Plato Martin Faircloth
September 18, 1940 – August 11, 2006
My dad was a good man. He loved life and his grandchildren and family very much. He was the kind of person that if you needed help and he could do it, he did. He loved life and planting a garden. I can remember one year he grew come cabbages that were at least two feet in diameter. He was so proud; he took pictures and showed them to everyone that he could. One cabbage actually fed three families one meal. He loved to play horseshoes and cut the bull with everyone. There weren’t too many times that the yard at home wasn’t full of the guys pitching shoes and laughing (just having the best of time). Lord knows he could throw a shoe, a ringer almost every time. He was a hard-working man. When he was young he worked in a logging company. Very hard work back then and they didn’t have all the equipment that they use now. Boy, how times have changed. I can’t image all he has done or seen that has changed right before his eyes. After that he became a truck driver and did that for approximately 30 years. He also dabbled in roofing, farming and carpentry. If he put his mind to it, he could do just about anything. He loved to fish and hunt the big buck. I think his most favorite was fishing. He would go out in the boat and not put out one pole, but three or four. He would be reeling in one and have to yank on another before he could get that one reeled in. He would end up catching two fish on two different poles. Crazy, I know, but he could do it. Everyone loved him and being around him. He was just that kind of person (a magnet) for everyone to cling to. Special, that he was. He will be missed but not forgotten; loved by everyone.
Our dad, granddad, husband, uncle, brother, a man of many talents, loved by all.
Plato – loved by his family
Thomas Frank Faircloth, Jr.
Thomas Frank Faircloth, known to many as Frank or Dunie Faircloth, was married to Jean Bodford for nearly 54 years. Together they had three daughters, Debbie, Robin and Beverly. He had a son-in-law Neil Routh and five grandchildren, Chris Vogler, Betsy Vogler, Nathan Routh, Zach Routh and Jacob Routh. He blessed his family, friends and strangers with his words of encouragement, stories, jokes or advice. He had many vocations throughout his life. He worked for Western Electric, Piedmont Airlines, owned Fairbod Trailer Sales and a custom golf shop. He was always helping friends and family by repairing whatever happened to be broken, from travel trailers to broken toys. He loved to entertain his grandchildren with his imagination. He had an imaginary dog, giraffe and elephant which were brought out to distract or simply cheer a sad child. He always exuded love and cheer in every situation. He gave in many ways while here on earth, so it was no surprise that he wanted to donate his eyes to help someone after he was gone. His legacy lives on in many of his friends and family, and it is very comforting to know that his eyes live on, too.
Bartlett “B” Faison
July 28, 1995 - November 24, 2007
Bartlett was a proud, life-long resident of Camden County. He had two older sisters. He attended Camden Middle School where he was very well liked by his teachers and friends. He loved to be outside. He was an all-star baseball player, conquering every position he ever played. In his last game, he struck out 14 of 18 batters. He was certified in hunter safety and enjoyed his beagles. He loved to fish in the river and on the Outer Banks at Oregon Inlet. He was a member of Camden United Methodist Church. He loved life. He loved to joke and play around. He was quite good with his hands and built a fort and dog box by himself. He loved big trucks and country music.
Ironically, Bartlett left this world while doing what he loved the most – riding his four-wheeler. Bartlett was tragically and instantly killed in a four-wheeler accident, although he was wearing his helmet and had been a cautious rider since he was four years old. He was only 12 years old. Although we can’t see him, we know he is with us. We miss him deeply but know that we will be together again one day.
JD Farmer
November 27, 1942 – January 23, 2007
We will always remember…
JD’s blue eyes watching his wife Shirley as she took care of him through the years, watching his favorite basketball team, the Carolina Tar Heels, watching NASCAR races or watching him read his favorite book, the Bible.
Dad’s blue eyes watching his daughter Tabatha learn to ride a bike, hit a tennis ball, do a cartwheel, get married and play with her son Blake.
Papa’s blue eyes watching his grandson Blake take his first steps, sing in church, jump off the diving board, imitate Spiderman, play checkers and work puzzles.
On November 27, 1942, God gave us a wonderful gift. That gift was JD. Thankfully because of his generosity he was able to give a precious gift to someone else – the gift of sight. What a miracle that is for another deserving individual. Our family’s hope is that this gift will bring as many delightful memories for another as it has for ours. Whether that is watching a child or grandchild play or just to see flowers bloom in the spring, we know Dad would be honored that someone else can also enjoy the things he loved most.
JD was married for 43 delightful years to Shirley. He had one daughter Tabatha who was definitely “Daddy’s Little Girl” and a grandson Blake who was the light of his life. He had many brothers and sisters and was a great friend to all who knew him. He was a Deacon at Oak Grove Baptist Church where he was also proud to be the song leader. Although he had been ill for numerous years, he never gave up hope. He faced his illnesses with grace, dignity and a positive attitude never letting anything get in his way of spending time with his family. His life was an inspiration to all who knew him and there was no one quite like him. The way he made us laugh; the way he made us smile; the special way his eyes would light up when his family and friends would come and visit, especially his grandson Blake. His strength, compassion, faith and love are things we will always treasure. He is dearly missed, but his spirit will live in our hearts forever.
Taylor Feda
Our daughter Taylor loved to write stories, poetry and paint pictures. When she was around five years old, while attending preschool, she announced that she wanted to be a doctor. Her teacher, Ms. Claire, gave her a little blue bag that said “Dr. Taylor Feda.” This was the first indication that we had that she was interested in the medical profession.
In first grade Taylor had a hernia operation. Instead of being scared of the surgery, she was excited. Taylor had always like to watch the Health Channel. Surgery interested her. The sight of blood never bothered her. She even liked scary movies such as Jurassic Park, American Werewolf in London, The Grudge and I Know What You Did Last Summer.
Taylor loved music. Some of her favorite bands were Between the Buried and Me, Thursday, Every Time I Die, Blindside, Modest Mouse, Adema, Sliverstein, The Kinson, Story of the Year, and Korn, but her favorite band was Nirvana. Taylor said, “One day when I meet Kurt Cobain, I want to ask him a lot of question about how he really died.” She also loved the Doors, Jimmy Hendrix and other music of the 70’s and 80’s.
Taylor was very adventurous. She loved to snow tube and go whitewater rafting. She was a prolific reader and enjoyed books such as Speak, White Oleander, Requiem for a Dream, The Notebook, Gossip, Since You’re Leaving Take Out the Trash, Sorting Out Billy, The Torn Skirt, Hard Love and Catcher in the Rye.
Taylor took German in high school and had completed two years of it. She really enjoyed the language and was looking forward to being an exchange student one day. There were two girls in her class from Germany during her last school year. One of her dreams was to visit Germany during Oktoberfest.
Like all girls Taylor loved to shop. She had an eye for nice clothes, but they had to be good bargains. Like most teenagers she wore braces on her teeth. However, unlike most teenagers, when the braces came off she brushed her teeth at least six times a day. Taylor did get to go to the prom this year as a sophomore, and had to have a yellow dress like the one in How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days. I curled her hair and every one of her friends commented that she was as beautiful as Belle from Beauty and the Beast.
Taylor is our hero because she was so strong with the pain she went through with her ulcerative colitis. She always put up a good front, being silly and having fun, so we would not worry. She never complained and no one except her closest friends knew that she was sick. Taylor had a laugh that no one could copy. I laugh just thinking about her laughing. Taylor was such a bright, open-minded, silly, fun, caring, and loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend. Taylor’s eyes, smile, and personality brightened the whole world. We are glad that her eyes are still living, brightening someone else’s world.
Poem by Taylor Feda
What do you find in the truth,
But something in its most pure original form,
Something you must accept and respect on its own terms.
People can never really accept the truth,
They want to hide it with their own shades,
Or betray it as something more ideal for their needs and wants.
But maybe the truth is what we need,
And once we accept its purity,
Maybe it’s exactly everything we want?
I’m sick of seeing the ones I care about leap over the truth and
Jump right off the ledge of thinking straight, or
Hoping things will change.
I’d like them to view things as I do,
With the glass half-full, give or take a few sips of
Confidence in what the outcome will be either way.
The truth is about acceptance and betrayal, love and
Hopeless mistakes of reading the road signs that lead to the
Other direction; those road signs possibly leading to
Ditches of deception or a simple glimpse of happiness.
The truth is a monster that hurts people, but somehow heals
Their vision of thinking things are perfect and surreal.
Let’s accept it.
Embrace it.
Defy it.
Lynnell Stalls Ferguson
As we look upon her picture,
Sweet memories we recall
Of a face so full of sunshine
And a smile for one and all.
Sweet Jesus, take this message
To our Mother up above,
Tell her how we miss her
And give her all our love.
Thank you for letting us tell you about our Mother. She wouldn’t have talked about herself because she was such a humble person. She was also a strong woman. She worked full-time and raised two daughters. Her family meant everything to her; her husband who preceded her in death, two daughters, two sons-in-law, four precious grandchildren, five sisters and their husbands, her brother-in-law and wife and several nieces and nephews. She was born in Martin County and came to Winston-Salem after graduating from high school to live with her oldest sister. This sister was like a mother to her and over her lifetime became her dearest friend. She met and married our father at the church where she was a member for fifty years.
Our Mother loved to send out greeting cards. She had beautiful handwriting and would send out cards for every occasion. She enjoyed shopping but rarely bought things. She loved to look. She read her newspaper every day from back to front. She enjoyed watching television, old movies, HGTV, Andy Griffith and especially liked murder mysteries such as Matlock and Monk.
We are so thankful that our mother was an organ donor. She would have been pleased to know that she helped someone see. She saw beauty in the simple things of life and found pleasure and amazement in the things around her. She once said “None of us wants to die, but it’s something we all have to do. And just think, we’ll all be together again.”
Until that day, we love you, Momma.
Your daughters,
Danna and Donna
Laurie "Buddy" Fillingame
Laurie, known as Buddy, was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather. He was a friend to everyone and was loved by all who knew him. You always could tell when he was around by his laughter and jokes that would fill everyone’s heart with great joy. He will be missed greatly by his wife, children, and grandchildren - he had nicknames for all of them. That was one of his ways to show his love.
He took pride in his work and enjoyed taking care of his family. He was a family man, loved to fish and to be able to get around. He will be missed by everyone, but most of all by his family. In body he is absent, but in our hearts he will always remain. Sincerely missed, but never forgotten.
We love you,
Linda
James Forgett
My memories of Jim are very good ones. We started going together in 1964. He joined the Navy in 1966. We were married on July 15, 1967. Our daughter, Dena Constance, was born on May 1, 1968. Our son, James Jr., was born on June 17, 1970. Jim was discharged from the Navy in 1970. Our son followed in his father’s footsteps and also served in the Navy. He served on the USS Dallas. Jim was very proud of his son.
Our son has three children, James Jr., Amanda and Emily. Our daughter also has three children, Shannon, Jamey and Sarah. Jim and I raised our daughter’s first child, Shannon, as if she were ours. We had custody of her. She was Jim’s pride and joy. In 2005 she graduated from high school and in July of that same year she graduated from nursing school. He was very proud of her. She then started going to college to further her education.
Jim had four brothers, Bobby, Johnny (who also served in the Navy) and Danny and Michael. He also had two sisters, Judy and Rose.
Jim loved to go fishing; he also liked bowling. The one thing he really loved to do was spend time on his boat. He liked stock car racing on TV or going to the track.
Some of my favorite memories are of our wedding. We didn’t have a lot of money because he was in the service, but we still had a beautiful wedding with all our family and friends there. He only had a ten-day leave for the wedding. Our honeymoon was wonderful. We didn’t have money to go anywhere, so his grandmother told us we could use the camp up north. It was a great camp on Lake Champlain. We didn’t have a car, so we really couldn’t go anywhere. Midway through the week we had to call his parents and have them come up so we could get to the store. We had a great time even with everyone there.
We all miss Jim very much and we always will. I not only lost my husband of 40 years, I also lost my best friend. I will always feel the loss I’m feeling today. I was very proud of him for serving his country, being a good husband and a good dad to his kids.
Lavern Fountain
On Monday morning, April 16, 2007, Ms. Lavern Fountain made her transition into life eternal. Our beloved daughter, sister, neighbor and loyal friend was born on April 19, 1957 in Rockingham County, North Carolina to Sarah Keesee Wright and the late Albert Fountain. We are comforted that she lived a beautiful life of Christian service, and we are grateful for her impacting presence in our lives.
Being nurtured in the Christian faith resulted in her becoming a devoted member of Trinity Holy Tabernacle Church. In all she did, she served the Lord and felt that service to God was paramount and the rewards reaped by doing this service were bountiful. As a lifelong resident of Reidsville, she attended the local public schools and was a graduate of Reidsville Senior High School Class of 1975. She was employed by the Rockingham County Consolidated School System.
“Lucy”, as she was affectionately called by family and close friends, bequeathed to us a living legacy which time cannot erase. Her life was an example of love, devotion, faithful service and an unshakable desire to serve the Lord.
She leaves to rejoice in her memory and to cherish her rich heritage a beloved mother, Sarah Keesee Wright of the home; four sisters, Eldress Mary Thomas and spouse, Tilman; Annisa Cox and spouse, Gordon; Margretta Fountain, all of Reidsville, Brenda Totten and spouse, George of Riverside, California; five brothers, Michael Fountain, Allen Fountain, Gary Fountain, and spouse Gegirtha, John Fountain, all of Reidsville; Anderson Wright and spouse, Gwyn of Martinsville, Virginia; two step-sisters, Gloria McLaughlin of Danville, VA and Edna Harrison of Eden; step-brother Albert Fountain, Jr. of Danville, VA; a host of aunts, uncles, other relatives and a multitude of friends.
Jane Freeman
Judy Fuller
Our family would be honored if you could use a picture of our precious wife, mother and grandmother. Not only was she beautiful on the outside, she was more beautiful on the inside because of her love and caring for other people.
Being an eye donor was not an option for Judy and me - it is a great honor that we could share with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Even though we loved Judy so very much, knowing Judy was an eye donor made her passing a little bit easier.
Judy, we love you so very much and we are so very proud of you.
Love,
Tommy, Rhonda, Jayne, Burke, Judy II, Krissy, Baylie and Keaton
Lillian K. Fuller
Lillian Fuller, beloved wife and mother, died on Saturday, May 26, 2007 in Winston-Salem.
Lillian is the beloved wife of Edward Fuller, mother of Diane, Nancy, and Bob and friend of all. She was born in Asbury Park, NJ on January 16, 1932 to William and Elizabeth Korbonits. She resided in Asbury Park until her marriage to Edward Fuller on August 23, 1952 when they took up residence on Long Island, NY. They moved to Winston-Salem in 1992.
Lillian has been an active member in her community throughout her life. During her youth she assisted with the pre-school age Sunday school class and was a member of youth missionary guild at First Baptist Church of Asbury Park, NJ. While on Long Island she was a Girl Scout Leader, Garden City Garden Club President, taught Sunday school and nursery school and sang in the AAUW women’s choral group. During this time she fulfilled her lifetime dream by attending Nassau Community College and receiving her degree in nursing. She worked at North Shore University Hospital in Glen Cove, NY.
Lillian continued her contributions to her community upon moving to Winston-Salem. Here she became active in the Parkway Presbyterian Church and was a member of Rebecca Circle. She was a volunteer at the Crisis Control Pharmacy for over 13 years and counseled others with Scleroderma (her cause of death) for over 15 years. She and her husband Edward have lead numerous fundraising efforts for the Grandfather Home for Children in Banner Elk, NC.
Lillian was honored by the Lupus Foundation of America for her Scleroderma counseling efforts by their creation of The Lillian K. Fuller Research Memorial Fund which will “help keep alive Lillian’s warm, compassionate and courageous spirit by helping other patients and their families.”
Jeanne Funk
As my mother sees it...
With the perpetual eyes of a child, mom saw the world as created anew.
In the Air Force Jeanne L. Skillings was stationed at Cape Canaveral. She saw a future in space.
She would tell the child, “Look, smell, taste, listen, feel” to fill one’s senses with the fullness of this life. On the family farm Jeanne Funk cared for husband, children, in-laws and the occasional sick animal.
Seeking out what can be packed into life, the years were filled. Reading, church, swimming, bowling, scouting and traveling with husband and friends were her hobbies.
Besides home and hobbies, Jeanne was church secretary and active with the Apostolate for Family Consecration. Choosing life, with the eyes of faith she looks to Mary, the mother of Jesus, with devotion.
Her father gave an eye in the service of the country in World War I. Her mother received a corneal transplant so she was able to read in the twilight of life. She had familiar experience with what it was to give and to receive. - Ted Funk, Son
Window to the Soul…
Looking into mom’s eyes gave everyone a glimpse of her soul – her personality.
The bright green eyes of a perennial child that saw only the best in everyone and everything – a child learning to walk, a friend telling a story, a morning landscape or a loved one’s face.
Challenging, mischievous eyes that loved debate, playing devil’s advocate just to keep the conversation flowing and loving wit, satire and telling a good story.
The sad eyes of an experienced woman that felt the pain of friends in trouble, family members struggling with the trials of everyday life or the challenges facing the community, the country and the world.
Warm, open eyes of a devoted friend – always wanting to share in the joys and help through the sorrows of others.
The loving eyes of a wife of nearly fifty years, a mother of four and grandmother of many – a devoted daughter, sister, caregiver and friend. - Sid Funk, Son
Through My Mother’s Eyes...
Oh, to see the world through my mother’s eyes!
She lived the fullest of lives through her eyes. Her eyes carried her soul; they smiled, cared, loved, laughed and cried.
Her eyes never saw a stranger, just a friend she had not met. Her eyes saw the color of the soul, not the color of the skin; the person, not the persona; the rose, not the thorn.
Her eyes whispered soft words that spoke volumes. They announced, questioned, pleased and begged. Her eyes saw a beautiful world that could only be made better.
Her eyes reflected the devotion of her man, inspired the lives of her children, glistened with the joy of her grandchildren.
Her eyes turned towards heaven with devotion, appreciation and anticipation.
Through her eyes there was only love – to be seen – to be given.
Oh, how I envy the person who sees the world through my mother’s eyes! - Paul Funk, Son
My mom was an exceptional woman. A loving and caring daughter, wife, mother and friend. She raised three sons and a daughter to live life no matter where that life may take you. At one point her four children were on four separate continents, but we still realized how blessed we all were to have each other. Nothing was more important to her than family and friends. And you were only a stranger until she heard your name. When she was asked, “Can we bring someone back to the house?”, it didn’t matter what was going on; the house was open to all.
My mom lived her life trying to pass on the blessing that she had received. She told me that she did not know why the good Lord had blessed her as much as He had. She said that she knew from a young age that her parents truly loved and enjoyed her. She married the man of her dreams and always spoke of him with love in her eyes. She had four children that, although we all gave her nights of worry at times, would walk through fire for her. God had truly blessed her and she was thankful for it.
How blessed am I to have received this woman as my mother! - Orine Funk
