May Dell Foltz

May Dell Foltz, 71, a resident of the Midway Community near Winston Salem, North Carolina, died on Sunday, February 26, 2012 in Winston Salem. Dell, as she was known by family and her many friends, succumbed to complications from a lingering illness and injuries suffered in a fall. She was born September 8, 1940 in Roxboro, NC to James Geddie and Ruby Dell (Jackson) Fisher. She spent most of her childhood in the rural Cedar Creek Community near Fayetteville, NC. She attended Cedar Creek Elementary and Stedman High Schools, graduating in 1958 near the top of her class. She continued her education in Winston Salem at the Baptist Hospital School of Nursing where she earned her certification as a Registered Nurse in 1961 and was recognized as the top student in her graduating class. In her early career, she was employed by Baptist Hospital and the UNC Hospital as a nurse and nursing supervisor. She received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 1984 from UNC-Greensboro. Subsequently, she fulfilled her career as a psychiatric nurse for the Forsyth-Stokes Mental Health Department, later Centerpoint, retiring in 2001. She was member of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Fraternity and was accredited as a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse. Dell's life was marked by service to others. She aspired to a career in nursing early in life and was able to achieve her goal of making a difference in human lives, especially through her work in mental health. With her winning smile, compassionate heart and a thorough understanding of medicinal and counseling protocols, she developed an outstanding reputation for effectiveness in treating difficult cases. Many who had given up on themselves realized an opportunity to strengthen their lives as Dell's patient. As a strong Christian woman, wife and mother, Dell also gave herself to her family and community. She was a member of Friedberg Moravian Church and she frequently served as a volunteer there and at Sunnyside Ministry. Her marriage provided an example and inspiration to others. With her loving husband Archie, she brought two wonderful children into the world and they are, through their own lives, carrying on their mother's legacies. While suffering several health setbacks in her own life, she never complained and always trusted her faith with the reassurances that His will would be done. She was widely known for her smile and when she was left with only that as a means of communication, she used it well, continuing to serve by showing that even the heaviest of burdens could be overcome. Dell is survived by her husband Archie L. Foltz; daughter Laura Foltz Waddell and husband Brent; son Alan E. Foltz; grandchildren Austin, Lydia and Ben Waddell and Jacob and Maisie Foltz, all of Winston Salem; sister Barbara Fisher Taylor and brother in law Maurice of Fayetteville; brother James Fisher and sister in law Lea of Swansboro; sisters in law and their husbands, Opal and Alan Stafford, Gayle and Jerry Tolley, Elizabeth and Robert Tyson and sister in law Alberta Foltz all of Winston Salem; many loving nieces, nephews and extended family; and very dear friends Dale Spaugh and Betty Marzano, both of Winston Salem. She was predeceased by her beloved mother in 1976 and beloved father in 1977. A service celebrating Dell's life will be held on Wednesday, February 29 at 11am at Friedberg Moravian Church (336-764-1830) or www.friedbergmoravian.org) including interment. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 28 from 6:00 - 8:00pm at Hayworth Miller Funeral Home on Silas Creek Parkway in Winston Salem (336-765-8181 or www.hayworth-miller.com). Officiating will be the Reverends Thomas Shelton and James Newsome. The family wishes to thank all of those who have been so kind during Dell's illness: the many visitors who came to express their concern; the staff on Hall 2 at The Oaks Nursing Home; Liberty Hospice for their compassionate care; and a special thanks to care givers Renee Erbe and Megan Sexton for their devoted and loving attention above and beyond the call. All of you brought a smile to her face when you visited or called and many times brought the words ""I love you"" to her lips. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory can be made to Friedberg Moravian Church, 2178 Friedberg Church Rd., Winston Salem, NC 27127 Dell believed that our greatest purpose in life is to help and love each other.

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