Elizabeth Vlasis

Mrs. Elizabeth Moutos Vlasis passed away at home, surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, after a courageous struggle with pancreatic cancer.  Born January 10, 1936, in Klapsi, Greece, Elizabeth was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Athanasios Moutos of Winston-Salem.  She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Fred, her adoring husband, George, two dear brothers and sisters-in-law, Chris (Irene) Moutos and Tom (Virginia) Moutos, and many other special relatives.

Elizabeth (known as Voula to most), immigrated to America when she was in the third grade.  Although she did not speak a word of English, she was placed in a classroom with American children of the same age, and she thrived!  After graduating from R.J. Reynolds High School, she married the love of her life, George John Vlasis in 1956.  They were married for 58 years until his death in 2014.  Elizabeth and George had five wonderful sons who were the center of their lives.

A devoted wife and mother, Elizabeth also welcomed and fed countless other relatives and young people in their home; it was a well-known, fun, loving and “revolving door”!  After her boys were grown, she enjoyed working with her son, John, at his restaurant, The Town and Country, in King, NC.  She relished meeting people and made many friends there over the years.

Throughout her life, Voula was a devout member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.  She taught Sunday School, assisted with the church’s Greek School, and was an active member of the charitable Ladies Philoptochos Society.  She was also a member of the Daughters of Evrytania.  She never missed the opportunity to bake thousands upon thousands of Greek pastries for the church’s bake sales and festivals.  In 2012, Voula received the Archangel Michael award for her many years of service to her church community.  She also volunteered and prepared meals for Hospice every month until her cancer diagnosis in 2020.

Elizabeth adored her children and grandchildren, her relatives, and her devoted friends.  As long as she was with her family and doing for those she loved, “Voula” was happy.

She is survived by her sons, John Vlasis and wife, Helen of Pfafftown, Mike Vlasis and wife, Caroline of Winston-Salem, Tony Vlasis of Winston-Salem, and Steve Vlasis of Winston-Salem; daughter-in-law, Janine Vlasis Smith and husband, Mark of Winston-Salem; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth Vlasis Williams and husband, Zack, Dean Vlasis, Emilia Vlasis, George Vlasis and fiancé, Olivia Cleary, Stephanie Vlasis Nichols and husband, Jeffrey, James Vlasis, and Ava Vlasis (daughter of Tonia Shaw and Tony Vlasis); and one great grandchild, baby Julianna Nichols, who she was blessed to see and hold before her demise.

A Trisagion service will be held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on Monday, May 2, 2022, at 11:15 am followed by the funeral service at 12:00 pm, officiated by the Rev. Fr. George Kouzelis and Rev. Fr. Constantine Shepherd.  The family will receive friends from 10:30 am to 11:00 am prior to the services.  Following the funeral, a graveside service will be held at Forsyth Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 435 Keating Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27104 or to Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Ln., Winston-Salem, NC 27103.  Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the family of Mrs. Vlasis.