddy” Forbus and Della S. Forbus. Blanche passed away Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. She retired from Hunter Publishing Co. and was a lifelong member of Grapevine Baptist Church. Pennington was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Samuel L. “Bud” Pennington; sons, Samuel J. Pennington Sr. and Kenny L. Pennington and brothers, Paul and Alfred Forbus. Surviving is a grandson, Sam “Joey” Pennington (Carla); great-granddaughter, Nikklyn Pennington; sisters-in-law, Bobbyette Forbus and Flora Ruth Forbus; and brother-in-law, Harley “Bill” Pennington. The family would like to thank her “special friend,” Rosa Hawks for her love and devotion to Pennington; also surviving are other friends, Connie Mabe, Mike, JoJo, Mikey, and Michelle Moore. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, at Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel with Pastor Ronnie Comer officiating. Burial followed at Westlawn Gardens of Memory. The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Lane Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

Shirley Holt Saunders

Shirley Holt Saunders was born March 13, 1932, to Charles & Nora Holt. Saunders worked 44 years with Hanes Knitwear until retirement. She was a faithful member of Mt. Carmel Methodist Church in Winston-Salem for approximately 60 years. She loved the Lord and her life and infectious smile showed that. Many fond memories of her included her passion for cooking and remembered mainly for her “Shirley Rolls.” Saunders loved her daily lunch outings at several different restaurants in Clemmons. She would go to the certain restaurants each day because of their specials. All the waitstaff knew her so well that when she came in, they had her tea with lemon and a glass of water ready at the table. Saunders had a love of gospel music. At any time, you could hear her singing hymns. Her family would gather together to sing and fellowship. Saunders loved her family. Her face would light up at family gatherings. She was a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother and a great-great-grandmother. Saunders was preceded in death by her husband, John Wayne Saunders Sr. and several brothers and sisters. Surviving family members include children, Nancy Milholand (Lester), John Wayne Saunders (Tonya), and grandchildren Jimmy Chandler, Ray Chandler (Gayel), Jacob Saunders, Candence Childress (Shane). Also surviving family members include five great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, brother, Larry Kiger and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Mountain Valley Hospice for their dedication and service of helping take care of Saunders. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mountain Valley Hospice in Yadkinville.

A visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, at Frank Vogler & Sons in Clemmons. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, at Mount Carmel UMC in Winston-Salem.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frankvoglerandsonsclemmons.com for the Saunders family.

James Edgar ‘Eddie’ Tatum

James Edgar “Eddie” Tatum, 64, of Lewisville passed away the morning of Oct. 14, 2021. Tatum was born on Nov. 30, 1956, to James William Tatum and Mary Ethel Tatum. Tatum was a renowned antique dealer and collector. He was owner and operator of Brookstown Antiques. He was mentor to most in his profession. Tatum had a phenomenal memory for the historical background of just about anything antique. He was a member of Boy Scouts Troop 749 at Ardmore United Methodist Church. He was also an Eagle Scout. Not only did he have a special love for antiques but also historical property. He restored several historic properties in N.C., including the Holyfield House in Rockford and multiple properties in West End.  Tatum will not only be remembered as an icon in the antique world but for his unforgettable dimpled smile that would light up any room. He is survived by his daughter, Amanda T. Pino (Juan); grandchildren, Sophia Pino and Jaxon Pino; brother William “Bill” F. Tatum (Joan); sister, Mary E. Tatum; nieces and nephews, Joseph Tatum, James Tatum (Lauren), Mary Elizabeth Brake (Robert), Michael Tatum (Andrea), Scott Tatum; Cindy Huff, his dedicated longtime private nurse and friend, and two former wives, Sarah Coley and Victoria Tatum. Last, the family would like to extend a huge thank you to Tatum’s faithful friends. Without all of you, it would have been impossible for him to continue his passion these past few years. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. at the Hayworth Miller Lewisville Chapel. A private graveside service will follow the service in the chapel.