Obituaries for the week of Sept. 23

Published 12:31 am Tuesday, September 21, 2021

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Eunice Scott Cope

Mrs. Eunice Nora Scott Cope, 92, passed away Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at Clemmons Medical Center. She was born March 2, 1929, in Forsyth County to the late William M. Scott and Birdie Mae Huffman Scott. Cope was a member of Macedonia Moravian Church and had retired from Southwest Middle School cafeteria.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Walter Lee Cope Jr.; son-in-law, Jerry Phibbs; and two brothers and one sister. Surviving are daughters, Darlene Phibbs of Advance and Janet Comer (James) of Clemmons; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A graveside service was conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, at Westlawn Gardens of Memory by Pastor Zach Dease. The family received friends following the service. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Barbara Hemrick Reich

Mrs. Barbara Hemrick Reich, 90, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Dec. 21, 1930, in Forsyth County to Carl Jessie Hemrick and Pearl Salliebell Hudson Hemrick. Reich graduated from James A. Gray High School in 1949. She was a member of Friedberg Moravian Church since the early 1960s. Before moving her membership to Friedberg Moravian Church, she was a member of Pine Chapel Moravian Church. Reich worked many years at J.B. Armstrong News Agency and Davidson Water Incorporated. She enjoyed singing in the church choir, and she actually sang on the radio with her sister many years ago. Reich enjoyed clogging, cooking and canning food. She was a member of Senior Friends, and she enjoyed traveling with them. Reich was very artistic, and she did ceramics for several years. Reich enjoyed going to the craft bazaars at all churches. She enjoyed sending greeting cards with calligraphy art. Reich greatly enjoyed feeding the “critters,” anything from the birds to the deer that came through her yard. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward M. Reich; sister, Norma Jean Hemrick Charles Sink; and brother, Donald G. Hemrick. Surviving is her son, E. Michael Reich (Deborah); grandchild, Nathan A. Reich; brother, Charles R. Hemrick (Ann); brother-in-law, William Reich; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, at Friedberg Moravian Church with Rev. Jimmy Newsome and Rev. Dan Nelson officiating. Interment will follow in the church graveyard. The family will receive friends following the service at the church in the family life center. Reich will lie-in-state from 1-1:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church. The family would like to say a special thank you to Reich’s nieces, Carol C. Taylor, Pamela H. Prevatte, and Judy H. Snipes for the special care they gave to her. Memorial contributions may be made to Friedberg Moravian Church, 2178 Friedberg Church Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27127. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Paul Gant Johnson

Paul Gant Johnson was born in Sprigg, West Virginia, in the leap year of 1932 on that rarest of days, Feb. 29. He died on Sept. 14, 2021, at age 89, though on each birthday he gleefully counted his age at only one-quarter that number. He enjoyed tremendous success managing complex engineering operations for Ingersoll-Rand Corporation (IR) in the eastern U.S., Europe, Japan, South Africa, Brazil and India. But his greatest pleasure was found in spending time with his family. Johnson never met a stranger and was always quick to laugh and find common ground wherever he traveled. He was not a man of moderation and consumed vast amounts of books and magazines, especially on all things mechanical and automotive. He loved great food, wine, music and entertainment and was always the sharpest dressed man in the room. His voracious love for sports cars was an obsession throughout his life. Johnson was the first child born to Pearl Edith Bench of Bristol, Virginia, and Harvard Parks Johnson of Singleton Township, Mississippi. He was the namesake of his grandfather who was murdered in 1899 in Winston County, Mississippi, under circumstances that remain mysterious to this very day. His father, known as H.P. or Johnny, was a self-taught mechanical wizard and electrical engineer. His mother essentially parented her brothers and sisters, and was a business school graduate, master seamstress and woman of extraordinary kindness and generosity. During the years of rural electrification, the family traveled throughout Virginia and West Virginia where Johnny worked to build and operate hydroelectric power plants. Johnson attended school in Narrows, Virginia, where he excelled in football as a running back with the Narrows “Green Wave.” “Bull” Johnson, as he was known, attended the College of William & Mary on an athletic scholarship and later transferred to the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and took great pride as a member of the ROTC Corps of Cadets. During those years, he would often hitchhike to Sweet Briar College in Amherst to visit his hometown sweetheart Carole Livingston Dillow. In 1952, they eloped to marry and settle in Blacksburg, Virginia. Their first child, John, was born the next year and their daughter Margaret 2½ years later. As a mechanical engineer, he began his career with IR in Athens, Pennsylvania, building air compressors used in heavy construction. He moved through the ranks of management, to the company’s Painted Post, New York plant and was soon assigned to construct a new manufacturing plant in Roanoke, Virginia, bringing his travels full circle. In the early 1970s, he moved the family to Tokyo and managed IR’s manufacturing operations in Japan. From there, his travels broadened to include assignments on virtually every continent. He built a reputation on being able to fix the unfixable problems in machine design, manufacture and repair by getting his hands dirty in the field and insisting on firsthand experience. Upon his return from an assignment in Sao Paulo, Brazil, he was managing director of IR’s Mocksville operation until his retirement. Johnson is survived by his beloved wife, Carole Dilllow Johnson, son John Johnson (Terri Morris) of Charlottesville, Virginia, and daughter Margaret Wray (Jim) of Rescue, Virginia. He is also survived by his grandchildren Carlton Caldwell, Gillian Turner, John Turner (Emily), and great-grandchildren Caitlin, Riley, Logan, Rachael, John Austin and Lincoln. He is also survived by his beloved brother Charles E. Johnson (Susan) of Centreville, Maryland; their children Patrick Johnson (Tammy), daughter Madison and sons Owen and Charlie; Stephen Johnson (Ali), daughters Ryan, Sophie and son Joey; and Whitney Herzog and her daughter Sadie Pearl.

Barbara Ann Hendrix Montgomery

Ms. Barbara Ann Hendrix Montgomery, 80, of Winston-Salem, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021. Montgomery was born Aug. 25, 1941, in Davie County to Thomas Anderson Hendrix and Pauline Beane Hendrix. Montgomery worked for 31 years as a manager in the city ticket office of Piedmont/U.S. Airways covering the Piedmont-Triad area. She was very proud of her career, not only for the work that she did, but also for the many amazing and lifelong friendships she formed during those years. She also enjoyed playing golf, tending to her flowers, and loved to travel, especially to the beach, which was one of her favorite places. Her family was her proudest accomplishment by far, and she installed that belief in importance of family, as well as good Christian values in her two boys, Rick and Brad. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, Montgomery was preceded in death by her aunts, Fannie Yountz and Bonnie Black; uncles, Odell, Paul, Jim, and Richard Hendrix and Buddy, Moselle, and Ronald Beane; and very special friend of over 30 years, Sonny Minton.

Montgomery is survived by her sons, Rick Montgomery (Karan) and Brad Montgomery; siblings, Tommy Hendrix (Tiny), Glenda Beard (Ronnie), Jerry Hendrix (Connie), and Betty Cornatzer (Stacy); grandson, Chris Montgomery (Heather); three great-grandchildren; uncle, Neal Beane; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; special friends, Carol Purdy and the family of Sonny Minton; and many other treasured friends.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

The family is grateful to so many who loved Montgomery through the years, as well as those who were able to assist her in her transition to her heavenly home with dignity and respect, namely the staff of Mallard Ridge, the staff at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center’s ICU Unit, Palliative Care Unit, and Dr. Charles S. Stinson; the staff at Trellis Supportive Care and Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home; her Piedmont/U.S. Airways work family; and Montgomery’s wonderful neighbors who were so diligent in checking on her and ensuring that she was comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trellis Supportive Care, the Forsyth County Humane Society, or Calvary Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made to www.hayworth-miller.com.

Robert Lonzo Perkins Jr.

Robert Lonzo Perkins Jr., 74, died Sept. 11, 2021. A private family service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Salem Funeral & Cremation Service. Online condolences may be made to www.salemfh.com.

Pauline ‘Polly’ Beshears Pike

Mrs. Pauline “Polly” Beshears Pike, 96, of Clemmons, passed Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021. She was born Jan. 5, 1925, in Ashe County to Edgar and Viola Beshears. Pike was a faithful member of Center Grove Baptist Church for over 28 years. She retired from Suburban Propane Gas Company with 20 years of service. Pike was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Avery “Bud” Pike; stepson, Avery L. Pike Jr.; two brothers and two sisters. Surviving are a daughter, Dawn Thompson (Phil); a daughter-in-law, Jean Pike; four grandchildren, Laura Hardy, Cameron Phillips, Mike Pike and Pat Pike and four great-grandchildren, Avery Pitman, Kensley Phillips, Jace Phillips and Jessica Pike and one sister, Angie Francis (Tony). A funeral service was held at noon on Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, at Center Grove Baptist Church with Dr. Steve Corts officiating. The family received friends from 10:30-11:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Center Grove Baptist Church or to Mountain Valley Hospice in Yadkinville.

Mr. Bobby Ray Robbins

Mr. Bobby Ray Robbins, 73, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, at his residence. He was born Jan. 25, 1948, in Forsyth County, the son of Ira Allen and Florence Inez Snow Robbins. Robbins was a graduate of West Forsyth High School and a graduate of the Law Enforcement Program at Forsyth Technical Community College. He attended Northwest Baptist Church and was a born-again Christian. He believed in conservative views. Robbins proudly served the citizens of Forsyth County as a deputy sheriff for over 27 years. During this time, he was awarded the Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate and the Advanced Service Award. His work with the Sheriff’s Office was his passion. He enjoyed working with children, showing them the lights and siren on his patrol car, and handing out badges. His kindness will be remembered by all the young lives that he touched. Robbins was a physically strong person and was often called a “legend” among many with whom he worked. He considered himself the luckiest man on earth to have Martha as a wife and Adrienne as a daughter. His devotion to his family and friends will be missed. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Martha Lyon Robbins; daughter, Dr. Adrienne Hill (Gray) of Advance; grandson, Davis Hill of Advance; step-granddaughter, Ashton Bassett of Winston-Salem; brother, Boyd Robbins (Mary) of Clemmons and two nephews, Mike Robbins (Leesa), and Dennis Robbins. The family would like to express its appreciation of the wonderful caregivers that have faithfully cared for Robbins. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel with Pastor Ricky Hamann officiating. Interment will follow in Westlawn Gardens of Memory. The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. on Monday Sept. 20, 2021, at the funeral home with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard standing watch. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Richard Layne ‘Rick’ Shoaf

Mr. Richard “Rick” Layne Shoaf, 69, of Farmington, passed away Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021. Shoaf was born on Aug. 26, 1952, in Thomasville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Fred C. Shoaf and  Helen Motsinger Shoaf. Surviving are his brother, Rev. Timothy F. Shoaf and his sister, Angela Spach (Eddie) all of Farmington. He is also survived by his nephew and nieces, Brian Spach (Kathryn), Melinda Ladd (Bradley Parks) and Melissa Lail (Andrew). He was loved by his great-niece, Bethany Spach, and great-nephews, Justin Ladd, Jackson Lail, Wesley Spach and Lucas Lail. Shoaf was a 1971 graduate of Davie High School. From a young age, he enjoyed playing baseball and basketball, and was an avid Duke basketball fan and attended many games at Cameron Indoor Stadium. He found inspiration in all of God’s beautiful creation. He enjoyed spending time in the North Carolina mountains and when at home, he found much pleasure in feeding the birds and squirrels. Shoaf will be remembered as a loving person with a gentle spirit, a very kind heart, and his devotion to his Lord Jesus Christ. He was an active member of Farmington United Methodist Church, where he served many years as church usher. He also enjoyed the fellowship at the monthly men’s breakfasts. A family graveside service will be held at Farmington Community Cemetery with Rev. Arnold Gosnell, officiating. Memorials may be made to the Farmington United Methodist Church Children’s Ministry Fund 1939 Farmington Road, Mocksville, NC 27028. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Carolyn Louise Lancaster Triplett

Mrs. Carolyn Louise Lancaster Triplett, 77, passed away Friday Sept. 17, 2021. She was born Nov. 23, 1943, in Forsyth County to the late Lewis and Hester Lancaster.  Triplett was a self-proclaimed comedian and loved to make people laugh. She was a long-time member of Clemmons First Baptist Church. There, she sang in the choir and was also a Sunday school teacher. She was the VP of Trotman’s Inc. Custom Picture Framing. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, James Derrick Triplett and sister, Shirley Baldwin of Warner Robbins, Georgia. Triplett is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, B. Stephen Triplett; daughter, Stephanie Triplett Wilson (Billy); son, Stephen Barton Triplett; grandchildren, Laura JoAnna Triplett Groce (Blake), Alyson Paige Triplett, and Stephen Travis Stike; great-grandsons, Harrison James McIlwain and Graham Wesson Groce. A memorial service will be conducted 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, at Clemmons First Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Messer and Mr. Scott Anders officiating. A private family burial will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 12:30-2 p.m. prior to the service at the church. The family would also like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Triplett’s three caregivers: Ruth Morelock, Linda Ferguson, and Lori Carter Gunter for their steadfast and loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Store House for Jesus, 675 E. Lexington Road, Mocksville, NC 27028 or Trellis Supportive Care (Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home), 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

David William Wright

Mr. David William Wright, 80, passed away Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, at Forsyth Medical Center. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on May 7, 1941, to the late Alton and Louise Wynkoop Wright. Wright was a veteran of the United States Air Force serving during the Vietnam War. He worked for several years at Gravely Tractor in Clemmons. Preceding him in death was a brother, Robert Wright and a sister, Joann Turner. Surviving is his wife of 55 years, Lydia Wright; daughter, Laura Wright Jackson; grandsons, Edward Jackson Jr. (fiancé, Catherine Shelton) and Kaleb Wright; sister, Martha Christian and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, at Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Westlawn Gardens of Memory. The family would like to thank all the caregivers who provided care and support to Wright over the past several months. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Institute of Mental Health, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 6200, MSC 9663, Bethesda, MD 20892-9663 or to the American Diabetes Association, Attn: Service Center P.O. Box 7023 Merrifield, VA  22116-7023.

Rita D’Agostino Wright

Mrs. Rita D’Agostino Wright, 55, of Mocksville, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021, surrounded by family. She was born April 6, 1966, in Syracuse, N.Y. Wright was attending Reynolda Presbyterian Church. She loved crocheting, baking and traveling, but most of all she loved spending time with her family. Wright was preceded in death by her mother, Nancy Lee Vedder D’Agostino and a brother, John D’Agostino. Surviving are her husband, Ronald E. Wright; children, Jessica Rose Wright and Ronald Joseph Wright; father, Joseph D’Agostino and three brothers. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.