Obituaries for the week of Oct. 27

Published 12:19 am Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Anthony Bivona

Mr. Anthony Bivona, 67, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022. He was born Dec. 16, 1954, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to the late Giuseppe and Anna Bivona. Anthony, also known to some as Tony, was a one of a kind man who loved many things but his daughters were his world. He enjoyed spending his time putting a smile on everyone’s face no matter who you were. Anthony will be greatly missed. He will live forever in his family’s hearts. Anthony is survived by two daughters, Ana Bivona (Tyler Whitlow) and Katie Bivona; grandchildren, Stella Whitlow and Sullivan Whitlow; grandpups, Lily, Roman and Naya; brothers, Gino Bivona (Pat) and John Bivona (Darlene); and numerous nieces and nephews. Private family services will be held at a later date.

William ‘Bill’ Elbert Burdette

Mr. William “Bill” Elbert Burdette, 92, of Clemmons went to be with his Heavenly Father on Oct. 19, 2022. He was born to Samuel Lynch and Louella Houchins Burdette in Fort Springs, West Virginia, on May 16, 1930.

Bill served eight years, 1952-1960, in the United States Army and United States Army Reserve. Bill served with the 194th Engineer Combat Battalion in the Korean War. He served as an active member and Honor Guard of American Legion Post 522 in Lewisville until his health prevented his participation. In the 1960s, Bill dedicated his service to the Margate Volunteer Fire Department in Margate, Florida. Bill moved with his family to North Carolina in 1970 and began work in construction before joining Liz at Lentz Transfer and Storage in Clemmons. Following retirement from Lentz at the age of 65, Bill began his second career as chauffeur, confidant and co-conspirator for his many grandchildren.

Bill was proceeded in death by his parents and his dearly loved stepmother Emily Brady Burdette; brothers Glen “Bob,” and Samuel Lee; sisters, Margaret Virginia “Polly,” Mary Alice, Betty Lou, Isabelle Louella “Lou,” Janice Elaine, Nelly Elizabeth and Cecilia Brown;  daughter, Donna Vernon; granddaughter, Shana Cravath; and grandson, Thomas Vernon. He is survived by his beloved wife and darling of 56 years, Elizabeth Slate Burdette; daughters, Susan Porter (Billy Joe), Tammy Gant (Gary) and Tiffany Weddle (Todd); sons, Darrell Cravath (Beverly), Billy Burdette and Dan Taylor. He is also survived by granddaughters, Holly Johnson, Lauren Wheeler (Cameron), Steffiany Vernon, Dorrissa Vernon, Casey Weddle (Chris) and Amy Taylor; grandsons, Eli Vernon, Todd Porter (Angela), Clayton Cravath (Erica), Taylor Weddle (Sarah), Ian Taylor, Sam Burdette and Logan Weddle; and 18 great-grandchildren.

A constant loving presence, Papa Bill loved boating and camping when the grandchildren were young and he spent many summers playing captain and helping them learn to water ski. He cherished taking them snow skiing in Boone and experienced great joy watching them advance their skills day and night on the slopes. Bill treasured being outside, loved bird watching and beekeeping. Crisscrossing America in their RV, Bill and Liz spent many months over the years on journeys far and wide. Always happiest tending to the “farm” in Siloam and the “ranch” in Sugar Grove, Virginia, Bill yearned to please his family.

He had a servant’s heart, never said no to a request and was always first to volunteer. This unwavering dedication to others earned him much love and affection. His was a life well lived.

The family received friends from 10-11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, at Frank Vogler and Sons in Clemmons, followed by a graveside service at 1 p.m. at Slate Cemetery in Stokes County.

Anne Litz Jarvis Collins

Anne Litz Jarvis Collins, 59, of Pfafftown passed away on Oct. 21, 2022. Anne was born on Oct. 14, 1963, in Huntington, W.V., to William Allen Jarvis and Daisy (Litz) St. Clair Jarvis. Anne was preceded in death by her brother, William Allen Jarvis II; aunt, Eleanor Vasquez; uncle, James St. Clair; and niece, Natalie Wade. Anne was survived by her devoted husband William Collins and son Carlos Collins; as well as her mother and father; sister, Amy Jarvis Wade (Jim); nieces, Ashley Wade Hanna (Isaiah), Catherine Wade Bowyer (Justice); nephew, William Allen Jarvis III; and Bill’s family Diane Pedicini (Dave), Tommy Collins (Liz), Eileen Miller (Paul) and Mary Kafury (Bill). Anne was a graduate of Huntington High School and Salem College. She taught at East Forsyth High School in Winston-Salem until she retired in 2021. Anne was a member of the Fairview Moravian Church. She had a contagious smile and a heart that could be felt by all that she met. Anne was a loving wife and a devoted mother. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, at Fairview Moravian Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Anne’s memory can be made to Camp Wohelo in Maine or Camp Greenbrier (Carlos’ Camp).

Melissa Jane Miller Kite

Melissa Jane Miller Kite, 61, of Clemmons passed away on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born April 10, 1961, in Ashe County to Parnell and Myrl Neaves Miller.

Melissa’s love of life does not end. Loved ones will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives in faith and to the fullest.

She was a member of Hillsdale United Methodist Church. Melissa worked for Piedmont Airlines and U.S. Air for many years. She then became a corporate flight attendant for Bank of America and RJ Reynolds. Travel inspired Melissa, and enjoyed traveling the world during her airline career. Later, Melissa pursued courses in interior design. She had a special gift for home design. She used her passion generously and lent her time to friends and family helping them create a cozy and inviting home. For the past many years, she continued with interior design and focused on raising her daughter, Bella, which fulfilled her most of all.

Surviving are her husband, Jon Kite; daughter, Bella Kite; parents of Wilkesboro; sisters, Peggy Miller (Ronnie) and Mickey Draper (Jack); brothers, David Miller (Patty) and Shannon (Lori) Miller; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3:30 p.m on Friday at Hillsdale United Methodist Church with Rev. Jerry Webb officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. There will be a private family graveside at Pine Grove United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to mercyships.org, the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home or a local charity of your choice.

Vicki Mae Lentz

Ms. Vicki Mae Lentz, 69, of Goldsboro passed away Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, at her residence. Lentz was born in Forsyth County to the late James Franklin and Carlene Isgett Lentz on Oct. 6, 1953. She was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Winston-Salem. Vicki was a graduate of the West Forsyth High School class of 1971. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving son, David James Lentz. Lentz is survived by her brother, Mike Lentz (Betty) of Charlotte; niece, Jennifer Read D’Alba (Mark); nephew, James Michael Lentz Jr. (Kirsten); and great-niece Parker Lentz. The graveside service has been temporarily to postponed. Details are to be announced.

Raymond Preston Madison Jr.

Mr. Raymond Preston Madison Jr., 82, of Lewisville passed away Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. He was born Aug. 20, 1940, in Forsyth County to the late Raymond Preston Madison Sr. and Hazel Smith Madison. Madison had retired from AT&T. Raymond and his wife, Edith, were married in 1959. The bond that they shared together for over 62 years was incredible and inspirational. Raymond spent much of his free time with his family as a provider both financially and spiritually. He taught his family the value of hard work and the good use of time and talents. Many wonderful moments were also spent traveling together with his wife as well as extended family. He also loved spending time with his friends, both at church and at Bojangles for breakfast most mornings. Raymond was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church and was especially willing to share his faith with those who were struggling with life issues. He had a special place in his heart for Hebron Colony Ministries and their efforts to support and rehabilitate men who needed spiritual and emotional support from addiction. He is preceded in death by a sister, Jane Madison Bowers; and daughter-in-law, Vickie Stewart Madison. Surviving are his wife, Edith Hall Madison; sons, Rick Madison (Sandra) and Greg Madison; brother, Jim Madison (Clara Dale) and a special friend, Cindy Doub. A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022, at Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery in Hamptonville by Pastor Truett Williams. The family received friends from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, at Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hebron Colony Ministries or to Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Stephen Melvin Posey

Stephen Melvin Posey, 65, of Winston-Salem passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. He was born in Winston-Salem on Oct. 23, 1956, to the late Robert Melvin Posey and Kathleen Rose Posey. Steve attended North Forsyth High school and UNC Charlotte where he enjoyed playing music and his Chi Phi fraternity. He was employed by Dize Awning, Davidson Bishop, and most recently part-time with Harbor Freight. He always had a side business beginning with Innovations DJ and most recently a landscaping business. Steve helped build Sunrise UMC and was most recently a member of Brookstown UMC where his parents previously attended. If you knew Steve you knew how genuinely kind he was and how he would do anything for anyone. He spent many years attending cheer events at RHS and App State for his daughter Jessica, as well as BMX events across the country with his son Justin. His favorite place to spend time other than with his family was at the lake. He is survived by his ex-wife, Michele Posey; children, Jessica Wham (Bradley) and Justin Posey (Melissa); and his wonderful grandchildren, Brooks Wham, Braxton Posey and Wells Wham. His greatest joys were stories of Jessica and Justin growing up and his new love for his grandchildren. A funeral service was held in his honor at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, at Brookstown UMC, officiated by Rev. Chip Webb. The family received friends after the service in the fellowship hall of the church. The family would like to thank the ICU team at Forsyth Medical Center for their incredible and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brookstown United Methodist Church, 6274 Yadkinville Rd, Pfafftown, NC 27040.  Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Gary Lynn Stalnaker

Mr. Gary Lynn Stalnaker, 76, of Lewisville passed away Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, at Wake Forest Baptist Health. He was born Dec. 17, 1945, in Summit County, Ohio, to Raymond and Ruby Scarberry Stalnaker. Gary was a veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force and retired from F.E.M.A. Surviving are his wife, Brenda Mackovic Stalnaker; sons, Bret and Brady Stalnaker; and several grandchildren. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel.

Leah Dell Wixon

Ms. Leah Dell Wixon was born July 28, 1939, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Lawrence and Veronica Mohle Wixon. She was blessed with three wonderful and loving children: Justin Andren (Lori) of Greensboro, Craig Andren (Tabitha) of Manassas, Virginia, and Lisa Rogers (Don) of Clemmons; and grandson, Zachary Therrell (Heather). She was an active member of Augsburg Lutheran Church in Winston-Salem. She served as church secretary at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Epiphany for nearly 20 years, and also served as church secretary at Somerset Hills Lutheran Church in Basking Ridge, N.J., before relocating to North Carolina. She enjoyed her family, her many friends (some of whom she had known since attending kindergarten), reading, gardening, crafts, sewing and embroidery. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, at Augsburg Lutheran Church in Winston-Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Augsburg Lutheran Church Youth Services.