Virginia Blanche May Reiss 

Virginia Blanche May Reiss,  “Jean”, a direct descendant of Peter Clemmons, the founder of the village that bears his name, died Dec. 20, 2010. She was born on January 21, 1925 in Beaumont, California, and late in life moved to Clemmons to research her family roots.

Many residents at Bermuda Village enjoyed her piano performances during Sunday vespers while she lived here.

Jean displayed early on, her interest and talent in music, starting in Junior High and High School. She studied the piano and became an extremely accomplished pianist. Her studies took her to the University of Utah, and while attending there, she performed with the Utah Symphony Orchestra as featured piano soloist. Jean was very intellectual and loved going to school. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Westminster College in California. Jean held the position as organist for the North Hollywood Methodist Church for 28 years. She also directed the children’s choir there, presenting special performances. Later on, Jean converted to Catholicism and played the organ for many masses and weddings. She also earned recognition as the best accompanist in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles area. This was acclaimed by symphony orchestra and many soloists. One of Jean’s main interests was the work she did for the Film Advisory Board in Los Angeles.

In later years, Jean began to study geneology. This curiosity led her to Clemmons, North Carolina to search the ancestry other mother, Blanche Catherine Clemmons May. In doing this, she created a contagious excitement in family members who encouraged her along the way.

Jean made an effort to stay in touch with her family. Dropping in and out and phoning was her style, and when visiting she brought with her an exuberance and zest for life and music.

Jean married Robert Reiss and they had a son, David. She lost both of them in two separate auto accidents.

Jean is survived by her sister, Marjorie Egloffand her brother William S. May and his wife MaryAnn and many nieces and nephews and friends.

Judy Kropac Cairns 

Mrs. Judy Kropac Cairns, 63, passed away on Sunday, January 16, 2011 after a fourteen month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born April 9, 1947 in Trenton, NJ to Mary Kondor Kropac and the late William Kropac. Mrs. Cairns attended Trenton State College and graduated from Forsyth Technical Community College in 1985. She was employed for the last 17 years by Wachovia/Wells Fargo. She was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Clemmons, NC. She was a loving wife, great mom, and awesome grandmom. Judy is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Bob Cairns of the home; son, Brian Cairns and his wife Wendy of Kernersville, NC and granddaughter, Ashlynn; daughter, Jamie Hammill and her husband, Allen of Gold Hill, NC and granddaughters, Sara and Emily. She is also survived by her sister, Kathi Klepacki of Trenton, NJ; brother-in-law, Al Cairns and his wife Mary of Hernando, FL; nephews, Al Cairns of Port Townsend, WA and Bobby Cairns of Somerdale, NJ and great-nephew Nicholas Cairns of Somerdale, NJ; cousins, Arlene Wallen of Daniels, WV, Gaile Boothe of Westfield, NJ and Ken Laino of Egg Harbor, NJ. The Funeral Mass was held Friday, January 21, 2011 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Clemmons, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lady Tigers Fastpitch Association, 121 Lentz Harness Shop Road N., Mt. Pleasant, NC 28124 in honor of her granddaughters; or Hospice and Palliative Care Center, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Without special friends, you cannot enjoy, have excitement nor win in one’s life. To Johnny and Becky Hammill (the Outlaws), our yearly trips to Aruba and Las Vegas were both grand and special, would not be the same without you. To Hugh and Donna Gerlach, what could Thanksgiving be if not at your house watching our children and yours grow up. To childhood friend of 47 years, Barbara Keiffer of Columbus, NJ, a plain thank you for everything is all we need for each other. To Joe and Caroline Lillard of Las Vegas, thank you from the bottom of my and Bob’s heart. New Year’s Eve became an extraordinary time, what parties. The family would like to say a special thank you to the four ladies of Wells Fargo that brought food, flowers, cards, and conversation, Julie, Angie, Valerie and Wendy. Special neighbors, Lanny and Mary Farmer, Larry and Jean Nicholson, and Ed and Gail Tilley, just a big, big thank you.

Claudina Blackburn Cline 

Mrs. Claudina Blackburn Cline, 87, of Winston-Salem, passed away Sunday, January 23, 2011 at Clemmons Nursing and Rehab. She was born December 10, 1923 in Surry County, NC to the late Ed and Lilly Blackburn. She retired from Western Electric with several years of service. Preceding her in death was a husband, Howard Thomas Cline, two brothers, and three sisters. Surviving is a son, Thomas Cline of Advance; daughter, Jeannie Cline of Walkertown; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; also surviving are five sisters and three brothers. A Funeral Service was held Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. Burial followed at Parklawn Memorial Park. 

Terry Lee Crater 

Mr. Terry Lee Crater, 64, passed away January 21, 2011 at Forsyth Medical Center. Funeral Services were held at Holy Family Catholic Church, on Monday, January 24 at 11 a.m., with the Reverend Michael Buttner officiating. Interment followed in the Westlawn Gardens of Memory. Terry was born in Yadkin County to E.R. Jr. and Edna Ashburn Crater. He was a hard worker as a young man on a tobacco farm and carried that same work ethic throughout his life. He graduated with degrees from Appalachian State University and Wake Forest University. Terry was a loving husband, father and grandfather and enjoyed the time he spent with his family and his friends. The New York Yankees were “his team” but more important to him was being involved in baseball at the local level with his son Bryan and the NWFLL. He was co-owner of Buck Shoals Vineyard and Winery and was also employed with Western Electric/AT&T for 32 years and Wachovia/Wells Fargo for 10 years. Terry was born and raised in North Carolina but has also lived in Florida and New Jersey. While living in New Jersey he met Joanne Marcantonio who has been his loving wife for over 22 years and survives him. Terry is also survived by his sons, Marty, Bart and Rodney; mother, Edna Ashburn Crater; sisters, Diane Flippin and Pam Long; and five grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son, Bryan in 2004; and his father in 2010. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Derrick L. Davis Cancer Center, 1010 Bethesda Court, Winston -Salem, NC 27103 or Holy Family Catholic Church, 4820 Kincannon Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. 

Irene Tuttle Holt 

Mrs. Irene Tuttle Holt, 88, of Winston-Salem passed away Thursday, January 20, 2011 at Bermuda Commons. She was born May 26, 1922 in Forsyth County to Oscar Wiley and Eleanor Griffin Tuttle. Mrs. Holt was a member of Clemmons United Methodist Church. She was retired from Hanes Hosiery with 39 years of service. She was preceded in death by four sisters, Alma Frye, Pauline James, Margaret Tucker and Iva Lee Wagoner; three brothers, Russell, Hilary and Dwight Tuttle. Surviving is one son, Terry Wayne Tuttle of Clemmons; two grandchildren, Melissa Anne Tuttle and husband, Mark Shaw, and John Ashley Tuttle and fiance, Stephanie L. Combes; one brother, Wiley E. Tuttle of Winston-Salem; and two sisters, Shirley Ann Newman of Clemmons, and Marie Cope of Advance. Funeral Services were held Sunday, January 23 at Clemmons United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mark Portis officiating. A Graveside Service was held Monday, January 24 at Forsyth Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Center, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 or Clemmons United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 3700 Clemmons Rd., Clemmons, NC 27012. 

William Butner 

Poindexter, Jr.

Mr. William Butner Poindexter, Jr., 62, of Clemmons passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, January 15, 2011. He was born April 13, 1948 in Florence, SC to William Butner Poindexter, Sr. and Jenell Branham Poindexter. Mr. Poindexter was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Vietnam War. He was employed with the V.F. Corporation for 18 years. Surviving are his wife of 42 years, JoAnn DeLong Poindexter; one son, Anthony Poindexter; one daughter, Amber Parker and husband David; two grandchildren who affectionately called him “Poppie”, Will and Avery Parker; his parents of Winston-Salem; and two sisters, Gloria Barber and Shelby Bryant. A memorial service was held Thursday, January 20, 2011 at Robinhood Road Baptist church with the Rev. John Hackworth officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Robinhood Road Baptist Church Building Fund, 5422 Robinhood Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106.

Lawrence John Squicciarini 

Lawrence John Squicciarini began his life journey 60 years ago. He passed away suddenly on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice. He was born May 2, 1950 in Brooklyn, New York to Rudolph and Mildred Squicciarini. He leaves behind his loving wife, Karen of 37 years and his beloved dog, “Sally”. Larry will forever be remembered by his mother, Mildred Squicciarini; brother, John Squicciarini; sister, Elizabeth Fischetti; brother-in-law, Anthony Fischetti; mother-in-law, Wilda Searight; sister-in-law, Marla Hill, Loree vanKraayenburg, Melinda Johnson; and treasured nieces and nephews; along with countless other friends and family. Larry lived and loved a full life, with passion and adventure. He pursued many hobbies and loved sailing, golf, trap shooting, fly fishing, bird hunting with his two Brittany Spaniels, photography, woodworking, and oil painting. He enjoyed his travels to Africa, Italy, Ireland and the Southwest U.S. Born in New York City, Larry graduated from School of Visual Arts and began a successful career in Advertising. He later followed his passion for cooking and acquired a cult following while working as a pastry chef at Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, NC. Memorial Services celebrating his life will be held Saturday, February 5, in Houston, Texas, and St. Elizabeth, 10 a.m. Monday, February 7, in Coral Springs, Florida. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kate B. Reynolds Hospice, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

Josephine Odham Wright

Josephine Odham Wright, 85, the most loving mother, grand mother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 with her loving family at her side. Mrs. Wright was born in Smyth County, Va. on March 1, 1925. She was the daughter of the late Daniel Brown and Dottie V. Odham. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bryon Hill Wright in 2007 and and her son, Kenneth Hill Wright in 2006. Mrs. Wright was a homemaker. She was a wonderful Mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother, who will be deeply missed by all of her family. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Irene Wright of Winston-Salem, her twin daughters, Karen (Larry) Giddens of Clemmons, Kathy (John) Thacker of Kernersville, her daughter-in-law Karen Wright of Pinnacle; six granddaughters, Lisa Tullock of Winston-Salem, Kristy (Johnny) Issacs of Winston-Salem, Dana (Jeff) Cook of Lexington, Amber (Jason) Stogner of Rural Hall, Brittany and Courtney Thacker of Kernersville; three great-grandsons, Paul Issacs of Winston-Salem, Roger Tullock of Winston-Salem, Zachary Cook of Lexington and one great granddaughter, Caroline Stogner of Rural Hall and great-great granddaughter Allison Issacs of Winston-Salem and her very special friends, Eddie and Terri Hicks of Kernersville. A private graveside service was conducted on Thursday, January 20, at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. The Rev. David Terriaco will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to The Davidson County Chapter of the Autism Society of North Carolina, 182 Crowfoot Court, Lexington, N.C. 27295 in honor of Mrs. Wright’s great grandson, Zachary Cook. The family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff of Clemmons Village II who took such loving care and showed such great compassion to Mrs. Wright and her family.

James Philip Holcombe 

Mr. James Philip Holcombe, 72, of Clemmons passed away Sunday, January 23, 2011 at Forsyth Medical Center. He was born December 8, 1938 in Charleston, SC to Clinton McCants and Artie Jacobs Holcombe. Mr. Holcombe started and previously owned Tops Travel Agency. He was a member of S.M.E. He was a loving father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, June Audrey Grace. Surviving are three sons, John Holcombe (Julie) of Pennsylvania, Robert Holcombe (Amy) of Clemmons, and Jamie Holcombe (Merna) of Boston; one daughter, Elizabeth Anne Holcombe; eight grandchildren, Abigail, Ella, Jessica, Taylor, Ashley, Sarah, Joshua, and Mollie; and his best friend, Ted Williams. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 26, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel.