Grace Nifong

Grace Elizabeth was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, friend and nurse. She had many roles and took them all on with amazing kindness and determination.

She was born in Davidson County to David Earl Hege and Maggie DeLapp Hege. She grew up in Arcadia and graduated from Arcadia High School serving as the class president. In 1947, she earned her diploma as a Registered Nurse from NC Baptist Hospital School of Nursing. While in training during WWII, she was in the Cadet Nurse Corps for the Army.
August 14th of this year, she would have celebrated 70 years with the love of her life, Roy Nifong. Her sister, Mae Koonts, preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughters, Marianne Raker of Roswell, GA and her husband (Gwyn) and Susan Williamson of Winston-Salem and her husband (Rick).

She was lovingly known as Mama Grace to her four grandchildren: Caroline Raker Caravella of Roswell, GA and her husband (Jason), Bryan Raker of Smyrna, GA and his wife (Leeanne), Jennifer Williamson Ignasiak of Winston-Salem and her husband (Darrick), and Andrea Williamson of Winston-Salem. Her two great grandchildren are Eric Ignasiak and EmmaLee Ignasiak.

From 1948-1981, she was the night nurse at Reynolds Tobacco company at #12 and a faithful employee for 34 years. Grace took care of their physical problems, but also listened to their individual concerns.

She was a member of Ardmore UMC for 70 years. She lovingly taught 2 and 3 year olds in Sunday School. She was very involved with the Christian Fellowship Sunday School Class ministry. Family, friends and church members counted on her during their hospital stays and looked forward to her home visits for support and care. She truly was GRACE personified. In 2003 she received the Laity Service Award in the Winston-Salem Methodist district.
Grace always put others before herself and exemplified Jesus' love wherever she went. One of her ministries was sending cards for every occasion. The family joked she kept Hallmark in business.

She was an avid fan of her beloved Wake Forest Deacons and cheered them faithfully on to their next goal. Through the years, she enjoyed collecting Wake Forest memorabilia.
Everyone who knew her loved her. Her friendship and kindness knew no geographical boundaries. No matter where she traveled she ran into people she knew.
Our family takes great comfort knowing she is at peace and has been fully restored in heaven. She was our real life angel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ardmore United Methodist Church 630 South Hawthorne Road Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM on Friday, August 3, 2018 at Hayworth Miller Silas Creek. The funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, August 4 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. A private family burial will follow the service. Online condolences can be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

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