Estelle Karasann Winters

Yadkinville Estelle Karasann Winters, 59, died Sunday morning at her home in Yadkinville. She was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, "Nana," aunt, colleague and friend to all who knew and loved her. She never once met a stranger. Karasann was born March 27, 1954, in Elkin, NC, to the late Clyde Edward Winters and Estelle Shore Nance. She spent her early years on the farm of her grandparents, Roy and Opal Shore in the Buck Shoals Community. She graduated from West Forsyth High School in 1972 and began her pursuit of a nursing degree from Forsyth Technical Institute. She worked 40 years as a career nurse at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem until her retirement in 2012. She loved to hike, camp, travel, read mystery novels, sew, grow her own vegetables and collect antiques, especially wooden chairs. She was also an enthusiastic hot air balloonist, serving on the chase team and taking an occasional flight. In 2003, she returned to Yadkin County where she built a home on a family farm. Karasann was an active member of Elkin Presbyterian Church, Clan Gunn Scottish Society, and the Yadkin County Historical Society. Survivors include: mother, Estelle Nance of Pfafftown; son, Mikele (Brooklyn) Winters and grandchildren Barrett and Ashley Glen of Garner; sisters, Vicky (Ron) Dagenhardt and Gwen Nance (Mitch Hoglen) of Clemmons; nieces, Chastity Bennett (Dave) of Winston-Salem and Jessica (Daniel) Crouse of Lexington; grandnieces, Rylee and Makenzie Bennett; grandnephew, Griffin Crouse; special friends John and Debbie Ellis, Leslie Van Horn and daughter Lauren, Andrew Mackie, colleagues at Baptist Hospital, many friends, and two special cats, Smokey Joe and Rascal. A celebration of life for Karasann will be conducted Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 10:00AM at Gentry Funeral Service Chapel with Rev. Stuart Taylor officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ASPCA Att: Gift Processing Center PO Box 96929 Washington SC 20090-69929.