Ms. Tommie Gertrude Funches

Tommie G. Myers Funches was born on November 21, 1948, and was raised in a loving home by her mother, Savanah Myers, and William Odell Neely, in Cooleemee, North Carolina. On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Tommie peacefully entered the joys of eternal rest while at home surrounded by family. The fifth of nine girls, Tommie was educated in the Davie County School System and graduated from Central Davie High School in 1966. After graduation, she worked at Erwin Cotton Mills before relocating to Winston-Salem, in 1968, with her sister, Frances Myers. Not too long after moving to Winston-Salem, she met James E. Funches, and they married on June 15, 1970. Full of curiosity and a deep love for learning and helping others, Tommie began her career in administration with Forsyth Hospital in 1972. During her many years there, she built lasting professional relationships and cherished friendships, especially with Willie Mae Carson. She later continued her work with Novant Health at Today’s Woman Health & Wellness Center before retiring with accolades after 40 years of service. Tommie was active in several aerobics, yoga, and wellness programs with the Winston-Salem Parks and Recreation Department – most recently with Brown & Douglas Center. She loved reading books on faith inspired topics, traveling, shopping at farmer’s markets, cooking, planting flowers, and catering to the needs of loved ones and friends. She did all these things with a calm spirit, generosity, and grace. In 1990, Tommie joined Mount Zion Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, where her faith became a guiding light in her life. Over the years she served faithfully in many ministries, including the Martha Missionary Group, Inspirational Choir, Senior Life Center, and the Kitchen Committee. She was a devoted participant in Sunday School, Bible study, and Sunday worship, always seeking to grow in faith and fellowship. Tommie was preceded in death are her parents, her sisters Martha Louise Myers Ford, Christine Neely, Emogene Myers Griffin, Annie Ruth Neely, and her brother George Henry Neely; and her husband, James E. Funches. Those family who survive and who will forever cherish her loving memory include her beloved son Everette V. Funches and daughter-in-law, Jacinta V. White, Winston-Salem, NC; and her sisters Frances Bright (Nicholas), Greensboro, NC; D. Eloise Frost (Bruce), Greensboro, NC; Genesta Everheart, Salisbury, NC; Diann Neely, Salisbury, NC; Faye Brown, Mocksville, NC; Mary Hogue, Cleveland, NC; and a host of nieces and nephews. Tommie followed the Word of Christ and lived with the Light of the Lord in her Spirit. Her warmth and encouraging words will be missed by all who knew her. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 12:00pm at Mt Zion Baptist Church. The family will receive friends beginning at 11:30am from the church. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. There will be a public viewing on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 1pm until 5pm at the funeral home. Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services

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Ms. Tommie Gertrude Funches

November 21, 1948 - March 4, 2026