Ann Elizabeth Oates

Mrs. Ann Elizabeth Smedley Oates, 85, of Winston-Salem, NC passed away Monday, November 4, 2024, at SECU Hospice Care Center of Yadkinville. 

She was born May 17, 1939, in Brooklyn, NY to Frederick Lincoln Smedley and Elizabeth “Betty” Lazarus Smedley. Mrs. Oates was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister and homemaker. She was a woman of many talents, some of which included being an avid golfer, talented artist, seamstress, and pianist. 

Mrs. Oates enjoyed playing bridge with friends, spending time and playing games with family, attending church and bible study, and water aerobics. She was a caretaker for all including loved ones, neighbors, and friends. Mrs. Oates’ fondest memories included her summers growing up in Mattituck, LI with cousins and her family vacations in Hilton Head, SC in her adult years. 

Mrs. Oates was preceded in death by her parents; son John; husband, James; aunt, Madeline; and step-daughter, Kim. 

She is survived by her two daughters, Amanda Black and Kelly Cozart; step-daughter, Jami Morgan (John) and step-son Chris Oates; six grandchildren, Ryan Black (Maria), Hayley O’Barr (Patrick), Logan Cozart (Melody), Jay Caudle (Joelle), Sarah Caudle (Mitch), Laura Graham (Andrew); eight great-grandchildren, Vallie and Bennett O’Barr, Georgia and Ellis Cozart, Aidan, Audrey and Zora Caudle, Jameson and Vera Graham; and brother, Thomas Smedley (Penny). 

A Celebration of Life will be held by the family in Hilton Head, SC followed by a committal service at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Clemmons Presbyterian Church, 3930 Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 520 Summit St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, or to Mountain Valley Hospice, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017. 

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the Oates family.