Stephen Lee Anthony

Stephen Lee Anthony, 79, of Winston Salem, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2024. His passing followed a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Steve was born in Guilford County to Sidney Lee Anthony and Ruth Anderson Anthony on May 12, 1945. He attended Greensboro schools, graduated from Grimsley High School, and went on to graduate from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in English. He began his teaching career at Hill High School and retired 27 years later from Glenn High School.

As news of Steve's illness spread, cards, letters, and visits from former students and colleagues quickly appeared. He was especially surprised and touched by those communications from students of as much as 40 years ago, some of whom still have and treasure the "poem folders" of original poetry they created in his classes. As well as literature and poetry, he also taught journalism and fostered talented groups of student writers who were responsible for the school newspaper. He loved his craft and was fondly remembered for his creativity, enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, encouragement, kindness, fairness, and ability to unite people into positive and cooperative groups. Many students reported looking back on him as an anchor and role model in a time of stress and uncertainty in their lives (adolescence) and wrote now to let him know how the seeds he planted through academics and demeanor changed their lives for the better as they matured further.

These same qualities were also expressed by former colleagues, who fondly told stories of the oasis he created in his room for English teachers to bring lunch, socialize, and enjoy strong bonds of friendship and support. Journalism instructors from across the school system recounted fond memories of great professional and personal friendships forged on Continuing Education trips.

During his teaching years, Steve was also active in numerous small church groups at Parkway Presbyterian Church and later at Maple Springs United Methodist Church. His generosity, dedication, energy, and humor always made him valued as a team member or leader. Wherever there was Steve, there seemed to be laughter and warmth.

When Steve did retire, he lost little time in pursuing his dream of learning to play the baritone horn and playing in the Easter Sunrise Services in Old Salem. Within the realm of Moravian music, Steve found his retirement harmony— harmony of sound, heart, mission, and fellowship. Steve gladly brought his characteristic devotion, creativity, and service to this new endeavor. He played over 25 years in Moravian Band settings. Along with the Sunrise Service bands, he also enjoyed playing in a church band which had as its mission playing holiday music at retirement communities and nursing homes. He was also proud to serve in the Funeral Band, a group responding to requests of family members for a Moravian band to play at a graveside service. He played at over 100 funerals the first year and continued playing as long as his health permitted

Perhaps the band Steve enjoyed most was the Play Around Band, which he organized to give new and intermediate players a summer "practice band" to maintain and improve their skills for holiday concerts. This band started with the expected 8-10 players and gradually blossomed into a group of about 40. It became a new band group, drawing players from different churches (Moravian and otherwise) who met, formed new friendships, and looked forward to the fellowship and the music. Steve and the Play Around Band completed its 23rd year this summer. In true teacher fashion, Steve had already planned for the transition, found a willing replacement, and passed on all pertinent materials and advice.

Steve Anthony was, above all, a uniter, and an encourager. His compassion, his devotion to friends and family, his humor, his faith, and his generosity brought light into many lives. He will certainly be missed. 

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and all of his aunts and uncles. 

Steve is survived by his wife of 33 years (Trish Anthony); daughter, Stephenie Konkler (David); grandchildren Sydney and Savannah (Konkler); special cousin, Sydna Tripp (Greensboro).

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Maple Springs United Methodist Church (Winston Salem) with Pastor Gary Mahathey officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

A special thank you is extended to Trellis Supportive Care for their tender professionalism and care of Steve in his final days. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trellis Supportive Care of Winston Salem, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston Salem, 27103 or to Maple Springs United Methodist Church, 2569 Reynolda Road, Winston Salem, NC 27106