Obituaries for the week of March 4

Published 11:25 pm Monday, March 1, 2021

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Michael Patrick Callahan

Michael Patrick Callahan, 60, passed away on Feb. 7, 2021, in Charlotte. He was born in Hialeah, Florida, on Aug. 14, 1960. Callahan graduated from Mooresville Senior High School in 1979.

Callahan was preceded in death by his father, Jack Callahan. He leaves behind his mother, Ann Gallagher Callahan; sisters, Maureen Silvernale (Bill) and Diane Boomershine (Kevin); three nieces and three great-nieces.

Callahan always had a passion for nature. He loved spending time outdoors fishing and camping. This love led him to work in SCUBA, landscaping, and plant nurseries.

A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 5, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Clemmons.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Covenant House, 461 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10001; 800-388-3888; info@covenanthouse.org.

Ronald Johnson

Mr. Ronald Johnson, 71, of Lewisville, passed away Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. Johnson was born on Dec. 22, 1949, in Forsyth County to Thomas Calvin and Marie Moore Johnson. Johnson served his country in the Vietnam Conflict. He was retired from Atlas Copco with many years of loyal service. He loved woodworking, and he made furniture, shaker boxes and wooden bowls. Johnson was an avid Tar Heel and Demon Deacon fan. But most importantly, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Rayetta Johnson; daughter Emily J. Welsh (Caden) of Louisville, Kentucky; grandchild Jaden Welsh; two sisters, Patricia Johnson and Terri Little (Larry) of Forsyth County; and niece Amy Johnson Tyler of Forsyth County. A private memorial service will be conducted at Hayworth-Miller Chapel-Lewisville.

Carole ‘Charlie’ Williams Kausch

Carole “Charlie” Williams Kausch, 78, of Clemmons, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021. She was born on March 25, 1942, to J. Thomas and Pearle Oates Williams in Rock Hill, S.C. She graduated from Winthrop Training School, the practice teaching facility of Winthrop College. Kausch graduated with a bachelor’s of science in mathematics from Winthrop College, which was then an all-girls school. Kausch’s adult life revolved around work, music, faith and family. She taught high school math for a year before joining Wachovia Corp. as one of its first female computer programmers. Over the years, she worked in a variety of departments, including bank operations, telecommunications and trust operations. She retired from Wachovia in 1999 after 33 years of service. Music and Christian faith were ever-present in Kausch’s life. She was active in the music program at Clemmons Presbyterian Church, leading the children’s choir and youth handbell choirs, and she accompanied the organist on the piano at regular worship services. She participated in the sanctuary choir and handbell choirs and was an accomplished handbell ringer, having performed solos and in other handbell ensembles. One of her many volunteer activities was leading a song and worship group at Clemmons Village II, which she did for almost 20 years. In 1966, Kausch met Jimmy, “the love of my life,” to whom she was married for 50 years. They raised two daughters, Leslie and Kim, and got to enjoy watching their three grandchildren grow up nearby. Kausch was preceded in death by her husband James W. “Jimmy” Kausch. She is survived by her older daughter Leslie, who lives with her husband Gerald Hutchinson in Greensboro and who are parents to Carole’s grandson Daniel Hutchinson-Kausch. Her younger surviving daughter Kim lives with her husband Ed Watson in Mooresville with their children Abby and Zoe Watson. Kausch is also survived by her siblings Dr. J. Thomas Williams (Jeanette), Dr. Gene Williams (Gerry), and Celeste Brockington. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials should be made to Clemmons Presbyterian Church in Carole’s memory. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Billie Ann Manning

Billie Ann Manning went to be home with God on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021. She passed away at Forsyth Medical Center, where she dedicated 30 years of her life. She was well known and highly respected throughout the entire facility. She was a mentor to many and a legend in her own time. Manning loved her family, cooking, watching birds and other wildlife. She taught her granddaughter, Danielle, how to cook and sew. Manning is survived by a devoted son, Richard Manning; her grieving daughter who was holding her mother’s hand when she passed, Sue (“Susie”) Keen; loving granddaughter, Danielle Reagan; and granddog, Milo. Also, treasured niece, Fran Bolen (Richard); great-nieces Kristy Bolen Neal and Melissa Bolen Bovender (Jason); beloved cousin, Peggy Dean (Joe); cousin, Pam Dean Gamble; cousin, Bobby Phillips, and cherished family member Sheressa Stafford. Also, half-brother C.R. Smith (“Butch”).  Manning was predeceased by her precious son, Michael, in May 1994, his passing she never accepted. She was also predeceased by her adored granddog, Rock, whom she inherited upon Michael’s passing. Also, by her mother, Helen Belton Smith; father, Clarence Allred; stepfather, Charles (“Charlie”) Smith; aunt Pansy Cumbo and cousin, Mary Jean “Fronz” Belton. Manning’s love for her family will remain in their hearts forever. Her family will always cherish and treasure everything she taught them, and the memories together will keep them strong. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at Westlawn Gardens of Memory Chapel Mausoleum with Rev. Michael Duffield officiating. Burial will follow in the cemetery. The family will receive friends after the service at Manning’s residence in Clemmons West. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com .

James Thomas Wooten Sr.

Mr. James Thomas Wooten Sr. gained his angel wings on Feb. 22 2021, while surrounded by his family. Wooten was born in Apex on March 26, 1933, to the late William Gloster Wooten and the late Minnie Evaden Whitmore Wooten of Aberdeen.

Growing up, Wooten enjoyed playing football and baseball and was an avid swimmer. His hobbies included painting, sailing and golfing which he enjoyed for many years.

After high school, Wooten proudly served his country in the United States Army where he served in the 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment (Rakkasans) in the Korean Conflict. After his military service, Wooten attended Catawba College and received a degree in business administration.  He then worked for Home Finance before becoming the credit manager for Ed Kelly’s. It was then that he met the love of his life, Carolyn Jane Wooten, in 1958. James and “Jane” were later married on Sept. 2,1961.

Wooten began working for Duke Power in 1961 and retired in 1989 after 30 years of service. Two children were born of the marriage, Carol Jane Wooten, and James Thomas Wooten Jr.

Wooten remained an active member of Ardmore United Methodist Church from February 1962 until his declining health. He served as chairman of trustees and was very active in the Upper Room Sunday school class. James also served as president of the Winston-Salem Jaycees and was chairman of the Miss Winston Salem Pageant in 1968.

Wooten was preceded in death by his father, William Gloster Wooten; mother, Minnie Evaden Wooten; all his siblings; and his grandson, Lucas James Wooten. He is survived by his wife, Jane; daughter, Carol; son, James (Trace); grandchildren Krystal (Brad), and Danny; great-grandchildren, Mason and Marina; and a host of loving nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ardmore United Methodist Church, 630 S. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 or Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.