Mr. Roland S. Watts
Roland Smith Watts of Winston-Salem, NC and High Rock Lake died July 28, 2012, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Mr. Watts was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 5, 1931. He was the son of the late Dr. Maurice L. Watts and Mrs. Garnelle Smith Watts. His early years were spent in Raleigh, NC where he attended public schools. Following graduation from high school, he enrolled at A&T College (now NC A&T State University). His college career was interrupted by two years of service in the United States Army. After completing his military service, he returned to college and earned an undergraduate degree, subsequently receiving a Master of Science degree from NC A&T. He continued his studies and received the Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Mr. Watts served as professor and chairman of the Fine Arts Department at Winston-Salem State University, and retired from the University after 39 years.
Well-recognized for his extraordinary talent as an artist, Mr. Watts put together 10 one-man exhibitions and participated in 29 group shows in several cities in North Carolina and other states. He was said to be "one of the most productive and best known woodblock printers in the Southeast." Moreover, he designed the Chancellor's Mace for Winston-Salem State University, which is a rod with an ornamental head carried on ceremonial occasions such as Commencement. He also designed the Ram Plaque used for the development fund. Mr. Watts was affiliated with many organizations in his field. He was a past board member of several organizations including the Gallery of Contemporary Art; Piedmont Craftsman, Incorporation; Arts and Crafts Association; and Art Gallery Originals. Also, he held previous memberships with Associated Artists of North Carolina and the North Carolina Art Education Association. Additionally, he was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternities, and a former member of the Torch Club. He attended Wentz United Church of Christ in Winston-Salem, NC.
Mr. Watts is survived by his loving wife of many years, Dr. Velma Gibson Watts; daughter, Rolonda Watts of Los Angeles, California; son, Brett Watts of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; goddaughters: Kelli Luck Slade, Esquire, Atlanta, Georgia and Susan Harrison, Laurel, Maryland; godson, Dr. Mark Oliver, Winston-Salem, NC; and Turquoise B. Erving of Winston-Salem, NC who was like a daughter; several other relatives, and a multitude of friends.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00PM on Tuesday, July 31, 2012, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 950 File Street. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests contributions to the Fine Arts Department at Winston-Salem State University and/or the Gordon Watts Scholarship at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
A special note of heartfelt gratitude is extended to Dr. David Jackson of the Wake Forest University Physicians for his excellent and persistent care throughout the years, and particularly during Mr. Watts' recent period of illness. Appreciation is also offered to Dr. Brenda Latham-Sadler and the physicians and medical staff of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and for all other acts of kindness and concern.
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Mr. Kejuan D. Vinson
Kejuan was born May 8, 1976 to Vanessa Vinson and Dennis Chatman. At the age of six weeks, he was admitted to Baptist Hospital for three months. At the age of 2 years old he became a patient at the Horizon Residential Center in Rural Hall, NC, where he remained until 1997. In 1997, he was transferred to Murdoch Residential Center where he remained until his death.
Kejuan was Christened at the Friendship Baptist Church by Rev. S.E. Tyndall and attended church as often as possible. He was preceded in death by grandparents: Rev. Lee Grant and Evangelist Lelar Vinson, Deacon Earl and Ruth Roseboro; uncle, Reg Vinson; dear cousin, Cedric (C.J.) Vinson, Aunt Alice, Aunt Daisy, and Uncle Bro.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted mother, Vanessa Vinson; sweet sister, Hope Vinson; supportive and caring brother, Ray Robinson; very very special cousin, Tomeka Roseboro; loving, caring and supportive grandparents, James and Azalee Vinson; precious nieces, Makyrah, Khloe, Dymond and S’Quoia; caring uncles, Grant, Cedric (Rechella) and Alton (Olivia) James; a big host of loving and caring great uncles and aunts and very devoted and caring cousins, the staff at Horizon and, especially, the compassionate, loving and caring staff at Murdoch Residential Center.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at Friendship Baptist Church, Rev. Stacy Frazier, officiating and Rev. Ardeal Roseboro, eulogist. The family will greet friends from 12:00 noon until 1:00 PM. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.
Mrs. Deloris C. Chaskley
Deloris received her early education from Carver Consolidated School in Forsyth County where she graduated in 1961. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Livingston College. Mrs. Chaskley started her professional career as an educator but her lifelong passion to help others led her to the field of social work. She retired from the Forsyth County Department of Social Services after twenty seven years of service.
As a child, Mrs. Chaskley attended Hickory Grove A.M.E. Zion Church in Clemmons, NC. She became a member of Goler Memorial A.M.E. Zion church when her parents moved to Winston-Salem. As a member, Deloris cheerfully and willingly served in several ministries at Goler Memorial, including Parent Body Missionary Society, Volunteer Ministry, Women’s Ministry, F.A.T.E Ministry. Mrs. Chaskley also tremendously enjoyed Sunday School. Mrs. Chaskley was an active member of the Carver High School Class of 1961 Alumni.
Deloris leaves to cherish her memory two daughters Genita Chaskley Oakes, and Genene Lori Chaskley both of Winston-Salem; two grandsons Allen and Alexander Chaskley-Oakes both of Winston-Salem; devoted friend Gene Allen Chaskley of the city; special friend James R. Oakes of the city; sister-in-law Doris L. Chaskley of Winston-Salem; very dear lifelong friends Sarah C. Hicks, Faye O. Williams; and the “Lunch Bunch” Deborah T. Oakes, Dianne N. Smart, and Linda Young; and a host of dear nieces, great-nieces and great nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, July 26, at 1 pm at Goler Memorial A.M.E Zion Church 630 N. Patterson Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27101 and interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
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Mr. Clifton S. Black
Clifton Samuel Black, 47, of 1118 Burke Village Lane, Apt. D, departed his earthly home on July 17, 2012 at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. He was born May 28, 1965 to the late Mable Alvera Black and the late Clifton Samuel Hatton in Los Angeles, California.
He attended Dorsey Denior High in Los Angeles, Ca and Mt. Tabor High School in Winston-Salem, NC.
Clifton confessed Jesus Christ as his Saviour and attended Morning Star Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Dennis Leach.
Clifton was preceded in death by his mother, Mable Alvera Black; his father, Clifton Samuel Hatton; his maternal granmother, Retha Murray ; his paternal grandmother, Minnie Hatton; two uncles: Curtis Hatton and Marion Hatton.
He leaves to cherish loving memories: four daughters: Temika Black of Charlotte, NC, Janisha (Ronnie) Black, Sable (Willie) Witherspoon, and Shakira (Yana) Witherspoon, all of the city; one son, Lytrell Arbery of the city; six grandchildren: Destinee´, Amirah, Arhianna, Ambriana, Kalann and RaShaud; four sisters: Cynthia ( ) Jackson, Sherry (Jimmy) Smith of California, London (Aron) Carpenter, of the city and Lya (Tony) Williams of Iowa; three brothers: Isiah (Pandora) Hall, Lorenza Black of California and Jamal (Anastasia) Hatton of the city; four aunts: Hazel Crockett of California, Margretta (John) Tanner, Johnetta Sinclair and Carolyn Coleman, all of the city; a truly devoted and special friend of 27 years, Deborah Witherspoon; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends.
A funeral service celebrating Mr. Black’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 23, 2012 in the chapel of Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Dennis Leach, officiating. The family will greet friends from 10:00 AM until the funeral hour in the chapel.
“Our family chain is broken. Nothing will ever be the same but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again. We will always love and miss you Clifton.”
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Mrs. Nancy M. Grace
Mrs. Nancy Morrison Grace died peacefully at her home on Monday, July 16, 2012.
Mrs. Grace was born to the late Mack and Myrtle McIntyre Morrison in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on June 1, 1928. She attended the local public schools and lived in Bronx, New York for a number of years. Following her return to the city she worked and retired from Arbor Acres United Methodist Retirement Community as a dietician.
She was a member of Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Mrs. Grace is survived by six children, James R. Grace Sr. (Willie Mae), Julia Grace, Betty Grace Dillard, Charles E. Grace, Cynthia Grace Burton, and James A. Grace; a sister, Rosella M. Mebane (Theodore); a brother, Charles E. Morrison Sr. (Doris); twenty-one grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members, relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church at twelve noon on Thursday, July 19, 2012 with Pastor Godwin Mitchell officiating. The family will meet with friends thirty minutes prior to the services at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery.
Mr. James A. Price, Sr.
Mr. James Arthur Price, Sr. passed away Sunday July 8, 2012 at his home. He was born May 30, 1943 in Winston-Salem, NC to the late Calvin Price Sr. and Oressor Tyson Price.
James attended Atkins High School where he lettered in basketball, football, track and field. After graduation from Atkins, he was awarded a football scholarship to North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, NC; where he was a member of the 1962 CIAA Championship squad and co-captain his senior year.
After graduating from NCCU, he realized a childhood dream of playing professional football. In 1965, Mr. Price signed a free agent contract to play pro football with the San Diego Chargers.
He served as athletic director and counselor at the North Carolina Advancement School in the city, and also served as a health/physical education teacher, wrestling coach and defensive line coach at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU). He coached under Cleo Wallace and Bill Hayes from 1975-1979. During his tenure with Coach Hayes, the team won back to back CIAA championships in 1978 and 1979. He ended his professional career as a recreation center supervisor with the city of Winston-Salem in 1995.
Mr. Price was also inducted into three athletic Halls of Fame; including WInston-Salem/Forsyth County Sportsman Hall of Fame; Atkins High School Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Central University Sports Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Winston-Salem State University Sports Hall of Fame as a coach for the CIAA championship team. James was also a member of the North Carolina Central University Alumni Association and the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Sportsmen Club.
James was a skilled swimmer, lifeguard, and taught many young people how to swim.
Mr. Price has always stated that his greatest accomplishment in life was choosing “Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.” He joined First Calvary Baptist Church at an early age and has treasured his extensive church family. He loved working with the youth of the church and participated in many church programs and activities until his health declined.
James loved his Reynolds Forest Neighborhood Community. He would help when he could and never met a stranger.
Mr. Price is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 42 years, Emma Marlin Price of the home, a daughter Penny Price Holmes of Charlotte, NC; a son, James Arthur Price Jr. of Winston-Salem; a grandchild, Kourtney Reid of Charlotte, NC, a loving sister, Dorothy Price Young; his mother-in-law, Christine L. Marlin; Brothers-in-law, Lee Anderson Smith, Kenneth W Marlin and Jackie Lee Marlin; one sister-in-law Adelaide Price, all of the city, and a host of cherished nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by brothers Amos Price, Nathaniel Price, Calvin Price Jr., sister, Elvenia P Smith; and Father-in-law Kenneth Marlin Sr.
Funeral services for Mr. Price will be conducted at 12 Noon on Friday, July 13, 2012 at First Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Derwin Montgomery officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM at First Calvary Baptist Church.
Mrs. Lethia N. Coleman
Lethia was preceded in death by her brother, Herbert Nichols, her husband, Harold Sylvester Coleman, and her sister-in-law, Wanda Nichols.
Lethia is survived by her daughter, Lequita Coleman (Marion) McCullough; son, Kevin Draell (Paula) Coleman; two granddaughters: Kesa Coleman (Korey) Jessup and Kevita Delana Coleman; brother, James Nichols, and uncle, James Edward (Jalania) Tucker. Lethia also leaves behind a loving biological family, church family, a host of friends and her dog Daisy.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 to I :00 p.m. on Friday, July 6, 2012 at St. Philips Moravian Church. The funeral service will be conducted at I :00 p.m. with Rev. Sandra Thigpen officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. There will be no public viewing of Mrs. Coleman’s remains.The family would like to express their gratitude to the Derrick L. Davis Cancer Center Foundation and ask that any donations on her behalf be made to this foundation.
For a copy of the funeral program, click here.