Frances (Persephone) Cortesis

Mrs. Frances (Persephone) Kroustalis Cortesis passed away peacefully at her home on March 10, 2022, with her children and family surrounding her. Frances was born on July 26, 1935, in the small village Pappathia, Greece. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 39 years, George Cortesis, who was the love of her life; her supportive parents Constantinos and Bessie Kroustalis, of Greece; her sister, Helen Panaras; and granddaughter Meredith Cortesis of Clemmons. Her love was her children, Johnny, Dino, and Effie. Frances is survived by her son Johnny and wife Terry of Clemmons; son Dino and wife Leigh of Winston Salem; and daughter Effie and husband Chad Davis of Winston Salem; two grandchildren Nathan Cortesis of Clemmons; and Raleigh Richard Davis and wife Anna of Charlotte; two great-grandchildren, Raleigh Richard and Remy Pearl Davis of Charlotte; she is also survived by her sister Agiroula Kroustalis of Greece; her brother John Kroustalis and wife Nia also of Greece.  As a 21-year-old young lady, Frances came to the United States in 1958, leaving her family behind in Greece for a better life. She landed in Winston Salem to live with relatives who also migrated to the area. When she and George married, they moved to Marion, Virginia for a short period before returning to Winston Salem. Her life was totally centered around her family and her church. Outside of the home, she worked for Barry Manufacturing as a seamstress. Later, you could find her cooking at Cloverdale Kitchen with her husband and sons or on the floor visiting with customers. She devoted her life to her church and community. She was a lifetime member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, where she was a founding member. She served on the board of the Ladies Philoptochos Society, the board of the Daughters of Evrytania and the church choir. Singing brought her much joy as her voice could often be heard during Holy Week services. She was very passionate about her Orthodox religion and culture as it was shown through her endless volunteer efforts. Helping others came easy for her, especially helping others who had immigrated to the United States from Greece. She was selected to receive the Archangel Michael award for her years of service in her church community. This award she cherished and so deserved, teaching us all how to be proud of your culture and church. She was an avid knitter, and instrumental in forming “Warm up America.” The group knits scarves, blankets, and booties donating them to hospitals and shelters around the community. Visitation will be at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on March 16, 2022, from 6:00-8:00 pm, with a short Trisagion Service at 7pm. The funeral service will be at 12 noon on March 17, 2022 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, with the very Rev. Fr. George Kouzelis, Fr. Constantine Shepherd and Fr Demetri Kangelaris officiating . After completion of the funeral service, a graveside service will be held at Forsyth Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 435 Keating Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27104. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com