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Janet Murphy Barrett

Janet Murphy Barrett, 76, of Pfafftown passed away Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, at her home with family by her side. She was born Aug. 30, 1945, in New Britain, Connecticut, one of 15 children to the late Freeman and Esther (Davidson) Murphy. Barrett graduated from New Britain Senior High School, class of 1964, and retired from H.O. Penn Machinery Company, Newington, Connecticut, after working there for 39 years. She was an avid bowler and enjoyed making ceramics. Preceding her in death was her husband, Maurice “Tom” Barrett who passed away in 1995. She leaves a son, Scott Barrett (Debbie); grandsons, Adam Barrett (Jenna) and Matthew Barrett (fiancé Taylor Morgan) and her significant other, Richard “Rich” Schrager with whom she shared many happy times. A funeral service to celebrate her life was held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021, at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Matt Knuppel officiating. The family received friends from 4-5 p.m. prior to the service. She will be buried in Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mt. Airy, NC 27030 or to Grace Lutheran Church, 3410 Community Church Road, Pfafftown, NC 27040.

Robert Lee Foster

Robert Lee Foster, 67, of Winston-Salem went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. Foster was born on Jan. 31, 1954, in Forsyth County and lived an inspiring life that positively impacted many. Foster graduated from North Forsyth High school in 1972. He started his career as a firefighter and had a passion for helping others. He loved Wake Forest athletics, the Dallas Cowboys and the Atlanta Braves. For more than 40 years, Foster was a firefighter, emergency responder, dispatcher, mentor, father and friend to many. Foster enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and friends as well as fishing, going to the beach and working in his yard. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Franklin Foster and Ruby Mae Foster. He is survived by his children, Brandon Foster (Natasha), Dustin Foster, and Tiffany Cogar (Zachary); grandchildren, Zachary Cogar Jr. and Adalynn Cogar; and brother, William Eugene Foster (Barbara). A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, at Calvary Baptist Church, with Rev. Al Fausch and Pastor Wayne Marion officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Forsyth Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carolina Caring at www.carolinacaring.org/give . Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com .

Hazel Davis Frye

Hazel Davis Frye went to be with her Lord and savior on Nov. 1, 2021. She was born on March 18, 1927 in Hoke County to the late George and Fannie Davis. Frye worked in quality control for RJ Reynolds for over 41 years.

Frye was a dedicated member of Shiloh Lutheran Church in Lewisville. When she could, she volunteered at her church crocheting for Busy Hands, sang in the choir, and taught Sunday school. In her spare time, Frye loved watching old movies and westerns. She could always be found in her garden. Frye had a green thumb and could nurture any plant back to health. She was the best at spotting and collecting four-leaf clovers. Above all, she loved her family and spending time with them, especially her granddaughter and great-granddaughter.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Monroe Frye, and three siblings. Frye leaves behind her children, Timothy Monroe Frye and Melissa Frye (Richard Colwell); granddaughter, Harmony Frye-Colwell (Dalton Miller); great-granddaughter, Lorelei Hazel Miller; and many nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

A visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, at Frank Vogler & Sons Funeral Home in Clemmons. A funeral service was at noon on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Lewisville. She was laid to rest at the church cemetery following the service.

Memorial contributions can be made to Shiloh Lutheran Church, 730 Lewisville Vienna Road, Lewisville, NC 27023.

Evelyn Ashby Oakley

Mrs. Evelyn Ashby Oakley, 88, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021, at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. She was born in Henry County, Virginia, to the late Posey Simmons Ashby and Janie Eggleston Rhodes. Oakley retired from AT&T with 30 years of service and was a member of Lewisville Baptist Church.  She was a talented artist/painter, loved flower gardening, enjoyed square dancing, and traveling the world with her husband. Preceding her in death was her husband, Louis Oakley; daughter, Gina Dawn Oakley; son-in-law, Rick Jarvis and her stepfather, Dennis “Mutt” Rhodes. Surviving is a daughter, Robin Jarvis of Clemmons and her two cats, “Sugar” and “Sweet Pea.” A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021 at Lewisville Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Bill Messer officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

David Ray Smith

David Ray Smith, 56, of Advance passed away on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021. Smith was born Oct. 22, 1965, in Wiesbaden Germany to SSG Alvia Ray Smith and Peggy J. Smith. Growing up in a military family, Smith had the privilege of living all over the United States.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and a master’s degree, he used his skills in several different fields including engineering consulting, defense and information technology services, and the automotive industry.

Smith has always loved the military and joined the Georgia National Guard at 17. After becoming Ft. Benning’s first survivor of spinal meningitis during basic training, he served two years and decided to go in the Navy. He served four years in the Navy, traveling all over the world, then went to college and received his bachelor’s degree. After 9/11, he felt the call to join the Army Reserves. He served a yearlong deployment in 2004/2005 during Iraqi Freedom. He was a drill sergeant for several years and loved working with the future soldiers training project. His most recent assignment as a career counselor allowed him to help other soldiers with their military career. He was a true warrior at heart.

He is survived by his mother, Peggy J. Smith Farmer; his wife, Danielle; and their children, Austin, Caity, and Roman; his cats (including the good cat) and his snoring dog.

Growing up, Smith had a spirited personality and was always trying to make people laugh. He had a wicked sense of humor, an unfortunate (but hilarious) knack for setting things on fire, a love for hot dogs (particularly chili dogs), and an amazingly kind heart. Smith never failed to give to those in need and always aided those who called upon him. All who ever met him loved and admired him.

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

Donna Dean Mays Taylor

Donna Dean Mays Taylor, 68, passed away on Nov. 5, 2021, in Winston-Salem at Novant Forsyth Medical Center.

Taylor was born on June 24, 1953, in Martinsville, Virginia, to the late Benjamin Newton Mays and Doris Belle Sutherland Mays. She grew up in Virginia where she graduated from Galax High School in 1972.

Taylor had a heart for helping others. This drew her to the field of nursing. She received her CNA from New River Community college in 1973 then her LPN in 1977. Later in her career, she earned her RN from Forsyth Technical College in 1994. Taylor was retired from Novant Forsyth Medical Center after over 30 years on the nursing staff and as a head nurse on the mother/baby unit.

She was a founding member and longtime supporter of Pipers Gap Rescue Squad in Carroll County, Virginia. Taylor was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Colonial Dames of the 17th Century.

Taylor leaves behind her sons, Brian Kelly Taylor (Misty) of Brown Summit, and Chad Dean Taylor (Teresa) of Seagrove; sister, Pamelia Mays Spivey (Ray) of Birmingham, Alabama; stepson, Richard Lee Taylor of Clemmons; and several step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank the ICU and Palliative Care Nursing staff, doctors, and other specialists and therapists at Novant Forsyth Medical Center for their compassionate care.

A gathering of family and friends was held to celebrate Taylor’s life from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at Frank Vogler & Sons Funeral Home in Clemmons with a special nurse tribute at 6:30 p.m.